Pulmicort Turbohaler
"A compact preventer inhaler with a no-push design and no need to shake. Just clicking the base will deliver the correct dose as you breathe in."
What is a Pulmicort Turbohaler?
Pulmicort Turbohaler is a compact inhaler that uses a no-push design to deliver the correct dose of medicine. It’s available as:
- Pulmicort 100 Turbohaler
- Pulmicort 200 Turbohaler
- Pulmicort 400 Turbohaler
Is Pulmicort Turbohaler a preventer or reliever?
This inhaler contains a medicine that helps prevent asthma.
How does it work?
Pulmicort Turbohaler contains the active ingredient budesonide, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Pulmicort Turbohaler
- First, take off the white cover by unscrewing it. Keep your Pulmicort Turbohaler in an upright position with the brown base pointing down. Make sure you don't shake the inhaler.
- To get your dose loaded and ready to use, turn the brown base as far as it’ll go in one direction. Then turn it all the way in the opposite direction until you hear it click. When you first start using the inhaler, this step needs to be repeated twice.
- Now, hold your Pulmicort Turbohaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently as far as you can without it feeling uncomfortable. Put the mouthpiece between your teeth, making sure not to bite down on it. Close your lips around it to create a good seal. Take the deepest, strongest breath you can through your mouth.
- Take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. If you need to take another dose, repeat these steps.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 3 different strengths of the Pulmicort Turbohaler: 100mcg, 200mcg and 400mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Pulmicort Turbohaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Pulmicort Turbohaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or nighttime coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Pulmicort Turbohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Pulmicort Turbohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Pulmicort Turbohaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Reduces inflammation in your lungs
Helps stop asthma attacks happening
Normally used twice a day
What is a Pulmicort Turbohaler?
Pulmicort Turbohaler is a compact inhaler that uses a no-push design to deliver the correct dose of medicine. It’s available as:
- Pulmicort 100 Turbohaler
- Pulmicort 200 Turbohaler
- Pulmicort 400 Turbohaler
Is Pulmicort Turbohaler a preventer or reliever?
This inhaler contains a medicine that helps prevent asthma.
How does it work?
Pulmicort Turbohaler contains the active ingredient budesonide, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Pulmicort Turbohaler
- First, take off the white cover by unscrewing it. Keep your Pulmicort Turbohaler in an upright position with the brown base pointing down. Make sure you don't shake the inhaler.
- To get your dose loaded and ready to use, turn the brown base as far as it’ll go in one direction. Then turn it all the way in the opposite direction until you hear it click. When you first start using the inhaler, this step needs to be repeated twice.
- Now, hold your Pulmicort Turbohaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently as far as you can without it feeling uncomfortable. Put the mouthpiece between your teeth, making sure not to bite down on it. Close your lips around it to create a good seal. Take the deepest, strongest breath you can through your mouth.
- Take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. If you need to take another dose, repeat these steps.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 3 different strengths of the Pulmicort Turbohaler: 100mcg, 200mcg and 400mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Pulmicort Turbohaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Pulmicort Turbohaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or nighttime coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Pulmicort Turbohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Pulmicort Turbohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Pulmicort Turbohaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
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Pulmicort Turbohaler FAQs
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How long does Pulmicort Turbohaler take to work?
Although it can take around 4 weeks for the treatment to be fully effective, you might notice an improvement in your breathing within just 2 days.
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When to use Pulmicort Turbohaler
Your prescription will say exactly how often you should use your Pulmicort Turbohaler. It’s usually twice a day.
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Who can use the Pulmicort Turbohaler?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- You’ve needed hospital admission in the last 12 months due to asthma symptoms.
- Your asthma symptoms have ever caused you to receive intensive care treatment.
- You’re allergic (hypersensitive) to budesonide.
If any of these do apply to you, our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Pulmicort Turbohaler.
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Can I use a Pulmicort Turbohaler while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe this medication for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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How often should I use my Pulmicort Turbohaler?
Your prescription will say exactly how often you should use your Pulmicort Turbohaler, but it’s usually once or twice a day.
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How long should I use my Pulmicort Turbohaler for?
Your prescription will tell you the length of time you'll need to keep taking your medication. Even if you think you feel well enough, it's important not to stop treatment unless a doctor says it’s safe to do so.
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Where can I buy a Pulmicort Turbohaler?
You can’t buy a Pulmicort Turbohaler over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription for the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after a short online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to have two inhalers, in case you run out, forget to request a repeat prescription, or lose one.
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What should I do if I get Pulmicort Turbohaler side effects?
If you do experience any side effects with Pulmicort Turbohaler, you should get in touch with your GP, pharmacist, or asthma nurse. This includes any that aren’t shown in the patient information leaflet. You can also message us in your Patient Record.
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Pulmicort Turbohaler warnings
Before starting your Pulmicort Turbohaler treatment, speak to your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist if any of these apply to you:
- If you currently have an infection in your lungs.
- If you're suffering from a cold, chest infection, or have any breathing difficulties.
- If you have or have previously had tuberculosis (TB)
- If you have any issues with your liver.
Get in touch with your doctor straight away if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or other visual disturbances.
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Taking Pulmicort Turbohaler with other medications
As with all medications, Pulmicort Turbohaler can interact with certain other medicines. So, it’s important you let your clinician, or pharmacist know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
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How to dispose of Pulmicort Turbohaler
Always take any empty or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy. They'll be able to dispose of them safely.
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Alternative asthma treatments
Alongside prescribed medications, there are certain lifestyle adjustments you can also make to help manage your asthma. If you smoke or vape, quitting is particularly important as it can significantly lower your chances of getting asthma symptoms or attacks.
Some activities can also help you manage your asthma. Yoga and mindfulness can all help build strength, promote relaxation, and support better breathing. They can complement, but not replace, your regular asthma treatments.
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