Albuterol; Budesonide Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

What is this medication?

ALBUTEROL; BUDESONIDE (al BYOO ter ole; bue DES oh nide) prevents and treats the symptoms of asthma. It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is a combination of a bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid. It is often called a rescue or quick-relief medication.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AIRSUPRA

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

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

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Immune system problems
• Infection, especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
• Injury of mouth or throat
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Pheochromocytoma
• Receiving steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
• Recent surgery
• Seizures
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, budesonide, steroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Shake well before using. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

• Certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, telithromycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Certain medications for fungal infections such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Diuretics
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

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 care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If your symptoms get worse or if you are using this medication more than normal, call your care team right away.

You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Thrush—white patches in the mouth
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

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

• Change in taste
• Cough
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Tremors or shaking

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep inhaler away from extreme heat. Get rid of it 12 months after removing it from the foil pouch, when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

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.