- Used to prevent the symptoms of asthma
- Used for adults and for children over 12
Alvesco is the brand name for the generic drug Ciclesonide manufactured by Nycomed US. It is a corticosteroid and it is available in pressured, metered dose, CFC-free aerosols of 80 mcg and 160 mcg.
Indications
Alvesco is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma and it clears the airways so the person can breathe a lot easier and any swelling or irritation does not lead to a full blown asthma attack. It is used to treat adults as well as children over 12.
Action
This drug is used to prevent and control the symptoms of asthma, not to relieve it once the attack sets it – for that, you will need a bronchodilator. This drug is an inhaled corticosteroid which mimics the hormone that is produced in the body to control any inflammation. As it is directly targeted into the lungs, the relief is immediate. It should be taken at the first signs of discomfort so that the airways get normal again. It should be used to prevent the onset of an asthma attack by all those who suffer from this condition.
Side Effects
This drug does cause side effects in some cases. While most of them are mild, some could be serious so it is always best to consult a doctor no matter how minor the side effect is. There could be dry mouth, a bad taste in the mouth, mouth sores, skin rash or itching, sore or hoarse throat, stuffy or running nose, headaches or pain in the back or joints. More serious side effects could be the wheezing getting worse, choking, blurred vision and breathing problems.
Caution
The doctor must be acquainted with your full medical history before you are prescribed this drug. You could be allergic to this drug so you must tell him about any allergies that you might have and any ailments that you could be suffering from. He should know about the medications that you are taking as well as the vitamins and supplements including the herbal or natural ones. He will need to know about any past illnesses as well as whether there is a family history of respiratory problems. You should also inform him if you have glaucoma, osteoporosis, cataracts or herpes or if there is a family history of any of these conditions.
Contraindications
You will have to be cautious about this drug if you any lung infections like TB or any liver ailments. You will also need to be careful when you are prescribed this drug as it weakens your immune system and this could make you succumb to infections more easily. So you should stay away from people who could pass on any infections. This drug should not be stopped suddenly and you should consult the doctor about tapering it off. You should also not increase or decrease the dosage without asking the doctor. Nursing mothers and pregnant women should inform their doctor and use it with caution under their advice.