Alvesco (ciclesonide) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Alvesco?

The most common side effects of Alvesco are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Headache
• Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
• Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses
• Joint pain
• Pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Back pain

There may be other side effects of Alvesco that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Alvesco?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Alvesco are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alvesco may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Alvesco and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Oral Thrush. Alevsco can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat, a condition known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis. To help prevent the risk of thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water (do not swallow it) after each dose of Alvesco. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms of oral thrush. 

• Cracking in the corners of the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
• Raised white spots in the mouth or throat
• Pain in your throat
• Hoarseness

Sudden Breathing Problems. Alvesco may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) right after you use it, instead of relaxing these muscles. In some cases this can be serious. Stop using Alvesco and contact your healthcare provider right away if your breathing gets worse instead of better right after using Alvesco.

Eye Problems. Alvesco may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. It can also cause cataracts (clouding of the eye lens). It is important to have regular eye exams while using Alvesco. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts.

• Loss of vision or vision changes
• Eye pain or redness
• Severe headache or vomiting
• Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filming
• Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of Alvesco can cause your adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to Alvesco. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
• Dizziness

Infection. Alvesco can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get an infection, including a serious infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection, or if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.

• Fever
• Chills
• Feeling tired
• Body aches and pains
• Nausea or vomiting

Weak Bones. Using Alvesco for a long time may cause the bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause bones to break (fracture) more easily. Talk with your healthcare provider about any risk factors you have for weak bones, such as limited ability to move around, family history of weak bones, poor eating habits, long-term use of a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions or medicine to treat and prevent seizures. If you use Alvesco, your healthcare provider may monitor your bone density or recommend treatment based on the results. Tell your healthcare provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you.

Slow Growth. Alvesco may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the healthcare provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.

Immune System Reaction. Rarely, using Alvesco may increase your risk of developing an immune system reaction. The reaction is sometimes called Churg-Strauss Syndrome or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. You may have high levels of eosinophils, including small masses of immune cells in inflamed tissues, and vasculitis. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to Alvesco. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Rash
• Worsening breathing problems
• Heart problems
• Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet