Ciclesonide (inhalation)

Ciclesonide is a corticosteroid. It stops the release of substances in the body that lead to inflammation.

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

Ciclesonide may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Ciclesonide (inhalation) will not work quickly enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Inform your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications are not working as well.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, which can make it easier for you to get an infection or worsen an infection you already have or have recently had. Inform your doctor about any illness or infection you have had in the past several weeks.

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

To ensure that ciclesonide (inhalation) is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis;
• an infection of your mouth or throat (such as oral thrush);
• glaucoma or a history of cataracts;
• a herpes infection of your eyes; or
• a personal or family history of osteoporosis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciclesonide (inhalation) will harm an unborn baby. Inform 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. Inform 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 ciclesonide.

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.

Ciclesonide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat;
• vision problems, such as tunnel vision or blurred vision; or
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Common side effects of ciclesonide may include:

• unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• dry mouth, burning or irritation in your mouth;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• hoarse voice;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• joint pain, back pain; or
• headache.

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.

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.

Use the medication as soon as you remember that you missed a dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Taking too much ciclesonide (inhalation) is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. However, using high doses of steroids for a long time can cause issues like thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or a loss of interest in sex.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These illnesses can be serious or even deadly for people using steroid medication.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are using and any that you start or stop while you are being treated with ciclesonide (inhalation), especially:

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;
• an antifungal medication--clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;
• HIV/AIDS medicine--atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir (Norvir); or
• an antidepressant such as nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline.

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.