Budesonide is prescribed as a preventative measure for symptoms of asthma. When used regularly, this medication works to reduce inflammation in the airways. Over time, this reduces the risk and severity of asthma attacks.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that narrows and irritates the airways of the lungs. Even though asthma affects nearly 24 million Americans every year, it is non-contagious. Instead, the disease often develops early in childhood and continues on into adulthood.

Asthma develops over an individual’s lifetime and may vary in severity from person to person. Most people experience asthma symptoms during an “asthma attack” – an episode triggered potentially triggered by the factors above – that results in sensations commonly associated with the condition.

These common symptoms include:

• Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath
  
• Coughing episodes
  
• Wheezing while exhaling (a sort of whistling rasp as you breathe out)
  
• Chest tightness
  

More severe cases of asthma may cause chronic problems such as:

• Difficulty sleeping
  
• Frequent asthma attacks
  
• Increased need for an inhaler (especially after physical activity)
  

It is important to note that budesonide is used to prevent respiratory symptoms of asthma. It should not be used to treat asthma attacks that are currently happening.

Budesonide has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from budesonide use include:

• Body aches
  
• Chills/ fever
  
• Headache
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  
• Sore throat
  
• Thrush
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Loss of appetite
  

This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects caused by budesonide. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, skin rash, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, severe headaches, or confusion, contact your doctor immediately.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with budesonide. Budesonide can also interact with other forms of medication and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with budesonide. If you become pregnant while taking budesonide, notify your health care provider immediately.

The typical starting dose of budesonide will depend on the method of administration. Budesonide is commonly supplied as an oral inhalant powder or suspension. Talk to your health care provider about the best way to take this medication.

Oral inhalant: Adults and children over 12 should take one puff of budesonide from their inhaler twice a day. This dosage may increase as needed.

Suspension: Budesonide liquid suspension is most often prescribed for children between 12 months to 8 years of age. In most cases, .5 to 1 mg is taken via a nebulizer per day. The medication may be administered once a day or divided into two doses and given twice a day. Your doctor will determine the amount and frequency of budesonide dosage for your child.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of budesonide without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Budesonide is currently only available via prescription. This means that the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not budesonide might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for budesonide to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.