Azmacort

What is Azmacort

Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Azmacort is used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions involving inflammation of the lung tissues.

Azmacort may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Azmacort

Azmacort will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.

Use Azmacort 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 the triamcinolone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler 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 you should discuss with your doctor before using Azmacort

Before using this medication, 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 the body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use Azmacort if you have an infection.

Azmacort will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Azmacort to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.

Azmacort is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Azmacort will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Do not use Azmacort without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Azmacort is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

How should you use Azmacort

Use Azmacort exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with the inhaler. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), or bitolterol (Tornalate), use the bronchodilator first, then use the Azmacort. Using the medications in this order will allow more triamcinolone to reach the lungs.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place the inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use the inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

To reduce the chance of a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth after using Azmacort.

It is very important that you use the triamcinolone inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of triamcinolone. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Azmacort will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.

Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed. Azmacort is not a substitute for an oral steroid.

If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to Azmacort, carry or wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.

Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.

What should you avoid while using Azmacort

Avoid items or activities that you know are known allergens. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

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 using Azmacort.

Possible side effects of Azmacort

Serious side effects from Azmacort are not likely to occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Azmacort and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- numbness, tingling, or pain;
- a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or
- worsening respiratory symptoms.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Azmacort and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dryness of the mouth, nose, or throat after use;
- yeast (or another) infection in the mouth or throat (white patches);
- hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
- wheezing;
- increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
- headache or lightheadedness;
- unpleasant (or loss of taste) or smell;
- decreased growth in children taking large doses; or
- cataracts, which may develop after long-term use.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Azmacort

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral, nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Azmacort or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.