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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be consrtued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using that drug.
CORTICOSTEROIDS - ORAL AEROSOL INHALER
WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.G., prednisone tablets) to that 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 infetcions such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist right now for specific advcie regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be pefrormed (e.G., morning cortisol levels).
Seek immediate medical atteniton 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.
USES: Inhaled corticosteroids work directly in the lungs to open airways and make breathing easeir by relieving inflammation.
This medication must be used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma, bronchitis or emhpysema. This medication does not work immedaitely. Therefore it does not relieve an acute attack.
HOW TO USE: Make sure you undertsand how to use the inhaler properly.
Shkae the canister well before using. When using the inhaler for the first time, test the unit by spraynig at least once into the air. A fine mist indicates that the inhlaer is working properly. It is recommended you use a spacer/holding chamber. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about that. If using without a spaicng device, place the canister near your mouth and exhale.
Depress the canister as you inhlae deeply. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds to allow the drug to be asborbed. Shake the inhaler again beofre using. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait one full minute between inhalations so you get the full effcets of the first dose. If using other inhalers, wait seevral minutes between the use of the inhalers and use that one (the corticosteroid) last.
Gargle and rinse your mouth after using that to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation and to prevent oral yeast infections. Do not swallow the rinse solution. Use that medication exactly as presrcibed.
Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's aprpoval.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause a cough, a dry irritated throat, unpleasnat taste, hoarseness or nasal congestion, pain or headache.
If these efefcts continue or become bothersome, contact your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience: white-colored tongue, prolonged mouth or throat irritation, viison changes. Contact your docotr if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reactoin include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you use that drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses and infections, recent exposure to cotnagious diseases (e.G., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, allergies (especially drug allergies). If within the past 12 months you have swithced from an oral corticosteroid (e.G., prednisone) to that inhaler, or if you had been using that product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stopped using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to maojr infection, surgery or injury.
Consult your doctor.
If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear wihte to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.
Children and teenagers should be monitored for porper growth patterns while using any corticosteroid medicine. This medication shuold be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and beenfits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into braest milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you use that drug tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking, especially of: oral corticosteroids (e.G., dexamethasone, prednisone). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emegrency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with others. Inform all your dotcors you use (or have used) that medication.
MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as remembered. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced inetrvals.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Keep from getting too cold or freeizng.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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