Chemical Name: FLUNISOLIDE (floo-NISS-oh-lide)
Common uses
Aerobid-M is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. Aerobid-M is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Consult your physician or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting or severe dizziness. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions such as: glaucoma, cataracts, and any illnesses or infections. Inform your physician of any recent exposure to contagious diseases such as chickenpox or measles. Also, tell your physician about any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Aerobid-M. Aerobid-M may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using Aerobid-M. Before using Aerobid-M, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and shake well. Each time a new inhaler is used turn the canister away from the face and press down into the mouthpiece to release test sprays into the air. This process is called priming and will allow you to be sure the inhaler is working properly and will provide a full dose of medicine. Exhale slowly and deeply. Unless your physician has told you otherwise, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your physician may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of Aerobid-M. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through the nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. Rinse your mouth or gargle with water after using Aerobid-M to prevent mouth sores or bad taste. Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. Store Aerobid-M at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn the canister even if it appears to be empty. Should you skip or forget a dose of Aerobid-M, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Warnings
Do not use Aerobid-M if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Aerobid-M will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. After you begin using Aerobid-M, a few weeks may pass before the full benefit is obtained. Continue to use it as directed during this time. IMPORTANT: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your physician or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Aerobid-M. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Aerobid-M. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Aerobid-M may affect growth rate in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using Aerobid-M. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Aerobid-M during pregnancy. The effects of Aerobid-M on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Aerobid-M, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects that could disappear while taking Aerobid-M include headache, dry mouth, hoarseness, or irritated throat. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience white curd-like patches in mouth, or rash. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve after regular use of Aerobid-M or if your asthma becomes worse, contact your physician. If you switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone tablets) to an inhaler within the last 12 months, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your possible need of supplemental steroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack. Do not let anyone else use Aerobid-M. Do not take Aerobid-M to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. Always have a spare inhaler available in case the unit malfunctions or is empty. If using Aerobid-M for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
