Budesonide is used to prevent and treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat, sneezing). It is also used to treat growths in the nose (nasal polyps) or to prevent their return after removal by surgery. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Unscrew and lift off the cover. Hold the inhaler upright. Load the inhaler with a dose by turning the grip as far as it will go in one direction and then turning it back as far as it will go in the other direction. Do not shake the inhaler. Breathe out. Place the nasal adapter so the nostril fits snugly around the adapter. Block the other nostril with a finger. Sniff quickly and forcefully. Remove the inhaler from your nostril, then breathe out. Repeat for the other nostril. If more than 1 inhalation has been prescribed, repeat these steps. Always replace the cover properly after using the inhaler.

After the inhaler is loaded, if you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the inhaler, you will lose your dose. If this happens, you should load a new dose and inhale it.

To clean your inhaler, wipe the outside of the nasal adapter once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water or other liquids. Do not take the inhaler apart.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Younger children may need a smaller dose and help from an adult to use this medication properly. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed.

This medication does not work right away. Some people will feel this medication working within 1 to 2 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should also use other medications (such as nose drops/spray, allergy drugs taken by mouth) along with this drug until it takes full effect.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 3 weeks or if it gets worse.

Temporary nose/throat dryness or irritation, cough, sneezing, nosebleeds, nasal crusting, and unpleasant taste/smell may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• loss of taste or smell
• pain/sores in your nose

Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• unusual/extreme tiredness
• weight loss
• headache
• swelling ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• vision problems

Corticosteroids may weaken the body's ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. This effect might also rarely occur with corticosteroids inhaled through the nose (such as budesonide). The risk may be increased if high doses are used, especially when used for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, ear pain, fever, chills, white patches inside the nose or on the back of the throat).

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• wheezing/trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using nasal budesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts)
• infections (including tuberculosis)
• recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)

Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using nasal budesonide. Rarely, infants born to mothers who have been using corticosteroids (including budesonide) for a long time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if nasal budesonide passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Nasal budesonide might also pass into breast milk in very small amounts that are unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Check all prescription medicine labels carefully since similar medications (other corticosteroids such as prednisone) may increase your risk of side effects if taken together with this drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medications.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Avoid substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and smoke) that can worsen allergy symptoms.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature with the protective cover in place. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.