Rhinocort Aqua

Information on Rhinocort Aqua

8.6gm Bottle
Chemical Name: BUDESONIDE (byoo-DESS-oh-nide)

Common uses
This medicine is a corticosteroid used to treat the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting or severe dizziness. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is used in the nose. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SHAKE GENTLY before using a dose. Clear your nose before using this medicine. You may sniff gently to distribute the medicine into your nose, but do not breathe deeply. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in an upright position, away from moisture and light. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. IT MAY TAKE UP TO 2 WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD CHICKENPOX OR MEASLES, avoid contact with anyone who has any of these diseases. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nasal irritation or dryness, cough, throat irritation, hoarseness, bad taste, headache, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience nosebleeds or continuing nose discomfort. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects: swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; rash; or hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
If your symptoms have not improved after 2 to 3 weeks with regular use of this medicine, contact your doctor. ALWAYS HAVE A SPARE INHALER available in case the unit malfunctions or is empty. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.