Alvesco (Ciclesonide)

Do’s

• Use Alvesco HFA exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Prime the inhaler with 3 test sprays if it's new or unused for over a week.
• Remove the mouthpiece cover before use.
• Exhale fully before placing the mouthpiece in your mouth and forming a tight seal.
• Inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the canister down.
• Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds after inhaling.
• Use a spacer device if you have difficulty using the inhaler.
• Maintain at least a one-minute gap between puffs if your prescribed dose is two.
• Inhale other medications at least a minute apart, using Alvesco (the corticosteroid) last.
• Gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent mouth dryness, hoarseness, and yeast infections.
• Clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue weekly.

Don'ts

• Don't shake the Alvesco HFA inhaler before use.
• Don't skip doses or use Alvesco more often than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't swallow the rinse water after using the inhaler.
• Don't wet the mouthpiece for cleaning.
• Don't stop using Alvesco without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't be unsure about which inhaler is for daily use (controller) and which is for sudden breathing problems (quick relief). Consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Don't hesitate to discuss worsening symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or peak flow meter reading changes with your healthcare provider.
• Don't delay seeking medical help if your quick-relief inhaler becomes less effective.

It may take up to 24 hours to feel the effects of Alvesco, and several weeks to experience its full benefit. Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve or worsen despite using Alvesco.

Common side effects of Alvesco may include:

• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth, burning, or irritation in the mouth
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Joint pain, back pain
• Headache

Serious side effects of Alvesco are rare but may include:

• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using the medication
• Bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing)
• Sores or white patches in the mouth or throat
• Vision problems, such as tunnel vision or blurred vision
• Worsening asthma symptoms

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Alvesco,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to ciclesonide, other corticosteroids, or Alvesco ingredients.

Disclose your medical history, especially tuberculosis, untreated infections, eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection), liver disease, adrenal gland problems, underactive thyroid, or bone loss (osteoporosis).

If you recently switched from oral steroids to Alvesco, your body's response to stress might be weaker. Inform your healthcare provider before surgery, emergencies, or serious illness/injury. Report unusual fatigue or weight loss. Consider a warning card about your steroid use.

Alvesco may hide infection signs and increase your risk of infections. Avoid those with contagious illnesses and consult your healthcare provider if exposed to an infection.

Long-term use, especially for smokers, those with a family history of osteoporosis, or taking bone-weakening medications (like phenytoin), may affect bone health. Consult your healthcare provider about bone density tests.

Long-term use may slow children's growth, but poorly controlled asthma can also do this. Regular healthcare provider visits to monitor height are important.

Discuss Alvesco use with your healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding as risks and benefits need to be weighed.