Azmacort

Generic name: Triamcinolone Inhalation
Drug class: Glucocorticoids

Usage of Azmacort

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

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

Azmacort may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Azmacort side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;

wheezing or breathing problems after using Azmacort;

skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

pain or burning when you urinate;

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);

worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;

joint or muscle pain;

dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or

hoarseness or deepened voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Azmacort

Before using Azmacort, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use Azmacort until you are well.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Azmacort passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Azmacort without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Triamcinolone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Azmacort.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.

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How to use Azmacort

Use Azmacort exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Azmacort comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not use Azmacort to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using Azmacort. Do not swallow.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

It is important to use Azmacort regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using Azmacort for 2 weeks.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to Azmacort inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency. Store Azmacort at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.

What other drugs will affect Azmacort

There may be other drugs that can interact with Azmacort. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Popular FAQ

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Steroid prescription creams or ointments like high-potency triamcinolone 0.5% may be helpful during the first few days of a poison ivy rash on a small area, but have little effect once the fluid-filled blisters have appeared. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like hydrocortisone cream 1% are not usually strong enough for poison ivy. Your doctor may prescribe oral prednisone pills for a more severe rash. Continue reading

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Topical clobetasol and triamcinolone are both classified as super-high to high potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) medicines used on the skin. They are used to treat skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and serious allergic reactions. Most products are available as a generic option. Continue reading

Which topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) product is best for you depends upon what skin condition you have, your symptoms and where it is located on your body. Other selection factors may include availability, cost and if the medicine is covered by your insurance. After examination, your doctor will be able to determine which topical steroid is best to treat your skin condition. Continue reading

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