Pulmicort

Before taking this medicine

PULMICORT FLEXHALER must not be used by anyone with a severe allergy to milk proteins or any of its ingredients. It must not be used as the primary treatment for a severe asthma attack requiring intensive treatment. It is not for relief of sudden asthma symptoms; rapidly worsening asthma needs immediate medical assessment. Use requires caution in people with tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, or herpes simplex infection of the eye, as these may worsen. Chickenpox or measles can be more serious or fatal in susceptible people. People switching from oral corticosteroids need medical supervision because adrenal gland function may be impaired. Excess corticosteroid effects and adrenal suppression can also occur during treatment. Monitoring may be needed for oral thrush, reduced bone mineral density, growth in children, glaucoma and cataracts. Rinse the mouth after inhalation to help reduce the risk of mouth and throat infection. Clinicians should also watch for conditions involving increased eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, including Churg–Strauss syndrome. Stop PULMICORT FLEXHALER and seek medical help if an allergic reaction occurs, such as rash, hives, swelling or breathing difficulty, or if wheezing suddenly worsens immediately after inhalation.