Pulmicort (Budesonide)

Name: Pulmicort
Brand: AstraZeneca
SKU: 1932
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Country: Canada

Dosage: 100 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Country: Canada

Dosage: 200 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 200 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Country: Canada

Dosage: 400 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Pulmicort

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Budesonide Inhaler

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 100 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Budesonide Inhaler

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 200 mcg/200 dose

Qty-Price (USD):

Pulmicort Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on May 5, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

PULMICORT TURBUHALER and Budesonide at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand PULMICORT TURBUHALER (budesonide) is manufactured by AstraZeneca and is available in many countries worldwide, including Canada (and New Zealand, in this pharmacy).

Generic budesonide is sourced from manufacturers meeting applicable local regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Budesonide:

Generic budesonide contains the same active ingredient as brand-name PULMICORT TURBUHALER and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as PULMICORT TURBUHALER. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name budesonide, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, if you have any questions about using generic budesonide.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs

Dosage:

At this pharmacy, Brand PULMICORT TURBUHALER and generic budesonide are commonly available in 100 mcg/200 dose and 200 mcg/200 dose turbuhalers. The brand PULMICORT TURBUHALER may also be available in 400 mcg/200 dose turbuhaler. Availability of specific strengths can vary; always refer to your prescription and the product packaging.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

PULMICORT TURBUHALER (budesonide) is a prescription medication used in adults and children over six years of age to treat asthma, caused by inflammation in the airways. PULMICORT TURBUHALER is not meant to relieve an asthma attack that has already begun. For sudden symptoms of an asthma attack, use a rescue inhaler.

Mechanism of Action:
PULMICORT TURBUHALER (budesonide) is a synthetic corticosteroid. Budesonide exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in the airways by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. This receptor activation leads to altered gene transcription, resulting in the decreased production and release of various pro-inflammatory mediators (such as cytokines, chemokines, and leukotrienes) and the inhibition of inflammatory cell activity. This mechanism helps to control asthma symptoms, improve lung function, and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks by suppressing the inflammatory response associated with the condition.

Take PULMICORT TURBUHALER exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking PULMICORT TURBUHALER, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects associated with PULMICORT TURBUHALER (budesonide). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects
(may occur in more than 1 in 100 people) - These are some common side effects of PULMICORT TURBUHALER, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Bad taste in the mouth, dry mouth, oral thrush (rinse your mouth with water after each use to help prevent thrush);
• Cough, hoarseness, sore throat, throat irritation, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, nosebleeds;
• Fatigue;
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache);
• Headache

Less common side effects
(may occur in between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people and should be monitored):
• Bronchospasm (paradoxical reaction that can occur immediately after use, causing wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing – this is a serious side effect and requires immediate medical attention);
• Changes in vision (blurred vision, other vision problems);
• Depression, nervousness, restlessness, sleep disorders, behavioral changes (especially in children, e.g., hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety);
• Skin rash, itching, bruising;
• Thirst;
• Weight gain

Rare and Serious Side effects
(may occur in less than 1 in 1,000 people): Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Adrenal insufficiency (worsening tiredness or muscle weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting);
• Eye problems (eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights, blurred vision, other vision disturbances);
• Significant mood changes (severe depression, agitation, psychosis);
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, ear pain, nausea, vomiting);
• Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing

Long-term Side Effects
(with prolonged use of PULMICORT TURBUHALER especially high doses):
• Adrenal suppression (the body's ability to produce natural steroid hormones may be reduced);
• Bone loss (Osteoporosis - increased risk of fractures);
• Changes in body fat;
• Eye problems (Glaucoma - increased pressure in the eye), cataracts (clouding of the lens). Regular eye exams are recommended for long-term use.
• Increased risk of infections (steroids can weaken the immune system);
• Skin thinning and easy bruising;
• Slowed growth in children (height should be monitored regularly by a doctor)

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting PULMICORT TURBUHALER, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

PULMICORT TURBUHALER should not be used if:
• You are allergic to budesonide;
• You have an untreated infection (fungal, bacterial, or viral) or tuberculosis in the respiratory tract;
• You are treating a sudden attack of breathlessness (for sudden symptoms of an asthma attack, use a rescue inhaler)

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting PULMICORT TURBUHALER. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether it is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Bone mineral density reduction (long-term use may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Patients with risk factors for decreased bone mineral content should be monitored);
• Eye problems (long-term use may worsen existing glaucoma or cataracts. Regular eye exams may be recommended);
• Liver problems (reduced liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of budesonide, potentially leading to increased systemic exposure and side effects);
• Potential for immunosuppression (budesonide can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection or worsening existing infections. Special care should be taken if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles and are not immunized.
• Recent or current use of systemic Corticosteroids (when transferring from oral steroids, there is a risk of impaired adrenal function, and patients need to be tapered off systemic steroids slowly)

Drug Interactions:

Before taking PULMICORT TURBUHALER, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the official PULMICORT TURBUHALER prescribing information.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is also important to inform your doctor about any herbal teas, recreational drugs, or significant dietary changes you are making, as these could potentially interact with PULMICORT TURBUHALER. It may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Certain Antivirals (e.g., ritonavir-containing medications): These can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, which is responsible for breaking down budesonide, potentially leading to increased levels of budesonide in the body and a higher risk of side effects.
• CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort): These drugs increase the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which can lead to a faster breakdown of budesonide and potentially reduce its effectiveness.
• Desmopressin: Concomitant use may increase the risk of hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
• Diuretics (water pills): May increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
• Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil, grapefruit juice): These can also increase budesonide levels, although usually to a lesser extent than strong inhibitors. Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 in the gut lining.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Aspirin: Long-term use with inhaled corticosteroids might increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (e.g., ceritinib, crizotinib, nilotinib): Some of these can interfere with budesonide metabolism.
• Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., antifungals like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole; HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, lopinavir; macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin; and other drugs like cobicistat, nefazodone, conivaptan): These drugs significantly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, leading to a substantial increase in systemic budesonide exposure and a higher risk of corticosteroid-related side effects, such as adrenal suppression.
• Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): If you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking oral corticosteroids, using PULMICORT TURBUHALER can increase the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects. Your doctor will need to manage the transition carefully to avoid adrenal insufficiency.

Grapefruit:
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with PULMICORT TURBUHALER by potentially increasing the systemic exposure to budesonide and raising the risk of side effects. It is important to discuss grapefruit consumption with your doctor for personalized guidance.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

PULMICORT TURBUHALER should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Budesonide can pass into breast milk, and the potential effects on the nursing infant should be discussed with your doctor.

Children:

The safety and effectiveness of PULMICORT TURBUHALER have not been established in children less than 6 years of age. Long-term use in children may affect growth, so height should be monitored regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions about PULMICORT TURBUHALER at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is PULMICORT TURBUHALER more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including PULMICORT TURBUHALER, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

What is the difference between PULMICORT TURBUHALER 100 mcg/200 dose and 200 mcg/200 dose?

The difference between PULMICORT TURBUHALER 100 mcg/200 dose and 200 mcg/200 dose is the quantity of the active ingredient, budesonide, per actuation (puff). The '100 mcg' and '200 mcg' refer to the micrograms of budesonide delivered with each dose. The '200 dose' indicates the total number of doses in the inhaler.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many turbuhalers I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of PULMICORT TURBUHALER at once, per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, PULMICORT TURBUHALER requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for PULMICORT TURBUHALER?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product called budesonide.

Can I stop using PULMICORT TURBUHALER when my symptoms improve?

It's important to continue taking the drug even if you're not having any asthma symptoms. PULMICORT TURBUHALER works over time to manage asthma symptoms, but it doesn't cure the condition. The effectiveness of PULMICORT TURBUHALER depends on regular use of the drug. If you stop using the turbuhaler, your asthma symptoms could worsen.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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