any lainak's List: Asthma

Most important fact about Beclovent
Beclomethasone is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief, but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.

How should you take Beclovent?
To use the inhaler:
1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
2. Shake the inhaler thoroughly.
3. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat.
4. Breathe out as fully as you comfortably can. Hold the inhaler upright and close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below it.
5. While pressing down on the can, inhale deeply. Hold your breath as long as you can.
6. Take your finger off the can, remove the inhaler, and breathe out gently.
7. Allow at least 1 minute between inhalations.

Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness and throat irritation. Do not swallow the water after you rinse.Be careful to avoid spraying the medication into your eyes. This medication comes with directions. Read them carefully before using it.

What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Beclovent.

* Side effects may include:Acne, agitation, allergic reactions, breathing problems, bruising, cataracts, chest pain, cold sores, cough, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, ear infections, fever, fluid retention, flu-like symptoms, headache, hives, hoarseness, increased pressure within the eye (glaucoma), itching, joint pain, light-headedness, mental disturbances, moon face, mouth or throat infection, muscle pain, nasal and throat dryness and irritation, nasal burning, nausea, nose infection, nosebleed, pain, pinkeye, "pins and needles" sensation

Flovent Aerosol Inhaler is used for:
Preventing or reducing the frequency and seriousness of bronchial asthma attacks. Flovent Aerosol Inhaler does not help during an acute asthma attack.Flovent Aerosol Inhaler is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammatory reactions in the airways in response to allergens and irritants in the air.

How to use Flovent Aerosol Inhaler:
Use Flovent Aerosol Inhaler as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Flovent Aerosol Inhaler. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* If needed, prime the inhaler according to the directions in the extra patient leaflet.
* For best results, the canister should be at room temperature before use.
* Before using Flovent Aerosol Inhaler, be sure that the canister is properly placed in the inhaler unit. Shake well before each use. Breathe out slowly and completely. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time. This will release a dose of Flovent Aerosol Inhaler. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips or your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above steps. Keep the spray away from your eyes.
* After inhaling, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing.
* Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty.
* Continue to use Flovent Aerosol Inhaler even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Flovent

Proventil is used for:
Treating breathing problems in patients who have asthma or certain other airway diseases. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Proventil is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway, which allows air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

How to use Proventil:
Use Proventil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Proventil. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Proventil is for inhalation only. Do not get it in the eyes. If you get Proventil in the eyes, rinse immediately with cool tap water.
* Remove a vial from the foil pouch. Place the remaining vials back into the pouch for storage.
* Do not use Proventil if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
* To use Proventil , twist open the top of the vial and pour the entire contents into the nebulizer reservoir.
* Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
* Sit in a comfortable, upright position. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth (or put on the face mask) and turn on the nebulizer.
* Breathe as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (about 5 to 15 minutes).
* Clean the nebulizer according to the instructions. Failure to properly clean the nebulizer could lead to bacteria entering the medicine. This may lead to an infection. To avoid bacteria entering the medicine, use the entire contents right after opening the vial for the first time.
* Do not stop using Proventil without checking with your doctor.
* Do not mix this medicine with other medicines in the nebulizer unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
* If you miss a dose of Proventil and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If several

What is the most important information I should know about Pulmicort?
* Pulmicort will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.
* Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are taking Pulmicort.
* Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.
* Use Pulmicort on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.
* It is very important that you use your Pulmicort inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler or nebulizer use.
* Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is Pulmicort?
* Pulmicort is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
* Pulmicort is used to prevent asthma attacks.
* Pulmicort may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use Pulmicort?
* Before using Pulmicort, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body"s ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use Pulmicort if you have an infection.
* Pulmicort will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Pulmicort to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.
* Pulmicort is in the FDA pregnancy B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this

Singulair is used for:
Prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. It is also used to relieve allergy symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It works by blocking a substance called leukotriene, which helps to decrease certain asthma and allergy symptoms.

How to use Singulair:
Use Singulair as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Singulair . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Singulair may be taken with or without food.
* Continue to use Singulair even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Singulair , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Singulair.

Possible side effects of Singulair:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Cough; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach upset or pain; stuffy nose; tiredness; trouble sleeping; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; agitation; dark urine; fever; flu-like symptoms; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; new or worsening wheezing or other breathing problems; numbness or tingling of hands or feet; seizures; severe or persistent stomach pain; severe sinus inflammation; swelling; unusual bruising or bleeding; upper respiratory tract infection; yellowing of the skin or eyes.