Flunisolide inhalation aerosol

What is this medication?

FLUNISOLIDE (floo NISS oh lide) is a corticosteroid. It helps decrease inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma. Never use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aerobid, Aerobid -M, Aerospan

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection

•recent surgery or injury of mouth or throat

•taking corticosteroids by mouth

•an unusual or allergic reaction to flunisolide, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. This medicine works best if used regularly. Do not use more than directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures

•carbamazepine

•phenytoin

•rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 weeks of regular use. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.

Do not come in contact with people who have chickenpox or the measles while you are taking this medicine. If you do, call your doctor right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•chest pain

•fast or irregular heartbeat

•fever, cold or infection symptoms

•nervous, dizzy, shaky

•skin rash, itching

•trouble breathing or wheezing

•unusual swelling

•white patches or sores in the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•coughing, hoarseness

•diarrhea

•dry mouth

•headache

•loss of taste, or unpleasant taste

•nausea, vomiting

•upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). The effect of this medicine is less when the canister is cold. Do not puncture the canister or throw on a fire or incinerator. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.