Special Diets

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time, if you have not used it for more than a week, if you have cleaned it, or if it was dropped. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of each medication.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually as needed. Do not use more than 12 puffs in 24 hours. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval. Using too much of this medication will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects.

To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. See also Precautions section.

Always have quick-relief inhalers with you. Keep track of the number of inhalations you use and discard the inhaler after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the product package. Also count the test sprays used to prime the inhaler.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.