PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION LEAFLET CAREFULLY.

ABOUT YOUR PULMICORT INHALER ‑ THE PATIENT OPTION PACK
	
This pack contains two types of Pulmicort inhaler with one aerosol canister.  This means you can chose which type of inhaler is best suited to your needs.  You may also chose to use either on different occasions.

STANDARD INHALER
This type of inhaler is assembled by simply pushing the aerosol canister into the inhaler as shown.   Instructions for how to use the standard inhaler correctly are shown in the next section.

OR	Your doctor may already have advised you which type is most suitable for you.  If you are in doubt seek his advice.
Please read the following instructions carefully.

SPACER INHALER
This type of inhaler is assembled by pushing the aerosol the aerosol canister into the Spacer as shown.  Instructions for use of the Spacer Inhaler begins under “The Pulmicort Spacer Inhaler”.	

HOW TO USE THE PULMICORT INHALER

ALWAYS SHAKE THE INHALER BEFORE USE

Remove the dust cap from the 
mouthpiece as shown and 
shake the canister vigorously.
	Holding the inhales as shown, breathe out gently but not fully, 
then IMMEDIATELY...	...place the mouthpiece in your 
mouth as shown and close your 
lips around it.  Start to breathe in 
slowly and deeply through your 
mouth and press the canister 
firmly as shown to release a 
dose of Pulmicort and continue 
to breathe in slowly.	Hold your breath for 10 seconds, 
or as long as is comfortable 
before breathing out slowly.

If you are to take a second 
inhalation you should wait at 
least one minute before 
repeating steps 2 3 and 4.

After use replace the dust cap on the mouthpiece	

THE PULMICORT SPACER INHALER
	
The Spacer inhaler makes it easier to inhale Pulmicort because the Spacer chamber slows down the speed of the aerosol mist, so that it can be more easily breathed into the lungs, where it acts.  To make it easier to carry, the Spacer Inhaler con be folded up, like a telescope.  To assemble the Spacer inhaler correctly and stop it folding up in use, you must follow the instructions
carefully.	

Note: When the Spacer Inhaler is correctly used you will not feel the cold spray hitting the mouth or throat.  This means that more of the spray is reaching your lungs.		

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR PULMICORT SPACER INHALER

	
Hold the Spacer Inhaler gently between thumb and forefingers, as shown.  Pull the finger grips in the direction shown.	Fold the inner part upwards as shown, until it clicks into place.	Gently pull out the middle part until it clicks into place.	The Spacer Inhaler is now ready for use as described in the next section.	

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOW TO USE YOUR PULMICORT SPACER INHALER

	
Assemble the Spacer Inhaler as described and shake the canister vigorously
	Holding the Spacer Inhaler  as shown, breathe out gently but not fully, then IMMEDIATELY...	...place the mouthpiece to your mouth as shown and close your lips around the hole.  Do not insert the end inside your mouth.  Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and press the canister firmly as shown to release a dose of Pulmicort and continue to breathe in slowly.	Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable before breathing out slowly.  If you are to take a second inhalation you should wait at least one minute before repeating steps 2, 3 and 4.  After use Pulmicort Spacer Inhaler should be folded as shown next	

ALWAYS SHAKE THE
SPACER INHALER BEFORE USE
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOW TO FOLD YOUR PULMICORT SPACER INHALER

IMPORTANT. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS SHOWN OR THE DEVICE WILL NOT FOLD EASILY, AND MAY BREAK IF FORCED.
Turn the Pulmicort Spacer Inhaler upside down and press your thumb firmly on the retaining clip near the marked circle as shown.   Fold the inner part in the direction shown.
	Holding the finger grips, push the  inner part as shown until the finger grips fit tightly into the slots of the middle part.	Push fully with the palm of the hand as shown until the middle part fits completely into the outer part.	Your Pulmicort Spacer Inhaler is carefully designed to ensure the best possible effect of the drug.  Please handle the Spacer Inhaler carefully.  Should you accidentally pull it apart, it can be easily re-assembled by pushing the middle part into the outer part as shown, until it clicks into place.  Then follow the instructions on "How to fold your Pulmicort Spacer Inhaler”	

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PULMICORT
FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

DOSAGE  Take the exact number of puffs of Pulmicort every day as recommended by your doctor.  Even if your breathing appears to be getting easier continue to take the prescribed number of puffs until your doctor advises  otherwise.   Do not stop using this medicine except on your doctor's advice.	CAUTION  The aerosol canister is pressurised – keep away from heat and direct sunlight and do not puncture or incinerate even when empty.  Do not tamper with the valve.	
REFILLS  After the first prescription for Pulmicort Inhaler or Pulmicort L.S. Inhaler, refill canisters can be prescribed by your doctor.  The same refill canister will fit into both the standard inhaler and the Spacer Inhaler.  A new Pulmicort Inhaler or Pulmicort L.S. Inhaler should be obtained every 2 to 3 months.	CLEANING  The inhaler should be cleaned regularly  (approximately once weekly) in warm water after removing the aerosol canister.	
CHILDREN  Younger children should be supervised by an adult while using the inhaler.	CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF:
•	your breathing is getting worse
•	you frequently wake up at night with asthma
•	you develop chest tightness in the morning or it persists for longer than usual.
You may need more treatment.	

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PULMICORT® (budesonide) INHALER

This leaflet applies only to Pulmicort Inhaler.  If you have any questions or are unsure about anything ask you doctor or pharmacist (chemist).  Remember Pulmicort Inhaler is only for you, do not give it to anyone else even if their symptoms are similar to yours.

WHAT IS IN YOUR PULMICORT INHALER ?
Each dose from your Pulmicort Inhaler contains 200 micrograms of the active ingredient budesonide.  Other ingredients are sorbitan trioleate and CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons 11, 12 & 114).  Each inhaler delivers 100 metered doses.

Budesonide belongs to a group of medicines called steroids, which are used to reduce inflammation.

WHO MAKES PULMICORT INHALER ?
Pulmicort Inhaler is made by Riker/3M Laboratories, Loughborough, England for the marketing authorisation holder Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Home Park, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England WD4 8DH.

WHAT IS YOUR MEDICINE FOR ?
Pulmicort Inhaler is used to treat bronchial asthma.

BEFORE USING YOUR PULMICORT INHALER !
Make sure you hove told your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking including those you have bought without a prescription.

Please read the following questions carefully.  They are being asked to help check that the medicine is suitable for you to take.  If the answer to any of these questions is YES, you should talk to your doctor before using your Pulmicort Inhaler.
• Are you already taking another steroid medicine ?
• Do you have TB (Tuberculosis) ?
• Do you hove o cold or chest infection ?
• Are you pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breast feeding ?

TAKING YOUR PULMICORT INHALER
Usually this will be one inhalation twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening, although this will depend on the severity of your asthma and may be increased or decreased as necessary.  It is important to take your medicine as the doctor has told you to.  Your doctor will advise you of the correct dose for your own individual need.  The instructions on the label should remind you of what the doctor said.

HOW TO USE PULMICORT INHALER

1	Remove the dust cap from the mouthpiece as shown and check that the mouthpiece is not blocked and then shake the inhaler vigorously.	2	Hold the inhaler as shown and breathe out gently.	

		
3	Put the mouthpiece between your lips.  Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth.  Keep breathing in and press the canister firmly as shown to release a dose of Pulmicort.  Keep breathing in for a short while after pressing the canister.	4	Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as it is comfortable.  Breath out slowly.  If you are to take a second inhalation you should wait at least one minute before repeating step 2, 3 and 4.
5	After use replace the dust cap on the mouthpiece.	

CLEANING:
The inhaler should be cleaned regularly (approximately once a week).  Remove the aerosol canister and clean the plastic inhaler in warm water, dry thoroughly and then replace the aerosol canister.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR URGENTLY IF: 
•	Your breathing is getting worse
•	You frequently wake up at night with asthma
•	You develop chest tightness in the morning or if it persists for longer than usual.
These are signs that your asthma is not being properly controlled and you may need other treatment or additional treatment immediately

TAKEN TOO MANY DOSES ?
If you accidentally take too many doses, no harmful effects should occur.  However, you should always try to use your Pulmicort Inhaler as and when your doctor has told you to.

FORGOTTEN TO TAKE A DOSE ?
If you forget to take an occasional dose don t worry, it is not necessary to compensate for the dose you hove missed.  Just take the next dose as usual.  Do not stop taking this medicine except on your doctor’s advice.

AFTER TAKING YOUR MEDICINE
Side effects which may occur when taking Pulmicort Inhaler are:
•	Sore mouth (oral thrush).  This is less likely if you rinse your mouth out with water when you hove taken a dose.
•	Mild sore throat, coughing and a hoarse voice.  Tell your doctor if you experience either of these side effects or if you notice anything else unusual.

STORING YOUR MEDICINE
Your medicine should be stored at room temperature. Do not use your Pulmicort Inhaler after the expiry date given an the box.  Keep your medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it.

WARNING:
The aerosol canister is filled under pressure.  The valve must not be damaged and the canister should not be exposed to high temperatures (above 40°C) or direct sunlight.  Do not puncture or burn even when empty