Alvesco (Ciclesonide)

What is Alvesco?

Alvesco (ciclesonide) is a corticosteroid used to prevent the release of substances which cause inflammation in the body.

What is Alvesco used for?

Alvesco is used for the treatment of asthma attacks. It can be prescribed to adults and children who are above 12 years old.

How does Alvesco work?

Alvesco is part of a group of drugs known as corticosteroids. This drug works by reducing the inflammation in the airways of the lungs. This in turn makes breathing easier and hence helps in the treatment of asthma.

How to use Alvesco

Alvesco should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Using the medication in larger amounts may increase side effects. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Alvesco should be inhaled by your mouth unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. If the inhaler has not been used for a while, release three puffs into the air to ensure that the inhaler is primed for use. While inhaling, try and breathe as normally as you can. Put your lips around the mouthpiece. Press down the canister slowly with your finger while taking in a deep breath. For best results, hold your breath for 10 seconds to ensure that the medicine gets into your lungs.

Do not stop your dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Alvesco warnings and precautions

Alvesco is not administered to patients who are allergic to corticosteroids.

Discuss with your doctor if you have a medical history of mouth or throat infection, tuberculosis, glaucoma or a family history of osteoporosis or any liver disease.

Using medications like this for prolonged periods may cause the bones to become weak. It has harmful effects especially on smokers and people with a family history of osteoporosis. You may opt for a bone density test to check whether this drug will affect your bones or not.

You should observe caution while administering this medicine to children as this medicine may temporarily affect growth of children. Keep a close watch on your children’s height from time to time.

Taking too much of this drug during pregnancy may result in your baby having a deficiency of the corticosteroid hormone. Hence, it is always advisable for pregnant mothers to discuss with your doctor before taking this drug.

Since, this drug is known to pass into breast milk, consult your doctor before taking this drug.

What do I do if I have missed a Alvesco dose?

If you have missed an Alvesco dose, use it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not use a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Alvesco overdose?

If you have used an overdose of Alvesco, consult your doctor, though the medication is unlikely to cause overdose symptoms.

Alvesco interactions

Alvesco is known to react with drugs such as natalizumab. Hence it is advised that you consult the doctor immediately if you are using this medicine.

Also share with your doctor your medical history and tell him whether you are using any non-prescription or herbal drugs such as bupropion, quinolone antibiotics, aldesleukin, and drugs which affect the removal process of this drug from your body.

You should not start using a skin product or medication without consulting your doctor.

Alvesco side effects

Side effects from Alvesco include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. You may also experience wheezing, sores and white patches on your face and mouth, worsening vision and asthma problems.

A bad taste in your mouth, headache, backache, skin rashes and dryness of mouth constitute some of the less serious side effects of Alvesco.