Microsoft word - v-48 inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.docx

Inhaled Corticosteroids For Asthma
Corticosteroids (CORE te co STAIR oids), also called inhaled steroids, are medicines that prevent asthma flare-ups. Your child breathes them into his or her lungs. They are also called “controller” medicines because they help control asthma symptoms. They must be used every day. Symptoms should get better in 2 to 3 weeks. Brand Names For This Medicine
Advair® Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) How This Medicine Works
Your child breathes these medicines into his lungs to treat asthma. They help reduce swelling in the airways on a daily basis and help prevent flare-ups. They may not help your child during an asthma flare-up, but your child should still use the medicine during episodes that have increased symptoms. During an asthma flare-up, your child must use a “rescue” inhaler like albuterol (ProAir® HFA or Proventil® HFA) if he is having asthma symptoms. How To Give This Medicine
Read the label carefully and make sure you are giving your child the right dose. It is easy to confuse the many different dosage forms and strengths. Give the exact dose of medicine that your child’s doctor ordered. Stay with your child until he has used the right dose of medicine. Shake this medicine before giving it if it is a High Flow Actuator (HFA)also known as an inhaler or puffer, or liquid for use in a nebulizer. Do not shake this medicine if it is a dry powder inhaler. It is very important to give the medicine every day as ordered, even if your child is feeling fine. Do not change doses or stop the medicine without talking to your child’s doctor. After each dose, your child should rinse his mouth with water or brush his teeth to wash Keep track of the remaining doses. It is important to keep a record of when the medicine is given. You may use a calendar or the Helping Hand: Medication Record, HH-V-1. Get this prescription refilled at least _____ days before the last dose is given. This is very

HH-V-48 11/11
Copyright 1981-2011, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma Page 2 of 4 If You Forget To Give A Dose
If you forget to give your child a dose of this medicine, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not give the missed dose at all. Instead, go back to your child’s regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about this, check with your child's doctor or pharmacist. Medicine Storage
Store all medicine out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it in a dark, dry place (not in the bathroom or above the kitchen sink). This medicine does not work as well when kept in a light or humid place. Do not keep this medicine in the refrigerator. Store it at room temperature. Keep this medicine away from heat or direct sunlight. Do not use this medicine after the expiration date printed on the container. Check the label on your child’s medicine. Each medicine container has directions to throw it away after being open for 30 to 60 days, even if the medicine is not gone. Drug Interactions
This medicine should not be taken with these foods, products, or medicines: Tobacco products – your child should not smoke. Smoking irritates the lungs and will make the asthma worse. No one should smoke around your child because of the dangers of second-hand smoke. If your child is taking any other medicine or herbal supplements, tell the doctor and pharmacist. Some medicines for diabetes and diuretics (water pills) may affect how inhaled steroids control your child’s asthma. Warnings
If your child is allergic to the ingredients in these medicines, he or she should not take the medicine. Call the doctor right away. Asthma is a disease that always changes. If your child’s asthma symptoms seem to be Special Note For Female Patients
If a patient thinks she might be pregnant, she should tell the doctor before she begins If a patient is breast-feeding her baby, she should tell her doctor before she begins taking Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma Page 3 of 4 Possible Side Effects
Sore throat Thrush (white spots in the mouth) Dry mouth Hoarse voice What to Do About Side Effects
If a skin rash occurs, call your child's doctor. Your child should brush his teeth or drink water after each dose. This will prevent thrush and a sore throat. When To Call For Emergency Help
Your child has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue, swelling of hands, feet, or ankles. Your child’s breathing is not getting better during an asthma flare-up. Your child’s lips or fingernails turn blue or gray. When To Call The Doctor
Your child is having a severe asthma attack. Your child is exposed to chickenpox or shingles. Your child is having any side effects that continue or are very bothersome. Other Advice About The Medicine
Tell the doctor and pharmacist if your child has an allergic reaction to any medicine. If you carry any medicine in your purse, keep it in its childproof bottle. Keep your purse Take all your child's medicines with you in the original bottles whenever he sees a doctor, goes to an emergency room, or is admitted to the hospital. This helps doctors who may not know your child. Learn the name, spelling and dose of this medicine. Also, teach your child if he is old enough. You will need to know this information when you call your child’s doctor or pharmacist. If your child takes too much of this medicine, or if someone else takes this medicine, first call the Central Ohio Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 (TTY 614-228-2272). They will tell you what to do. Do not stop giving this medicine or change the amount given without first talking with your child's doctor or pharmacist. Taking the same amount of medicine at the same times every day helps control your child’s asthma symptoms and prevents an asthma flare-up. Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma Page 4 of 4 The doctor has prescribed this medicine for your child only. Do not give it to anyone Do not give expired medicine. Call the doctor’s office if refills are needed. When your child goes to the dentist, be sure to tell the dentist what medicines your child Tell your child's teacher, school nurse, coach, babysitter, and others that your child is taking this medicine and what side effects to watch for. Your child’s medicine comes with a patient information sheet. Make sure the pharmacist gives it to you and that you read it. Call your child’s doctor or pharmacist with any questions about the medicine. Follow-Up Visits
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your child's doctor, nurse or pharmacist. You can expect to have regular follow-up visits with your child's doctor every 3 to 6 Write down all your questions as you think of them. Bring this list with you when you Be sure to call your child’s doctor if you cannot keep an appointment. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Source: http://kiddiewest.com/wp-content/documents/Helping%20Hands/Diseases%20Conditions%20and%20Surgeries/Inhaled%20Corticosteroids%20for%20Asthma.pdf