Product Description.:
Aerosol , clear , clear
If you are switching (or have recently switched) from an oral corticosteroid such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone to flunisolide inhalation and have an injury, infection, or severe asthma attack, use a full dose (even if you have been gradually decreasing your dose) of the oral corticosteroid and call your doctor for additional instructions.
Carry an identification card that indicates that you may need to take supplementary doses (write down the full dose you took before gradually decreasing it) of the corticosteroid during periods of stress (injuries, infections, and severe asthma attacks). Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to obtain this card. List your name, medical problems, drugs and dosages, and doctor's name and telephone number on the card.
Flunisolide, a corticosteroid, is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by severe asthma and other lung diseases.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Flunisolide comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is inhaled three or four times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use flunisolide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop using flunisolide without talking to your doctor.
Before you use flunisolide the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhaler while in his or her presence.
To use the inhaler, follow these steps:
* Shake the inhaler well.
* Remove the protective cap.
* Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
* Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
* Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
* Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take 2 puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
* Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.
Flunisolide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dry or irritated throat and mouth
* cough
* difficult or painful speech
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* skin rash
* increased difficulty breathing
* white spots or sores in your mouth
* swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
* vision problems
* cold or infection that lasts a long time
* muscle weakness
