Drug Name

Rhinocort (Budesonide)

Drug Uses

Rhinocort is used for treating nasal allergy symptoms, including runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Rhinocort as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Rhinocort is for use in the nose.
Shake well before each use.
Before using Rhinocort for the first time, gently shake the container and prime the pump 8 times.
Clear your nose before using Rhinocort. You may sniff gently to distribute the medicine into your nose, but do not breathe deeply.
If Rhinocort is used daily, the pump does not need to be reprimed. If it is not used for 2 consecutive days, reprime it with 1 spray or until a fine mist appears.
If Rhinocort is not used for more than 14 days, rinse the applicator and reprime it with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears.
Use Rhinocort on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Continue to use Rhinocort even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Throw the bottle away after 120 sprays following the priming of the bottle. You may not get the correct amount of medication in each spray after a certain number of uses. Do not transfer any remaining suspension to another bottle.
If you miss a dose of Rhinocort, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Rhinocort is a corticosteroid. It works by shrinking swollen and inflamed nasal tissue, and by blocking the action of certain cells and chemicals of the immune system.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Rhinocort, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in an upright position. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep Rhinocort out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Rhinocort if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Rhinocort;
• you are taking mifepristone.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances;
• if you have a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection; chickenpox; tuberculosis; a positive tuberculosis (TB) skin test; measles; diarrhea; nasal ulcer, surgery, or trauma; or herpes infection in the eye; or if you have had a recent vaccine.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• bad taste; coughing; headache; hoarseness; nasal irritation or dryness; nausea; sore throat; tightness in the lungs.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); continuing nose discomfort; increased pressure in the eye; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); nosebleeds or soreness; pounding in the chest.

More Information

If you have any questions about Rhinocort, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Rhinocort is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.