If you have asthma, your doctor might suggest Pulmicort as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription medication that’s used to treat asthma in adults and some children.

It’s important to note that Pulmicort is used to prevent asthma symptoms. It’s not a rescue inhaler and shouldn’t be used to treat an asthma attack.

Pulmicort is a drug that is inhaled by mouth.

  • Pulmicort Flexhaler is a dry powder.
  • Pulmicort Respules is a liquid solution that comes inside small plastic containers and is used with a nebulizer.

Budesonide is the active ingredient in Pulmicort. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

If Pulmicort works to treat asthma symptoms, you will most likely be recommended to take it for a long time.

For more information about Pulmicort, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article on the drug. Like other drugs, Pulmicort can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some of the more common side effects reported by people in studies who took Pulmicort are listed below. The side effects of a drug can vary depending on the form of the drug.

More common side effects in people using Pulmicort Flexhaler include:

More common side effects in people using Pulmicort Respules include:

  • Infections such as upper respiratory infections, viral infections, and ear infectionss.
  • The nose is not straight.
  • cough

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Some people can experience mild side effects from plicort. Side effects can be different depending on the form of Pulmicort you use.

Mild side effects that can occur with Pulmicort can be found.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using Pulmicort.”

Pulmicort may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the prescribing information for Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Pulmicort, visit MedWatch.

Some people may have serious side effects from plicort. Pulmicort Flexhaler and Pulmicort Respules have been reported to have serious side effects.

  • The weakened immune system can lead to infections.
  • paradoxical bronchospasm (tightening of your airways after taking a dose of Pulmicort)
  • The bones were weakened.
  • eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts
  • Your hormones are decreased by your adrenal glands.
  • Growth in children slowed.
  • severe allergic reaction*

If you develop serious side effects while taking Pulmicort, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Get answers to questions about Pulmicort.

Are Pulmicort’s side effects in adults different than those in children?

It is possible. Pulmicort has the same side effects in both adults and children.

In rare cases, Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules may cause Growth in children slowed.. For more information, see the “Side effects in children” section below.

There are some mild and serious side effects that can occur in adults and children using Pulmicort.

Is anxiety a side effect of Pulmicort?

It’s possible that Pulmicort may cause anxiety. This wasn’t reported as a side effect during studies of Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules. But after Pulmicort was approved for use, people reported mood changes while using the drug, including anxiety. But it’s not known whether these mood changes were caused by Pulmicort or something else.

If you notice any changes in your demeanor, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine what is causing your symptoms and how to treat them.

Is the Pulmicort Turbuhaler available? If so, what are its side effects?

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is not currently available. Budesonide is an active drug in Pulmicort Respules and Pulmicort Flexhaler. The Pulmicort Flexhaler was the replacement for the Pulmicort Turbuhaler.

If you have questions about the Pulmicort form that is right for you, you should talk to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the Pulmicort form that is right for you.

Pulmicort Flexhaler can be used in children. Pulmicort Respules can be used in children.

Pulmicort causes similar side effects in both adults and children. Children may experience slowed growth because of the side effects of Pulmicort.

Studies show that corticosteroids such as Pulmicort may cause slowed growth rates in children and teenagers. But it’s not known whether this may affect their height as adults.

Pulmicort Respules are only used in children. Side effects that may occur in children are reported for this form of Pulmicort. The list of common, mild, and serious side effects can be found here.

Pulmicort may cause some side effects.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds may occur in some people using Pulmicort. This side effect was reported in some children using Pulmicort Respules in studies. And this side effect wasn’t reported in children or adults using Pulmicort Flexhaler in studies.

What might help

If your child has frequent nosebleeds, talk to their doctor. Their doctor may suggest ways to prevent them. This may include using OTC products to help prevent nose problems.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth or throat, is possible during Pulmicort treatment. In studies, this was a common side effect in people using either Pulmicort Respules or Pulmicort Flexhaler.

Symptoms of oral thrush can be seen.

  • There is redness at the corners of your mouth.
  • When swallowing
  • There are white spots on your tongue or cheeks.
  • Your mouth is red.

What might help

“After taking a Pulmicort dose, rinse your mouth. You want to spit out the water so you don’t swallow it.”

If you have symptoms of thrush, see your doctor. They can prescribe a medication to treat your infections. If you have a severe case of thrush, your doctor may have you stop using Pulmicort.

Sore throat

Some people may have a sore throat during their Pulmicort treatment. In fact, sore throat was one of the most common side effects people using Pulmicort Flexhaler reported in studies.

In studies of Pulmicort Respules, sore throat was not reported.

What might help

If you experience a sore throat during your Pulmicort treatment, tell your doctor. They can check whether your sore throat is from Pulmicort or is a symptom of an infection, such as strep throat.

If you experience a sore throat often during your treatment with Pulmicort, your doctor may recommend ways to prevent or reduce it. They may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication or use throat lozenges.

Allergic reaction

Pulmicort can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergic reaction to Pulmicort, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have had a serious allergic reaction to Pulmicort, they may want you to switch to another treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your Pulmicort treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Pulmicort affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have certain medical conditions, plicort may not be right for you. These are drug-condition interactions. Pulmicort is a good treatment option if you have other factors to consider.

Before starting Pulmicort, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Active infections. Pulmicort may weaken your immune system. If you have an infection that’s active (causing symptoms), using Pulmicort may make your infection worse. Talk with your doctor about any infections you may have so they can be treated before you start using Pulmicort.

Herpes infection in your eye. Pulmicort may raise your risk of infection. If you have a herpes infection in your eye, Pulmicort may make your condition worse. Or if you’ve had this condition before, using Pulmicort may cause your symptoms to return. If you’ve had a herpes infection in your eye before, talk with your doctor before using Pulmicort. They can determine whether this drug is safe for you.

Tuberculosis. Before using Pulmicort, tell your doctor if you’ve had tuberculosis (TB). Pulmicort may weaken your immune system, which could cause TB to become active (cause symptoms) again. If you’ve had TB before, talk with your doctor. They can tell you more about whether they would recommend TB testing or treatment before using Pulmicort.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Pulmicort or any of its ingredients, including if you have an allergy to milk protein, your doctor will likely not prescribe Pulmicort. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Weakened bones. Pulmicort can cause The bones were weakened.. If you already have a condition that causes The bones were weakened. or low bone mineral density, using Pulmicort could make your condition worse. It may even raise your risk of fractures. If you have a condition that affects your bones, talk with your doctor before using Pulmicort. They may have you take a calcium supplement or another medication to strengthen your bones while you use Pulmicort.

Certain eye problems. Pulmicort can cause eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. If you already have eye problems, using Pulmicort may make your condition worse. So, if you have eye problems, your doctor may monitor your eyes closely during your Pulmicort treatment. If you notice any changes in your vision while using Pulmicort, tell your doctor.

Liver problems. If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before using Pulmicort. Your liver is responsible for clearing Pulmicort from your body. If your liver isn’t working properly, Pulmicort levels could build up in your body. This may raise your risk of side effects. If you have liver problems, your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take Pulmicort.

Not being immunized against chickenpox or measles. Pulmicort can raise your risk of infection. If you haven’t received vaccines for viruses such as chickenpox or measles, using Pulmicort could raise your risk of these infections. It could also make these infections more serious if you do get them. Before using Pulmicort, talk with your doctor about any vaccines you may need.

Alcohol and Pulmicort

It is safe to drink alcohol while using Pulmicort. Pulmicort may be worsened by drinking alcohol.

In addition, drinking alcohol may be a trigger for asthma symptoms in some people.

If you drink alcohol, you should talk to your doctor about how much you should drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Pulmicort

Pulmicort is considered safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The drug hasn’t been found to raise the risk of complications if used during pregnancy. In fact, doctors often prescribe budesonide (the active drug in Pulmicort) to pregnant people over alternatives due to its long safety record when used during pregnancy.

Budesonide is in breast milk. There have been no reported side effects in children who have been exposed to Pulmicort.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, you should talk with your doctor.

Side effects can be caused by Pulmicort. Mild side effects are usually the only side effects that are serious.

Before you start treatment with Pulmicort, you should talk to your doctor about any questions you have. Some examples can help you start.

  • Is my other medical conditions a reason for my higher risk of side effects?
  • Do my other drugs increase my risk of Pulmicort side effects?
  • What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Pulmicort?
  • Pulmicort has side effects that are similar to those of other asthma treatments.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.