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Alvesco (inhalation)

Generic name: ciclesonide (inhalation) [ sye-KLES-oh-nide ]
Brand name: Alvesco
Drug class: Inhaled corticosteroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 30, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ciclesonide?

Ciclesonide is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Ciclesonide is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 12 years.

Ciclesonide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ciclesonide inhalation side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alvesco may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Alvesco may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ciclesonide inhalation will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.

Before taking this medicine

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ciclesonide.

To make sure ciclesonide inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciclesonide inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether ciclesonide inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ciclesonide inhalation can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

How should I use ciclesonide inhalation?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ciclesonide inhalation will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Ciclesonide inhalation is most often used once daily, in the morning or evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. Rinse your mouth after inhaling this medication.

The inhaler device must be primed before your first use or any time you have not used the inhaler for 10 days or longer. For instructions on how to prime the inhaler, refer to the patient instructions provided with your medication.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor right away if you feel that ciclesonide inhalation makes your condition worse.

You should not stop using ciclesonide inhalation suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of ciclesonide inhalation is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using ciclesonide inhalation?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.

What other drugs will affect ciclesonide inhalation?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ciclesonide inhalation, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ciclesonide inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does Alvesco interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?

Yes, some asthma inhalers can cause a sore throat, irritation and hoarseness due to the active ingredient, like a corticosteroid, depositing on the back of your throat. Using a spacer device, rinsing your mouth with water after your dose and improving your inhaler technique can help reduce the chance for a sore throat. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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