Pulmicort (Budesonide) for COPD

Overview
Pulmicort is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulmicort is not indicated for rescue usage during acute bronchospasms. Pulmicort is also known by its drug name, Budesonide.

Pulmicort is a corticosteroid, a drug that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Pulmicort is believed to work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways.

How do I take it?
Pulmicort comes in three different delivery systems. Your doctor may prescribe Pulmicort Respules, Pulmicort Turbuhaler, or Pulmicort Flexhaler. Pulmicort Respules are taken via nebulizer, while Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Pulmicort Flexhaler are taken by inhaler. Depending on which Pulmicort format your doctor prescribes, you may take Pulmicort once or twice a day.

Side effects
Common side effects of Pulmicort include voice changes, headache, pain in the sinuses or throat, nosebleed, dry or irritated throat, bad taste in the mouth, and runny nose.

Pulmicort suppresses the immune system, lowering your body’s ability to fight infection. Call your doctor if you experience symptoms of infection including fever, aches, and chills, or white patches in your mouth or on your tongue.

Inform your doctor if you experience unusual tiredness, puffy face, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle weakness or pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding, mood swings, hair growth in unusual places, or slow wound healing while taking Pulmicort.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.