Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh).
Asthma control: Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) is not for use as a "reliever" medication. If you start developing an asthma attack, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you find you are using your "reliever" medications (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol) more often or if they are not working as well as they used to. This may mean your asthma is not controlled. Your doctor may want you to temporarily change the dose of ciclesonide or may start you on an oral corticosteroid.
Bone problems: When used for long periods of time, Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) may reduce bone density and increase the risk of developing Osteoporosis. Your doctor may monitor for this periodically.
Breathing problems: If you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing right after using Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh), use your "reliever" medication (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline, or formoterol) and stop using Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) and contact your doctor.
Eye problems: Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) may increase the risk of Cataracts, increased pressure in the eye, and Glaucoma when used for long periods of time. Your doctor will monitor you by checking your eyes periodically.
Infections: Infections such as Chickenpox and Measles can be more serious in people taking medications such as ciclesonide. If you are exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles, contact your doctor.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) to build up in the body, causing side effects. Although this is not usually a problem if you have mildly-to-moderately reduced liver function, the effect of Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) on people with severely reduced liver function has not been determined. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh).
Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene, such as rinsing your mouth with water after using Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh), helps reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection of the mouth or throat ( called "thrush"). Using a spacer device with the inhaler can also reduce how much medication stays in your mouth. If you develop symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor.
Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking oral steroid medication during the last several months, consult your doctor before using Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh). In times of stress or during a severe asthma attack, your doctor may want you to start your steroid medication again.
Stopping medication: Do not stop Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) abruptly, as this may cause the cough and difficulty breathing to return. When Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually, as directed by your doctor.
Pregnancy: Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if ciclesonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Alvesco (Ciclesonide-inh) have not been established for children less than 6 years of age.
