Frequently asked questions—Inhaled corticosteriods

Inhaled corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that work on the underlying cause of asthma symptoms—inflammation in the lungs. They are similar to natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Corticosteroids work in several ways: they reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, make the cells in the airways less sensitive to asthma triggers, and decrease mucus.

The National Institutes of Health4 (NIH) has developed guidelines to help physicians manage asthma. These guidelines may be considered together with other information by your child's doctor to determine individual patient treatment needs. For patients who need a controller medication for persistent asthma, the NIH guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids as the preferred therapy. PULMICORT RESPULES is an example of an inhaled corticosteroid.

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Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in how quickly your child’s height increases. The long-term effect on final adult height is not known. However, poorly controlled asthma itself may pose a risk of delayed growth.

The National Institutes of Health4 (NIH) has developed guidelines to help physicians manage asthma. These guidelines may be considered together with other information by your child's doctor to determine individual patient treatment needs. For patients who need a controller medication for persistent asthma, the NIH guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids as the preferred therapy. PULMICORT RESPULES is an example of an inhaled corticosteroid.

Once your child’s asthma stabilizes and remains consistently controlled, your child's health care provider will make sure he or she receives the lowest possible dose of inhaled corticosteroid to help minimize the risk of side effects. Your child's health care provider will also regularly check your child's growth and compare the risk of growth reduction with the benefits of taking a daily preventive asthma medication. That's why it is important that your child sees the doctor regularly.

For more information on long-term effects, click here for full Prescribing Information.

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PULMICORT RESPULES is developed and approved specifically for children 12 months to 8 years of age, to help prevent asthma symptoms that could lead to an attack. PULMICORT RESPULES, an inhaled corticosteroid, is not a quick-relief medication and should NOT be used to treat an acute (sudden) asthma attack.

Important Safety Information you should know

PULMICORT RESPULES, an inhaled corticosteroid, is not a quick-relief medication and should NOT be used to treat an acute asthma attack. In studies, side effects included respiratory infection, runny nose, earache, and coughing. Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown. If switching to PULMICORT RESPULES from an oral (syrup or pill) corticosteroid, follow the doctor's instructions to help avoid health risks. Tell the doctor if your child is exposed to chicken pox or measles.

Click here for full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

  1. Agertoft L, Pedersen, S. Effect of long-term treatment with inhaled budesonide on adult height in children with asthma. N Engl J Med. 2000; 343:1064-9.
  2. Scott MB, Skoner DP. Short-term and long-term safety of budesonide inhalation suspension in infants and young children with persistent asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999;104:200-209.
  3. American Academy of Allergy & Immunology. Tips to Remember: Asthma triggers and management. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/
    asthmatriggersandmgmt.stm    . Accessed October 20, 2006.
  4. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Clinical Practice Guidelines: Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, published by the National Institutes of Health, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1997; NIH Publication No. 97-4051.