Pulmicort Turbohaler

Pulmicort Turbohaler belongs to the group of ‘preventer’ inhalers used daily to manage asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, tight chest or a night time cough. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs and can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens, pollution, and exercise, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Pulmicort Turbohaler helps by reducing inflammation in the airways and is designed to be used on a daily basis to help keep asthma symptoms at bay.

Pulmicort Turbohaler is an asthma inhaler used regularly to help reduce inflammation, thereby helping to reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Pulmicort Turbohaler contains budesonide, which is a corticosteroid (steroid) and acts to reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways.

The Pulmicort Turbohaler, which is a ‘no-push’ inhaler, uses dry powder. It works by using your breath to draw in the powdered medicine, which is then dispersed into your airways. The Pulmicort Turbohaler comes in the form of a small, hand-held device, which is convenient for carrying around with you for daily use.

To use the Pulmicort Turbohaler, remove the protective cap and hold the Turbohaler upright.

1. Twist the base in one direction and then back in the opposite direction until it clicks.
2. Breathe out fully, put the mouthpiece in your mouth, and breathe in as deeply and as hard as you can through your mouth.
3. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then breathe out slowly. Repeat the process if you need to take another dose.
4. When you’re done inhaling your prescribed dose, rinse your mouth out with water.

For more detailed instructions on how to prime and use your inhaler, please read the Patient Information Leaflet for this medicine.

How to use your Turbohaler

It's important to use the Pulmicort Turbohaler correctly to ensure that you receive the right amount of medicine. Watch this video on how to use a Pulmicort Turbohaler. If you're unsure about how to use the Pulmicort Turbohaler correctly, please contact your healthcare provider or ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist for advice.

Please note: When the indicator shows that there are 20 puffs left in the Pulmicort Turbohaler, please request another prescription.

Pulmicort Turbohaler is available in different strengths: 100, 200 and 400 micrograms and can be used once or twice daily. Your healthcare provider will decide on the suitable strength and dosage according to the severity of your condition and your specific treatment plan. Please use the Pulmicort Turbohaler as directed.

Pulmicort Turbohaler does not work immediately. It requires consistent usage to build up its effectiveness. You may experience an improvement in your symptoms within 2 days however it can take up to 4 weeks for full effect. If you don't notice any changes in your symptoms after a week, please contact us through your online patient record or speak with your regular healthcare provider.

Your asthma is well controlled if you have symptoms less than 3 times a week and if you don’t experience any asthma symptoms during exercise and at night.

Common side effects when using the Pulmicort Turbohaler are oral thrush (make sure you wash your mouth after each use to reduce the chance of this), and possibly a sore throat or hoarse voice.

Less common side effects may include depression, feeling restless or nervous, muscle cramps, blurry vision or cataracts, or shaking. If you experience any of these or are concerned about any side effects you’re experiencing, please contact us through your online patient record or speak to your regular GP. If you’re facing a mental health crisis or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please contact NHS 111 and select option 2, call the Samaritans at 116 123, or text Shout at 85258.

If you’re using more than 1000 micrograms of budesonide daily you’re on a high dose of corticosteroids which means you might experience more side effects. You should make sure to carry a blue steroid treatment card that explains how you can reduce the risk of side effects. You may also be given a red steroid emergency card. This will alert doctors to the fact you might need some extra corticosteroids to help you deal with serious illness or surgery.

For more information on how the steroid cards help to protect you, click here:

Steroid cards

Find out more about possible side effects in the medicine’s Patient Information Leaflet.

Some steroid treatments may not be appropriate for individuals with certain conditions, and should only be used with additional precautions. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, it's crucial to manage your asthma effectively and your doctor or asthma nurse will provide guidance on your care.

If you have a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), are currently taking any other medications (prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements), or if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to a medication, please make sure to tell your healthcare provider. We also need to know if you’ve ever been to the hospital for severe asthma symptoms and how you were treated.

Other preventer inhalers include Clenil Modulite and Qvar Aerosol Inhaler, Qvar Easi-Breathe Inhaler and Qvar Autohaler. These are all steroid inhalers, which require regular use to work effectively and help reduce inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma symptoms. Please only use inhalers prescribed by your healthcare provider as the doses and inhaler devices work differently. Do not switch inhalers as this could worsen your asthma control.

You will require a reliever inhaler, which is used to give immediate relief to severe asthma symptoms or asthma attacks. Find out more about the different types of asthma inhalers.

You should always follow your GP’s instructions for using your inhaler. Alongside this, there are some other things you can do to help manage your asthma. Getting to know what’s triggering your asthma can really help reduce symptoms and attacks. Some jobs may make asthma worse. If you find you experience more symptoms whilst at work or fewer symptoms at home or on holiday, then your job may be affecting your asthma. Discuss this at your next asthma review with your regular GP or asthma nurse.

Quitting smoking can improve your asthma and reduce the amount of medication you need. Stop Smoking Treatment service

If you’re overweight, reducing your weight can help alleviate your symptoms and make it easier to manage your asthma.

Other things that can help to stay on top of your asthma are using a Peak Flow Monitor (available to buy from your local Boots pharmacy or on prescription), making sure you attend annual asthma reviews, and getting your inhaler technique checked.

Yes, the active ingredient in Pulmicort Turbohaler is budesonide, which is a corticosteroid (steroid) and acts to reduce inflammation and swelling in your lungs. It acts directly on your airways to reduce inflammation. This helps to improve your asthma condition and to prevent asthma attacks from occurring.

Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue. You should clean your Pulmicort Turbohaler once a week. Do not use water or other liquids to clean it.

The different strengths of the Pulmicort Turbohaler contain varying numbers of doses. When 20 puffs are left, a red mark should appear in the inhaler window. Pulmicort is a prescription only medication so request your next Pulmicort Turbohaler through your regular healthcare provider or you can submit an online consultation.

Asthma Inhalers Treatment service

This should go back to the pharmacy for safe disposal.