Alvesco

Alvesco is a medicine that is used to treat severe asthma and other conditions where sufferers struggle with breathing.

When treating asthma, Alvesco helps to prevent breathlessness, and works to reduce the number of sudden attacks.

The active ingredient in the medication (a corticosteroid) becomes effectual when taken every day, working to decrease the symptoms of asthma by soothing inflammation and irritation of the lungs.

Asthma can be a debilitating illness that hinders daily life, while onset attacks of pain or breathlessness can be painful as well as worrying.

Taking Alvesco will help to manage these conditions, with the effectiveness of the medicine increasing as you continue taking it every day.

It should be noted however, that this medication is a preventative measure and not a quick fix. If you do have an attack of breathlessness or wheeziness, then you will need to instead use a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler, which you should always have with you.

Alvesco is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Your doctor or nurse should show you how to properly use your inhaler before starting on this medication. The Alvesco is an inhaler made up of a canister inside a plastic case with a mouthpiece. You do not need to shake the inhaler before use, as it’s already been designed to release the correct amount of medication.

To administer a dose, hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece at the bottom and remove the mouthpiece cover. Breathe out as far as is comfortable, then immediately place the inhaler between your teeth (without biting down) and close your lips around it.

Begin to breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing down on the top of the canister to release the medicine. Hold your breath for at least a few seconds and then remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out slowly. If you have been instructed to have another puff, wait a minute or two before administering in the same way.

Always replace the mouthpiece cover after use and ensure to clean your inhaler at least once a week using a dry tissue. After use, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth, as leftover residue from the medication can leave you with a strange taste, and can also lead to thrush of the mouth or hoarseness.

Alvesco dosage

Alvesco contains the active ingredient ciclesonide, available in strengths of either 40, 80 or 160 micrograms, per delivered dose.

The recommended dose is one puff once a day, however your doctor adjust your dose if this is ineffective or if you are able to manage your condition on a lower strength. Always follow the advice of your doctor and don’t take a different dose unless specifically told to.

If you forget to use your Alvesco then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

If you take more Alvesco than you should, then contact your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects of overdose include your heart beating faster than usual, feeling shaky, dizzy or weak, or developing a headache.

Before taking Alvesco, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Alvesco if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are allergic to ciclesonide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine

Your prescription of Alvesco may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• you have ever been treated, or are currently being treated, for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB),
• you are being treated for fungal, viral or bacterial infections
• you are currently taking corticosteroid tablets

Like many medications with active ingredients, Alvesco can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• Ketoconazole,
• itraconazole,
• Ritonavir,
• nelfinavir
• Other corticosteroids (by mouth or by injection)

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Alvesco will be the best course of action for you.

Bear in mind that Alvesco is an ongoing treatment and should not be relied upon in the event of an attack of breathlessness. You should therefore always have a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler with you, for use in these circumstances. However, if you are using said inhaler 2-3 times a week then you should consult your doctor to discuss if Alvesco is really working for you or not.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should consult your doctor before starting this medication, as there is limited knowledge about its effects on breast milk and they therefore may decide that another treatment is more appropriate.

The most common side effects of using Alvesco include:

• hoarseness  
• burning,
• inflammation,
• irritation of mouth or throat  
• oral thrush (oral fungal infection)  
• headache  
• bad taste  
• dryness of mouth or throat  
• nausea or vomiting

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as worsening of breathing ability, fainting or skin reactions.

You can safely buy Alvesco online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Alvesco is the right medication for your medical condition.