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: rectal foam.

Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule delayed release, oral capsule extended release, oral tablet extended release
• inhalation powder, inhalation suspension

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your condition does not improve or if it become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

If you are taking another steroid medicine and will switch to Uceris®, check first with your doctor. This may increase your chance of having steroid withdrawal side effects, such as headache, loss of appetite, blurred vision, change in the ability to see colors (especially blue or yellow), or vomiting.

You may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

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

• Very common (10% or more): Respiratory infection (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion, pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, viral upper respiratory tract infection, epistaxis, cough, dysphonia, hoarseness
• Frequency not reported: Bronchitis, dyspnea, pharynx disorder, pneumonia
• Postmarketing reports: Throat irritation, sinusitis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased blood cortisol, moon face
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hirsutism, Cushingoid syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Intermenstrual bleeding, menstrual disorder, HPA axis suppression, deaths due to adrenal insufficiency
• Postmarketing reports: Hypocorticism^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Oral candidiasis
• Frequency not reported: Immunosuppression, abscess, bronchospasm in patients with severe milk protein hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 13%); abdominal pain (21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Viral gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal mucosal candidiasis, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal distension, constipation, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, sore/irritated throat, dry mouth, bad taste, rectal disorder, rectal hemorrhage, ulcerative colitis, burning in the rectum or pain
• Frequency not reported: Anus disorder, enteritis, epigastric pain, gastrointestinal fistula, glossitis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, tongue edema, tooth disorder
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 28%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Disturbance of smell
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pseudotumor cerebri (including papilledema)
• Frequency not reported: Hyperkinesia, paresthesia, tremor, somnolence
• Postmarketing reports: Benign intracranial hypertension^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Mood changes, sleep changes, insomnia,
• Frequency not reported: Amnesia
• Postmarketing reports: Psychosis, depression, aggressive reactions, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, mood swings^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, rash, contact dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm
• Postmarketing reports: Cough, wheezing, bronchospasm^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle spasms (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of bone (femur and head of the humerus)
• Frequency not reported: Bone mineral density reductions, arthritis, myalgia, growth suppression^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (12%), peripheral edema (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fluid retention, palpitation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, chest pain, flushing^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Weight gain, increased appetite, hypokalemia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Leukocytosis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Eosinophilic conditions, Churg-Strauss^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis
• Frequency not reported: Eye abnormality, abnormal vision
• Postmarketing reports: Glaucoma, cataracts, increased intraocular pressure^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, moniliasis
• Frequency not reported: Dysuria, micturition frequency, nocturia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Acne (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, contact dermatitis, eczema, pustular rash, pruritus, purpura
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Allergic exanthema, red striae, petechiae, ecchymosis, delayed wound healing
• Frequency not reported: Face edema, alopecia, dermatitis, eczema, skin disorder, increased sweating, purpura
• Postmarketing reports: Skin bruising^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increase in liver enzymes^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Otitis media, fatigue, earache
• Frequency not reported: Asthenia, malaise, fever, flu-like disorder, vertigo^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?

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.

Medical Disclaimer