Alvesco

The active ingredient in Alvesco is ciclesonide, which is an inhaled corticosteroid. Its precise mechanism of action in treating asthma is unknown. However, it is believed to directly affect your lungs, reducing the activity of numerous cell types and chemical signals that might cause asthma. This lessens the likelihood of asthma attacks and helps manage asthma.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Alvesco. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Alvesco:

• An asthma attack or acute bronchospasm should not be treated with Alvesco. For an asthma attack, only use a fast-acting bronchodilator like Ventolin HFA (albuterol). If it seems like your asthma meds aren't working as well, let your doctor know.
• Most people use Alvesco twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Observe your physician's advice. After using this drug, rinse your mouth.
• Before using your Alvesco inhaler for the first time or after a lapse of ten days or more, it must be primed. Consult the patient instructions that came with your prescription for details on priming the inhaler.
• If you have just experienced an asthma attack, are undergoing surgery, are ill, or are under stress, your dose requirements may change. Never alter your medication schedule or dosage without first consulting your physician.
• Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue or cloth at least once a week. Do not wash or put any part of your inhaler in water.

The most common side effects of Alvesco include:

• Headaches.
• Stuffy nose or sore throat.
• Oral fungal infection (white patches in your mouth or on your tongue).
• Dry mouth or throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Upper respiratory infection.
• Tiredness.
• Joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Nausea.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Alvesco. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Hives, facial, lip, or tongue swelling, and trouble breathing are signs of a serious allergic reaction.
• Increased risk of breathing difficulties, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, and coughing are signs of sudden airway restriction.
• Weight increase around the abdomen, facial puffiness, arm or leg weakness, bruising easily, stretch marks around the abdomen, fatigue, mood swings, irregular menstruation, nausea, and vomiting are all signs of altered stress hormone levels.
• Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones. This is especially a concern if you have been taking an oral steroid, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to Alvesco.
• Weakened immune system and increased risk of infection.
• Decreased bone mineral density when using an inhaled steroid for a long time.

Disclaimer: These are not all of the possible side effects of Alvesco. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Alvesco, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Tuberculosis (TB).
• An infection of your mouth or throat (such as oral thrush).
• Chickenpox.
• Glaucoma, eye problems, or a history of cataracts.
• Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses.
• Herpes infection of your eyes.
• A personal or family history of osteoporosis.

-Treatment of a sudden asthma attack. Always have a fast-acting bronchodilator medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms.

Your symptoms might not get better for at least four weeks. If your symptoms don't get better, keep taking the medication as prescribed and let your doctor know.

When Alvesco is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin.
• An antifungal medication such as clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole.
• HIV/AIDS medicines like atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and ritonavir.
• Antidepressants such as nefazodone, paroxetine, and sertraline.

Alvesco is an inhalation aerosol that contains 80 mcg or 160 mcg of ciclesonide in each inhalation (actuation).

The typical dose of Alvesco is 80 mcg, 160 mcg, or 320 mcg inhaled twice a day.

Depending on what other asthma drugs you were taking before starting Alvesco, your doctor will choose a starting dose. Your doctor will change your dosage of Alvesco after you start taking it, depending on how effectively it controls your asthma symptoms and whether you experience any adverse effects.

Store the inhaler at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children. Do not expose Alvesco to a heating element, open flame, or temperatures higher than 120°F (49°C), as it may cause the canister to burst.

Covis Pharma is the company that manufactures Alvesco.

There is no generic version of Alvesco available.

You shouldn't abruptly stop using Alvesco. When it comes to tapering your dosage, heed your doctor's advice.

There is not much information on whether Alvesco is safe to use during pregnancy. However, it is known that poorly controlled asthma has many risks for you and your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Alvesco passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.