Budesonide astrazeneca
Ukraine
Table of Contents
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT BUDESONIDE ASTRAZENECA (BUDESONIDE ASTRAZENECA)
Composition:
Active substance: budesonide;
1 ml of nebulizer suspension contains 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg of budesonide;
Excipients: sodium chloride, sodium citrate, disodium edetate, polysorbate 80, citric acid anhydrous, water for injections.
Pharmaceutical form. Nebulizer suspension.
Main physicochemical characteristics: a readily resuspendable white or almost white suspension, filled into single-dose plastic containers.
Pharmacotherapeutic group. Inhalation agents used in the treatment of obstructive respiratory tract diseases. Glucocorticoids. ATC code R03BA02.
Pharmacological properties.
Pharmacodynamics.
Mechanism of action
Budesonide is a glucocorticosteroid with potent local anti-inflammatory activity.
The precise mechanism of action of glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of bronchial asthma has not been fully elucidated. Important anti-inflammatory effects likely include suppression of inflammatory mediator release and inhibition of cytokine-mediated immune responses. The activity of budesonide, as determined by affinity for glucocorticosteroid receptors, is approximately 15 times greater than that of prednisolone.
Clinical efficacy
Budesonide exerts an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces bronchial obstruction both in the early and late phases of the allergic reaction. Budesonide reduces the reactivity to histamine and methacholine in patients with airway hyperresponsiveness.
Studies have demonstrated that the earlier budesonide treatment is initiated after the onset of an asthma attack, the greater the improvement in lung function that can be expected.
Clinical safety data
Effect on plasma cortisol concentration:
In studies involving healthy volunteers, administration of Pulmicort Turbuhaler resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in plasma and urinary cortisol levels. At recommended doses, Pulmicort Turbuhaler has a significantly smaller effect on adrenal gland function than 10 mg prednisolone, as demonstrated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests.
Children
Clinical efficacy in bronchial asthma
The efficacy of Budesonide AstraZeneca inhalation suspension has been evaluated in numerous studies, which demonstrated effectiveness when administered once or twice daily for the treatment of persistent bronchial asthma in adults and children. Below are several examples of representative studies.
In children aged 3 years and older, no systemic effects were observed at doses up to 400 mcg/day. At doses of 400–800 mcg/day, biochemical signs of systemic effects may occur, while such signs are common at daily doses exceeding 800 mcg. This information refers to the medicinal product Budesonide AstraZeneca administered as an inhalation spray and inhalation powder.
Bronchial asthma, as well as the use of inhaled corticosteroids, may cause growth retardation. Limited long-term data suggest that most children and adolescents receiving inhaled budesonide therapy ultimately achieve their target adult height. However, an initial, small, but transient reduction in growth velocity (approximately 1 cm) may occur. This typically occurs during the first year of treatment.
Exercise-induced bronchial asthma
Inhaled budesonide therapy is effective in preventing asthma symptoms induced by physical exertion.
Clinical use: acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Several studies with budesonide inhalation suspension at doses of 4–8 mg/day have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of COPD exacerbations.
The efficacy of budesonide was evaluated in an open-label, randomized comparative study involving 78 hospitalized patients with COPD exacerbations, assigned to two parallel groups receiving either budesonide inhalation suspension (n = 37) at 4 mg/day (2 mg twice daily) or intravenous prednisolone at 120–180 mg/day (n = 41) for 7–14 days. In patients receiving either budesonide inhalation suspension or prednisolone, similar improvements were observed in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), blood oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), and symptoms (COPD Assessment TestTM (CAT)).
In a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind study involving 471 patients with COPD exacerbations, patients received budesonide inhalation suspension at 6 mg/day (2 mg three times daily) or intravenous methylprednisolone (40 mg/day) for 10 days. The clinical efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension compared to systemic methylprednisolone, measured by FEV1, arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2), and symptoms (CAT test), was comparable, while arterial partial pressure of O2 (PaO2) showed greater improvement in the methylprednisolone group.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 199 patients with COPD exacerbations, patients received budesonide inhalation suspension at 8 mg/day (2 mg four times daily, (n = 71)), or 30 mg oral prednisolone every 12 hours (n = 62), or placebo (n = 66) for 3 days. The improvement in post-bronchodilator FEV1 compared to placebo was 0.10 L for budesonide and 0.16 L for prednisolone; the difference between the active treatment groups was not statistically significant. The proportion of patients with clinical improvement in post-bronchodilator FEV1 of at least 0.15 L was higher in the budesonide inhalation suspension group (34%) and the prednisolone group (48%) than in the placebo group (18%). Differences were statistically significant for both active treatment groups compared to placebo (p < 0.05), but not between the active treatment groups.
Clinical use: croup
In several studies involving children with croup, therapy with Budesonide AstraZeneca was compared to placebo.
Examples of representative studies evaluating the use of Budesonide AstraZeneca for the treatment of children with croup are provided below.
Efficacy in children with mild to moderate croup
To determine whether Budesonide AstraZeneca has a positive effect on croup symptoms and whether treatment reduces hospitalization duration, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 87 children (aged 7 months to 9 years) hospitalized with a clinical diagnosis of croup. Participants received an initial dose of Budesonide AstraZeneca (2 mg) or placebo, followed by doses of 1 mg or placebo every 12 hours. Budesonide AstraZeneca significantly improved croup symptom scores at 12 and 24 hours, and at 2 hours in patients with initial croup symptom scores above 3 points. Hospitalization duration was also reduced by 33%.
Efficacy in children with moderate to severe croup
To compare the efficacy of Budesonide AstraZeneca versus placebo, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 83 infants and children (aged 6 months to 8 years) hospitalized with a clinical diagnosis of croup. Patients received Budesonide AstraZeneca 2 mg or placebo every 12 hours for up to 36 hours or until discharge. Total croup symptom scores were assessed before dosing and at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the initial dose. At 2 hours, similar improvements in croup symptom scores were observed in both Budesonide AstraZeneca and placebo groups, with no statistically significant difference. At 6 hours, croup symptom scores in the Budesonide AstraZeneca group were statistically significantly better than in the placebo group, and this improvement compared to placebo remained evident at 12 and 24 hours.
Pharmacokinetics.
Absorption
In adults, the systemic bioavailability of budesonide after administration of Budesonide AstraZeneca inhalation suspension via jet nebulizer is approximately 15% of the nominal dose and 40–70% of the dose delivered to the patient. A minor portion of this amount is due to absorption of the drug that has been swallowed. Maximum plasma concentration is reached approximately 10–30 minutes after the start of nebulization and is approximately 4 nmol/L after a 2 mg dose.
Distribution
The volume of distribution of budesonide is approximately 3 L/kg. Plasma protein binding averages 85–90%.
Metabolism
Budesonide undergoes extensive (~90%) first-pass metabolism in the liver to metabolites with low glucocorticosteroid activity. The glucocorticosteroid activity of the main metabolites, 6β-hydroxybudesonide and 16α-hydroxyprednisolone, is less than 1% of that of budesonide. Budesonide metabolism occurs primarily via CYP3A enzymes of the cytochrome P450 subfamily.
Elimination
Budesonide metabolites are excreted predominantly by the kidneys, either unchanged or in conjugated form. Unchanged budesonide is not detected in urine. In healthy adults, systemic clearance of budesonide is typically high (approximately 1.2 L/min), and the terminal half-life of budesonide after intravenous administration averages 2–3 hours. Budesonide pharmacokinetics are dose-proportional when administered at clinically relevant doses.
Linearity/non-linearity
Budesonide kinetics are dose-proportional when administered at clinically relevant doses.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship
Children
In children aged 4–6 years with bronchial asthma, systemic clearance of budesonide is approximately 0.5 L/min. Clearance in children (per kg body weight) is approximately 50% higher than in adults. In children with bronchial asthma, the terminal elimination half-life of budesonide after inhalation is approximately 2.3 hours, similar to that observed in healthy adults. In patients aged 4–6 years with bronchial asthma, systemic bioavailability of budesonide after administration of Budesonide AstraZeneca inhalation suspension via jet nebulizer (Pari LC Jet Plus® with Pari Master® compressor) is approximately 6% of the nominal dose and 26% of the dose delivered to the patient. Systemic bioavailability in children is approximately half that in healthy adults. In children aged 4–6 years with bronchial asthma, maximum plasma concentration is reached within 20 minutes after the start of nebulization and is approximately 2.4 nmol/L after a 1 mg dose.
Exposure parameters of budesonide (Cmax and AUC) after administration of a single 1 mg dose by nebulization in children aged 4–6 years are comparable to those in healthy adults receiving the same delivered dose of budesonide via the same nebulization system.
The pharmacokinetics of budesonide in patients with renal impairment are unknown. The effect of budesonide may be increased in patients with hepatic disease.
Clinical characteristics.
Indications.
Budesonide AstraZeneca, suspension for nebulization, is indicated for patients with:
- bronchial asthma;
- acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in individuals without signs of acute respiratory failure;
- severe croup (subglottic laryngitis) requiring hospitalization.
This medicinal form is suitable for patients who have difficulty using devices such as aerosol or powder inhalers for drug administration.
Contraindications.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients of the medicinal product Budesonide AstraZeneca.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions.
Metabolism of budesonide is primarily mediated by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Therefore, concomitant use of inhibitors of this enzyme, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and HIV protease inhibitors, may lead to several-fold increases in systemic exposure to budesonide (see section "Special precautions for use"). Since data on dosage recommendations for such combinations are lacking, they should be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, the interval between administration of the medicinal products should be as long as possible, and consideration should be given to reducing the dose of budesonide.
Limited data on this interaction with high doses of inhaled budesonide show that concomitant administration of itraconazole 200 mg once daily increases plasma concentrations of inhaled budesonide (single dose 1000 mcg) significantly (on average by 4 times).
Increased plasma concentrations and enhanced corticosteroid effects have been observed in women concurrently receiving estrogens or oral contraceptives. However, no significant changes were observed with concomitant use of budesonide and low-dose combined oral contraceptives.
Since adrenal function may be suppressed, an ACTH stimulation test, intended for diagnosis of pituitary insufficiency, may yield false results (low values).
Special precautions for use.
General information
Budesonide is not intended for rapid relief of acute asthma attacks when short-acting inhaled bronchodilators are required.
Patients should be advised to consult a physician if the overall response to treatment decreases, as repeated inhalations during severe asthma attacks should not delay the initiation of other essential therapy. In case of acute worsening of symptoms, treatment should be supplemented with short-term oral corticosteroids.
Transition from oral corticosteroids
Particular attention is required when treating patients who are transitioning from oral corticosteroids, as they may remain at risk of adrenal insufficiency for a prolonged period. Patients who have required emergency treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or long-term treatment with the highest recommended doses of inhaled corticosteroids may also belong to this risk group. During periods of stress, such patients may exhibit signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Stress periods or elective surgical procedures in these patients should take into account the possible need for additional systemic corticosteroids.
During transition from oral corticosteroid therapy to Budesonide AstraZeneca, patients may experience symptoms such as muscle and joint pain. In such cases, temporary increase in the dose of oral corticosteroid may be required. If symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, or similar manifestations occur intermittently, inadequate corticosteroid effect should be suspected in most cases.
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly with long-term use at high doses. These effects are considerably less likely than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decreased bone mineral density, cataract, glaucoma, and less frequently, a range of psychological or behavioral effects such as psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, or aggression (particularly in children). Therefore, it is important that the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is reduced to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.
Switching from systemic corticosteroid therapy to Budesonide AstraZeneca may occasionally lead to the emergence of allergic conditions such as rhinitis and eczema, previously controlled by systemic treatment.
Concomitant use with other medicinal products
Concomitant use of the medicinal product with ketoconazole, itraconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, or other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided. If this is not possible, the interval between administration of these medicinal products should be as long as possible (see also section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").
Bronchospasm
As with other inhaled medications, paradoxical bronchospasm with immediate increase in wheezing may occur after dosing. In such cases, treatment with inhaled budesonide should be stopped immediately, the patient's condition assessed, and alternative therapy initiated if necessary.
Use in patients with renal impairment
Impaired liver function affects the body's ability to eliminate corticosteroids, resulting in reduced drug clearance and development of high systemic exposure. The potential for systemic adverse effects should be considered.
Effect on growth
In children receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, regardless of the formulation used, regular monitoring of growth is recommended. If growth retardation occurs, therapy should be re-evaluated with the aim of reducing the dose of inhaled corticosteroid. The benefits of corticosteroid therapy should be weighed against the potential risk of growth suppression. In addition, it may be appropriate to refer the patient to a pediatric pulmonologist for evaluation.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis
Oropharyngeal candidiasis may develop during treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. The occurrence of this infection may require treatment with appropriate antifungal medicinal products, and in some patients, discontinuation of therapy may be necessary (see section "Dosage and administration").
Respiratory tract infections
Particular caution is required in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis or latent pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as in patients with fungal or viral respiratory tract infections.
Pneumonia in patients with COPD
An increased incidence of pneumonia, including pneumonia requiring hospitalization, has been observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving inhaled corticosteroids. Some evidence suggests an increased risk of pneumonia with higher corticosteroid doses, although this has not been definitively demonstrated in any study.
There is a lack of comprehensive clinical evidence for within-class differences in the magnitude of pneumonia risk among inhaled corticosteroid medicinal products.
Physicians should be vigilant regarding the possible development of pneumonia in patients with COPD, as the clinical signs of this infection may overlap with symptoms of COPD exacerbation.
Risk factors for pneumonia in patients with COPD include smoking, advanced age, low body mass index (BMI), and severe COPD.
Visual disturbances
Visual disturbances may occur during systemic and local administration of corticosteroids. If patients experience symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, they should seek ophthalmological consultation to evaluate possible causes, including cataract, glaucoma, or rare conditions such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), which has been reported after systemic or local corticosteroid use.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Most results from prospective epidemiological studies and post-marketing data worldwide have not identified an increased risk of adverse effects on the fetus or newborn associated with the use of inhaled budesonide during pregnancy. It is important for both the fetus and the pregnant woman that asthma is adequately controlled during pregnancy. As with other medicinal products used during pregnancy, the benefit of budesonide use for the pregnant woman should be weighed against the potential risks to the fetus.
Animal studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids may cause developmental abnormalities; however, these findings are not considered relevant to humans when used at recommended doses.
Animal studies have also shown that excess prenatal glucocorticoids may influence the risk of intrauterine growth retardation, cardiovascular disease in adulthood, and permanent changes in glucocorticoid receptor density, neurotransmitter metabolism, and behavior, even at doses below teratogenic levels.
During pregnancy, the lowest effective dose of budesonide should be used, taking into account the risk of worsening asthma control.
Breastfeeding
Budesonide is excreted in breast milk. However, when therapeutic doses of Budesonide AstraZeneca are used, no effect on the breastfed infant is expected, as systemic exposure to the breastfed infant is negligible. Budesonide AstraZeneca may be used during breastfeeding.
Ability to affect reaction speed when driving vehicles or operating machinery.
Budesonide AstraZeneca does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery.
Method of Administration and Dosage
Dosing in Bronchial Asthma
The dosage of the medicinal product Budesonide AstraZeneca should be adjusted according to individual patient needs. If the daily dose does not exceed 1 mg, the entire dose may be administered once daily. For higher daily doses, the dose should be divided into two administrations per day. The highest dose (2 mg per day) should be prescribed to children only in cases of severe asthma and for a limited period of time. The maintenance dose should be the lowest effective dose.
Initial dosing should be:
Children aged 6 months and older: 0.25–0.5 mg per day. If necessary, the dose may be increased up to 1 mg per day.
Adults: 1–2 mg per day.
For maintenance treatment:
Children aged 6 months and older: 0.25–2 mg per day.
Adults: 0.5–4 mg per day. In very severe cases, the dose may be further increased.
When treating patients with bronchial asthma in whom it is desirable to enhance the therapeutic effect, increasing the dose of Budesonide AstraZeneca is preferred over combination therapy with oral corticosteroids, due to the lower risk of systemic adverse effects.
Treatment with Budesonide AstraZeneca allows replacement or substantial reduction of oral corticosteroid dosage while maintaining asthma control. When switching from oral corticosteroids to Budesonide AstraZeneca, the patient should be in a relatively stable condition. For the next 10 days, a high dose of Budesonide AstraZeneca should be administered in combination with the previously used dose of oral corticosteroid.
After this period, the dose of oral corticosteroid should be gradually reduced, for example by 2.5 mg/month of prednisolone or equivalent per month, to the lowest possible level. In many cases, oral corticosteroids can be completely replaced by Budesonide AstraZeneca. For additional information on discontinuation of oral corticosteroids, see section "Special Warnings and Precautions for Use".
Time to Onset of Effect in Bronchial Asthma
After administration of the initial dose, an effect may be expected within a few hours. Full therapeutic effect is achieved only after several weeks of treatment.
Dosing in Acute Exacerbations of COPD
Patients should be treated with a daily dose of 4–8 mg of Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization, divided into two to four doses, until clinical improvement is achieved, but not for longer than 10 days.
The use of nebulized budesonide has not been evaluated in clinical trials involving patients with acute exacerbations of COPD and respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation or admission to intensive care units.
Time to Onset of Effect in Acute Exacerbations of COPD
After inhalation of Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization for treatment of COPD exacerbations, the time to symptom improvement is comparable to that observed with systemic corticosteroids.
Dosing in Croup
For children with croup, the usual dose is 2 mg of nebulized budesonide. This dose may be administered as a single dose or as two doses of 1 mg each, given 30 minutes apart. Administration may be repeated every 12 hours, up to a maximum of 36 hours or until clinical improvement occurs.
For children unable to inhale via a mouthpiece, a face mask may be used.
General Information
Impaired Hepatic or Renal Function
Experience in treating patients with impaired hepatic or renal function is lacking. Since budesonide is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, increased exposure can be expected in patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis.
Dosage Table
| Dose (mg) |
Volume of medicinal product Budesonide AstraZeneca, nebuliser suspension |
|
| 0.25 mg/ml |
0.5 mg/ml |
|
| 0.25 |
1 ml* |
- |
| 0.5 |
2 ml |
- |
| 0.75 |
3 ml |
- |
| 1 |
- |
2 ml |
| 1.5 |
- |
3 ml |
| 2 |
- |
4 ml |
| 4 |
- |
8 ml |
* Dilute to 2 ml with 0.9% saline solution or nebulizer solution, see "Instructions for use and handling".
Method of administration
Instructions for correct use of Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization
Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization is inhaled using a jet nebulizer with a mouthpiece or a suitable breathing mask.
It is important that the patient breathes calmly and evenly through the nebulizer mouthpiece, as budesonide administered as Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization reaches the lungs during inhalation.
After inhalation, patients should rinse their mouth with water to minimize the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
NOTE! It is important to instruct the patient/caregiver to wash the facial skin with water after using a breathing mask to prevent skin irritation.
Ultrasonic nebulizers should not be used, as they deliver a very low dose of budesonide to the patient. The nebulizer and compressor (piston unit) should be adjusted so that the majority of the delivered liquid particles are within the range of 3–5 µm.
In vitro studies have shown that Pari Inhalierboy, Pari Master, and Aiolos-type nebulizers provide comparable budesonide doses.
The amount of budesonide delivered to the patient varies between 11–22% of the dose administered into the nebulizer and depends on the following factors:
- duration of nebulization;
- filling volume;
- technical characteristics of the compressor (piston unit) and nebulizer;
- patient's tidal volume;
- use of a breathing mask or mouthpiece.
The airflow rate passing through the nebulizer is also important. To achieve the maximum possible budesonide dose, the airflow rate should be 5–8 L/min. The filling volume should be 2–4 ml. The delivered dose for children can be maximized by using a breathing mask that fits tightly to the face.
Before opening the single-dose container, it should be gently shaken.
The nebulizer chamber must be cleaned after each use. Wash the chamber, mouthpiece, or breathing mask with warm running water and use a mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and dry the chamber by connecting it to the compressor or air outlet.
See also the nebulizer manufacturer's instructions.
Instructions for use and handling
Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization may be mixed with 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride solution and/or nebulizer solutions containing terbutaline, salbutamol, fenoterol, acetylcysteine, sodium cromoglicate, or ipratropium bromide. The mixture should be used within 30 minutes.
Unused medicinal product or waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national requirements.
Children.
Budesonide AstraZeneca may be used in children as indicated (see sections "Indications" and "Dosage and method of administration").
Overdose.
Acute overdose of Budesonide AstraZeneca suspension for nebulization, even with excessive doses, is unlikely to result in clinically significant problems. However, prolonged use of high doses may lead to systemic glucocorticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression.
Adverse reactions.
Frequency is defined as follows: very common (≥1/10); common (from ≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (from ≥1/1000 to <1/100); rare (from ≥1/10000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10000).
Table 1. Adverse reactions of the medicinal product by organ systems and frequency.
| System organ classes |
Frequency |
Adverse reactions |
| Infections and infestations |
Common |
Oropharyngeal candidiasis, pneumonia (in patients with COPD) |
| Immune system disorders |
Uncommon |
Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions*, including rash, contact dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylactic reaction |
| Endocrine system disorders |
Uncommon |
Signs and symptoms of systemic corticosteroid effects, including adrenal suppression and growth retardation** |
| Eye disorders |
Uncommon |
Cataract*** Blurred vision (see also section "Special warnings and precautions for use") |
| Not known |
Glaucoma |
|
| Psychiatric disorders |
Uncommon |
Anxiety, depression |
| Uncommon |
Restlessness, nervousness, behavioral changes (mainly in children) |
|
| Not known |
Sleep disorders, psychomotor hyperactivity, aggression |
|
| Nervous system disorders |
Uncommon |
Tremor |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders |
Common |
Cough, throat irritation |
| Uncommon |
Bronchospasm, dysphonia, hoarseness |
|
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Uncommon |
Contusion |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders |
Uncommon |
Muscle spasms |
* Facial skin irritation, see below.
** Applies to "Paediatric population", see below.
*** See section "Eye disorders" below.
Occasionally, when inhaled glucocorticosteroids are used, signs or symptoms of systemic glucocorticosteroid side effects may occur. This is likely dependent on dose, duration of exposure, concomitant and previous corticosteroid exposure, as well as individual sensitivity.
Immune system disorders
Occasionally, when a nebulizer with a face mask was used, hypersensitivity reactions such as facial skin irritation have been reported. To prevent irritation, the face should be washed with water after each use of the mask.
Infections and infestations
Due to the risk of candidiasis infections of the mouth and throat, the patient should rinse the mouth with water after each inhalation.
Eye disorders
In placebo-controlled studies, cataract was reported as an uncommon adverse reaction in the placebo group as well.
Psychiatric disorders
In pooled clinical trial data, 13,119 patients received inhaled budesonide and 7,278 patients received placebo. The incidence of anxiety was 0.52% with inhaled budesonide and 0.63% with placebo; the incidence of depression was 0.67% with inhaled budesonide and 1.15% with placebo.
Paediatric population
Due to the risk of growth suppression in children, growth parameters should be monitored regularly (see section "Special warnings and precautions for use").
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after medicine authorization is of great importance. It allows continuous monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicine. Healthcare professionals, pharmacists, patients, and their legal representatives should report all suspected adverse reactions and lack of efficacy through the Automated Pharmacovigilance Information System at the following link: https://aisf.dec.gov.ua.
Shelf life.
24 months.
Use within 3 months after opening the aluminum foil pouches.
If only 1 mL of the suspension has been used, the remaining suspension is no longer sterile and must be immediately discarded.
Storage conditions.
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30 °C. Do not freeze.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Store containers in an upright position.
Store containers in the aluminum foil pouch to protect from light.
Incompatibilities.
Budesonide AstraZeneca Nebuliser Suspension must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those specified in the "Instructions for use and handling" (see section "Method of administration and dosage").
Packaging.
2 mL in a plastic container; 5 containers connected together in an aluminum foil pouch; 4 pouches in a cardboard box.
Prescription status.
Prescription only.
Manufacturer.
AstraZeneca AB.
Manufacturer's address and place of business.
Forskargatan 18, Sodertalje, 151 36, Sweden.