Is Pulmicort Harmful?

Pulmicort is the brand name for the prescription corticosteroid medication budenoside used to reduce inflammation in your airways. Despite its effectiveness at reducing the frequency of asthma attacks, Pulmicort poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Features

• Though unpleasant, the most common side effects of Pulmicort are typically not serious in nature and pose no risk for long-term health effects.

Types of Side Effects

• Common side effects of Pulmicort include respiratory and sinus infections, headaches, pharyngitis, back pain, shortness of breath and nausea.

Drug Interactions

• Taking Pulmicort with the antibiotic medication erythromycin or the antifungal medication itraconazole increases your risk of developing side effects from the asthma medication.

Risks

• Because it suppresses your immune system, Pulmicort increases your risk of developing serious fungal, bacterial or viral infections. Other risks associated with Pulmicort include glaucoma and osteoporosis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe the drug for use in pregnant women. If you have a history of osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, tuberculosis, or milk protein allergy or currently have chicken pox or measles, it may not be safe for you to take Pulmicort, warns the Mayo Clinic.

Warning

• Even if you experience side effects from Pulmicort, never stop taking the drug without first consulting your doctor. Abrupt cessation of corticosteroids like Pulmicort can put you at risk for sudden, severe asthma attacks.