CDHB

Budesonide, glycopyrronium and formoterol

bew-dess-oh-nide, gly-coh-pi-roh-nee-um and for-mot-er-ol

What does it do?

Budesonide, glycopyrronium and formoterol help to prevent symptoms of COPD. Budesonide is a steroid medicine that reduces the swelling of your airways and glycopyrronium and formoterol open narrowed airways, making it easier to breathe.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis (weak bones).
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Inhale budesonide, glycopyrronium and formoterol regularly as directed by your healthcare professional. It works best when you use it every day. Rinse your mouth after use.

If you need quick relief from breathing problems, use your ‘reliever’ medicine (e.g. salbutamol or terbutaline).

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inhale your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, inhale the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

Important information continues on next page.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, dizziness or fainting

Tell your doctor

Small white sores in mouth, furry tongue (oral thrush)

Tell your health professional

Dry mouth or throat, hoarse voice

Shaking, muscle cramps

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Do not stop using your inhaler without talking to your doctor first.
  • Using inhalers can very rarely make breathing worse. Discuss this with your healthcare professional.
  • Long-term use of budesonide may rarely cause effects such as: round face, change in body shape, change in hair growth, thin skin, weak bones, increased risk of infection, increased blood pressure, changes in vision, and diabetes – discuss with your healthcare professional.
  • Take care not to get the spray from your glycopyrronium inhaler in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.