This medication is used to treat nasal symptoms (sneezing, itching, runny/stuffy nose) caused by allergies. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using budesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the container gently and remove the protective cap before each use. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for 2 or more days. Follow the instructions for cleaning the applicator if you have not used the medication for 14 or more days.

Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Insert the spray tip into your nostril. Close the other nostril with a finger and lean your head slightly forward. Spray into the nostril, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. After spraying, lean your head backward for a few seconds. If more sprays are prescribed, repeat in the same nostril. Then repeat for the other nostril if so directed. Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using the medication. Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes or onto the middle of the inside of your nose (nasal septum).

After each use, wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and replace the protective cap. If the spray tip becomes blocked, do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by using a sharp object. Look at the instructions on regular cleaning of the spray bottle.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at even intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Your doctor may lower your dose once you have had a response to the medication. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

This medication does not work immediately. Some people will feel this medication working within 2 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from each container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays noted on the package. Do not pour any remaining medication into another container.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks of use.

See also the Precautions section.

Nose irritation, cough, sore throat, and nosebleeds may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: wheezing, vision problems, irregular heartbeat, loss/change of sense of smell, poor wound healing, increased thirst/urination, puffy face, unexpected weight gain, muscle weakness/pain, fever, persistent/severe sore throat, pain on swallowing, white patches inside the nose/back of the throat, pain/discomfort/sores on the middle of the inside of the nose.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using budesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, herpes infection of the eye, untreated infections, unhealed sores/ulcers in the nose, recent nose surgery or injury.

Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable effects that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. Children and those using this drug for an extended time may be at higher risk, especially if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries, or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst/urination, unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication.

Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug and may be more likely to have nosebleeds.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with nasal corticosteroids, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Rarely, there have been reports of this drug causing harm to unborn babies. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

Budesonide passes into breast milk. However, nasal budesonide is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Your doctor may direct you to change the time of your budesonide dose. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), natalizumab, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove budesonide from your body (such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole and itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, rifamycins including rifabutin, St. Johns wort, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), bupropion, aldesleukin.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

If used for prolonged periods, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., nasal exams) may be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy should wear or carry identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, this medication. (See Medical Alert section.)

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) with the protective cap in place, away from light and moisture. Keep container upright. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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).

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.