Rhinocort

Drug Name

Rhinocort (Budesonide)

Drug Uses

Rhinocort is used for long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Rhinocort as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Rhinocort is for use in the nose.

• Shake well before each use.
• You will need to prime the inhaler before using it for the first time. To prime the inhaler, shake it for 5 seconds, then release a test spray into the air away from your face. Shake well again for 5 seconds and release a second test spray into the air.
• Remove the inhaler from the foil pouch. Write the date that you open the foil pouch on the dose tracker card that comes with Rhinocort.
• Shake well. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check the mouthpiece for foreign objects. Breathe out slowly and completely. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time. This will release a dose of Rhinocort Inhalation Aerosol. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips or your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above steps. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Close the mouthpiece cover after each use.
• If the inhaler is not used for more than 7 days or if it is dropped, it will need to be reprimed again before you use it.
• Use Rhinocort on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Rhinocort belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. Rhinocort works by decreasing irritation and inflammation in the lungs; it widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Rhinocort, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in an upright position. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep Rhinocort out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Rhinocort if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Rhinocort;
• you are taking mifepristone.

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
• if you have a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection; chickenpox; tuberculosis; a positive tuberculosis (TB) skin test; measles; diarrhea; nasal ulcer, surgery, or trauma; or herpes infection in the eye; or if you have had a recent vaccine.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• bad taste; coughing; headache; hoarseness; nasal irritation or dryness; nausea; sore throat; tightness in the lungs.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); continuing nose discomfort; increased pressure in the eye; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); nosebleeds or soreness; pounding in the chest.

More Information

If you have any questions about Rhinocort, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Rhinocort is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.