Alvesco (Ciclesonide)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Alvesco?

Alvesco is the commercial name for the drug Ciclesonide, a glucocorticosteroid used to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma. It is applied to both prevent and lessen the effects of asthmatic symptoms. Your ability to breathe is impaired by asthma. Coughing, breathing issues, and wheezing are among asthma symptoms. To make breathing easier, it reduces the swelling of the lungs' airways. When using the aerosol inhaler containing Alvesco, a metered dose is sprayed and the medication enters the lungs through the airway.

Alvesco reduces airway edema over time, which could result in fewer and milder asthma attacks. But, this medication won't be able to stop an ongoing asthma attack. There are two strengths of Alvesco: 80 (mcg) and 160 mcg per dosage.

Uses and Benefits of Alvesco:

• Alvesco for Asthma: Alvesco has FDA approval to help adults and children 12 years of age and older avoid the symptoms of asthma. Alvesco should not be used to treat severe bronchospasm. This medication won’t stop the on-going asthmatic attack.

• Alvesco for COPD: The use of Alvesco to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not yet authorized. The medication can, however, be used off-label for COPD with airway eosinophilia.

• Alvesco use with other drugs: Your doctor might occasionally advise using Alvesco together with another asthma treatment, like a rescue inhaler or oral steroids.

Side Effects of Alvesco:

Mild side effects:

• Headache

• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)

• Sore throat

• Upper respiratory infection, such as a sinus infection

• Oral thrush (a type of fungal infection in your mouth)

Serious side effects:

• Weight gain

• Skin bruises and acne

• Increased risk of infection, such as a bacterial infection

• Allergic reactions

How to use Alvesco?

Alvesco should be taken as directed by your doctor or healthcare professional. When you use the aerosol inhaler that contains ciclesonide to provide a dose, a thin spray of the medication enters your lungs.

Priming the Inhaler: The mouthpiece should be facing away from you while you hold the inhaler upright to prime.

Shake the inhaler lightly, then quickly and forcefully press the canister.

Repeat the process a second time for a total of two puffs.

If more than ten days have passed since you last used your inhaler, you might also need to prime it.

Drug Interactions

Alvesco and other drugs may interact. There are no documented interactions between it and foods, supplements, or plants. Consult with your doctor and pharmacist before using Alvesco.

The concentration of Alvesco's metabolites may rise when used with ketoconazole.This can increase the amount of Alvesco's negative effects or make them worse.Before using Alvesco if you are taking ketoconazole, consult your doctor.

Safety Information:

Discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking Alvesco. If you have certain medical disorders or other health issues, Alvesco might not be the best choice for you. These consist of:

• Issues with the eyes, like glaucoma or cataracts. You could get glaucoma, cataracts, or elevated eye pressure as a result of taking Alvesco.

• A few infections, certain illnesses, such as herpes or tuberculosis, might remain dormant in your body even after you've gotten therapy for them. The usage of Alvesco may reactivate the infections.

• The measles or chickenpox. Your immune system might be compromised by Alvesco. This could make it simpler for you to contract dangerous infections like measles or chickenpox.

• An allergic response.

• If Alvesco is safe to take while pregnant is unknown. Before beginning to take the medication, discuss with your doctor whether you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.

• The safety of using Alvesco while breast-feeding is unknown.

How does Alvesco work?

This drug belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. It lessens the enlargement of the lungs' airways, which facilitates breathing. This medication must be used repeatedly to be effective. Acute asthma episodes shouldn't be treated with it because it takes time to start working.

What to do if you miss a dose of Alvesco?

If you forget, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missing dose. Take the next dose at the appointed time. Do not raise the dose to catch up.

What to do if you overdose on Alvesco?

Call the Poison assistance line right away (for your region, For U.S. 800-222-1222 ), or go to the doctor.

Is Alvesco a steroid?

Pharmaceutical companies invented the corticosteroid. Alvesco, being one of the corticosteroid. It inhibits the body's release of the substances that cause inflammation. Alvesco can be used by adults and children over the age of 12 to prevent asthma attacks.

Is Alvesco a rescue inhaler?

No, it is not a rescue inhaler.

Is Alvesco safe during pregnancy?

The potential harm to an unborn child from breathing ciclesonide is unknown. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medication. It is uncertain if inhaled ciclesonide can damage a breastfeeding baby or if it enters breast milk. Alvesco may be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.