Frequently asked questions—About nebulizers

A nebulizer is a machine that turns certain medicines into a fine mist that your child simply breathes in through a facemask or mouthpiece. And, it delivers the medicine straight to your child’s lungs where it’s needed the most.

Before using PULMICORT RESPULES, read all of the instructions for your child's nebulizer. If you have any questions about how the nebulizer or compressor works, contact the manufacturer. Click here to watch a video which will show you the components of the jet nebulizer and how they work.

Regular care of the nebulizer system is very important. To maintain the proper operation of your nebulizer system, it is recommended that you clean and store it according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to note that different nebulizer systems may require different cleaning procedures.

If the manufacturer specifies that certain nebulizer parts (nebulizer cup, face mask, or mouthpiece) are dishwasher safe, place them in a dishwasher-safe basket (such as a baby bottle washing basket) and put the basket on the top rack of the dishwasher. You may also wash them by hand.

If you are hand washing, wash the nebulizer parts (nebulizer cup, face mask, or mouthpiece) with warm water and dishwashing soap. Rinse the parts using warm water, and then shake the extra water out. After hand washing, place the parts on a clean cloth or paper towel to air dry, or hand dry with a lint-free cloth.

Note: Not all nebulizer parts are dishwasher safe.

When it comes to asthma, it’s very important to follow the doctor’s instructions so if your child’s doctor has prescribed PULMICORT RESPULES to be used daily, you should plan to continue your routine even while camping. Also remember that during this trip your child may be exposed to more triggers than what he experiences at home, such as greater amounts of tree pollen, campfire smoke, or dust. Therefore, it’s even more important that you stick to your routine and do everything you can to help prevent his asthma symptoms. You might want to speak to your child’s doctor about battery-operated nebulizers. Also remember to bring his rescue medicine, in case he experiences sudden symptoms.

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.