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Pulmicort Turbuhaler Side Effects

Generic name: budesonide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Pulmicort Turbuhaler Side Effects associated with budesonide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Pulmicort Turbuhaler.

Applies to budesonide: inhalation powder, inhalation suspension.

Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, budesonide (the active ingredient contained in Pulmicort Turbuhaler) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking budesonide:

More common side effects

  • body aches or pain
  • chills
  • congestion
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • dryness or soreness of the throat
  • fever
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • headache
  • hoarseness
  • joint pain
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nausea
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • shivering
  • shortness of breath or troubled breathing
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • sweating
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • tightness of the chest or wheezing
  • trouble with sleeping
  • trouble with swallowing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • voice changes
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • bruising
  • darkening of the skin
  • depression
  • dizziness
  • earache
  • excessive muscle tone
  • fainting
  • fractures
  • large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle stiffness
  • muscle tension or tightness
  • painful or difficult urination
  • redness or swelling in the ear
  • skin rash
  • sore mouth or tongue
  • white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Other side effects

Some side effects of budesonide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • back pain

Less common side effects

  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • difficulty with breathing
  • difficulty with moving
  • dry mouth
  • ear congestion
  • headache, severe and throbbing
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • muscle cramping
  • neck pain
  • sleeplessness
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • swollen joints
  • unable to sleep
  • unexplained runny nose or sneezing
  • weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to budesonide: compounding powder, inhalation powder, inhalation suspension, oral capsule extended release, oral delayed release capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet extended release, rectal foam.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse events with inhaled use have included nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion pharyngitis, rhinitis, and oral candidiasis. Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue have been commonly reported with oral and rectal use. Due to the nature of its administration (inhalation, gastro-protective oral formulations, and rectal enema), it is less likely to cause systemic adverse effects associated with the use of corticosteroids.[Ref]

Respiratory

Endocrine

Immunologic

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Hypersensitivity

Musculoskeletal

Cardiovascular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):

Metabolic

Hematologic

Ocular

Genitourinary

Dermatologic

Hepatic

Other

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Pulmicort Respules (budesonide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

2. (2001) "Product Information. Entocort (budesonide)." AstraZeneca Pharma Inc

3. (2013) "Product Information. Uceris (budesonide)." Santarus Inc

4. (2016) "Product Information. Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)." A-S Medication Solutions

5. (2016) "Product Information. Entocort EC (budesonide)." Perrigo, L. Company

6. (2024) "Product Information. Eohilia (budesonide)." Takeda Pharmaceuticals America

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Pulmicort Turbuhaler side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.