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Aerobid |
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What is Aerobid and why is it prescribed? Aerobid is prescribed for people who need long-term treatment to control and prevent the symptoms of asthma. It contains an anti-inflammatory steroid type of medication and may reduce or eliminate your need for other corticosteroids. A nasal-spray form of the drug is available for relief of hay fever. Aerobid helps to reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack, but will not relieve one that has already started. To be effective as a preventive measure, it must be taken every day at regularly spaced intervals. How should you take Aerobid? Follow your doctors directions for taking Aerobid. Take this medication at regular intervals, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The administration technique is as follows: (1) Place the metal cartridge inside the plastic container, (2) Remove the cap; inspect the mouthpiece for foreign objects, (3) Shake the inhaler thoroughly, (4) Tilt your head slightly and breathe out as completely as possible, (5) Hold the inhaler upright and put the plastic mouthpiece in your mouth; close your lips tightly around it, (6) Press down on the metal cartridge. At the same time, take a slow, deep breath through your mouth, (7) Hold your breath as long as you can. While holding your breath, stop pressing down on the cartridge and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth, and (8) Allow at least 1 minute between inhalations. To help reduce hoarseness, throat irritation, and mouth infection, rinse out with water after each use. If your mouth is sore or has a rash, tell your doctor. If you miss a dose use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Aerobid away from heat or cold and light. Keep away from open flames. Are there any Aerobid side effects? Aerobid side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Aerobid side effects may include cold symptoms, diarrhea, flu, headache, infection of the upper respiratory tract, nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, unpleasant taste, upset stomach, and vomiting. Less common Aerobid side effects may include abdominal pain, chest congestion, chest pain, cough, decreased appetite, dizziness, ear infection, eczema, fever, heartburn, hoarseness, inflamed lining of the nose, irritability, itching, loss of smell or taste, menstrual disturbances, nervousness, phlegm, rapid, fluttering heartbeat, rash, runny nose, shakiness, sinus congestion, sinus drainage, sinus infection, sinus inflammation, sneezing, swelling due to fluid retention, wheezing, and yeastlike fungal infection of the mouth and throat. Rare Aerobid side effects may include acne, anxiety, blurred vision, bronchitis, chest tightness, chills, constipation, depression, difficult or labored breathing, dry throat, earache, excessive restlessness, eye discomfort, eye infection, faintness, fatigue, gas, general feeling of illness, head stuffiness, high blood pressure, hives, inability to fall or stay asleep, increased appetite, indigestion, inflammation of the tongue, laryngitis, moodiness, mouth irritation, nasal irritation, nosebleed, numbness, pneumonia, rapid heart rate, sinus discomfort, sluggishness, sweating, swelling of the arms and legs, throat irritation, vertigo, weakness, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Aerobid? If Aerobid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. No interactions have been reported. Are there any special warnings about Aerobid? Your asthma should be reasonably stable before treatment with Aerobid Inhaler is started. Aerobid should be started in combination with your usual dose of an oral steroid medication. After approximately 1 week, your doctor will start to withdraw gradually the oral steroid by reducing the daily or alternate daily dose. A slow rate of reduction is very important, as some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms such as joint and/or muscular pain, fatigue, and depression. Tell your doctor if you lose weight or feel light-headed. Aerobid is not useful when you need rapid relief of asthma symptoms. Transferring from steroid tablet therapy to Aerobid Inhaler may produce allergic conditions that were previously controlled by the steroid tablet therapy. These include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and eczema. Contact your doctor immediately if you have an asthma attack that isn't controlled by a bronchodilator while you are being treated with Aerobid. While you are being treated with Aerobid, particularly at higher doses, your doctor will carefully observe you for any evidence of side effects such as the suppression of glandular function and diminished bone growth in children. If you have just had surgery or are under extreme stress, your doctor will also closely monitor you. The use of Aerobid may cause a yeastlike fungal infection of the mouth, pharynx, or larynx. If you suspect a fungal infection, notify your doctor. Treatment with antifungal medication may be necessary. Since the contents of this inhalant are under pressure, do not puncture the container and do not use or store the medication near heat or an open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees may cause the container to explode. People taking drugs such as Aerobid that suppress the immune system are more open to infection. Take extra care to avoid exposure to measles and chickenpox if you've never had them or never had shots. Such diseases can be serious or even fatal when your immune system is below par. If you are exposed, tell your doctor immediately. Also, if you have tuberculosis, a herpes infection of the eye, or any other kind of infection, make sure the doctor knows about it. You probably should not use Aerobid. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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