Alvesco (ciclesonide) is an inhalation aerosol used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD. Ciclesonide is a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. It is not for use as a treatment of an asthma attack. Short-acting inhalers such as Ventolin are rescue inhalers that open the airways quickly when there are acute breathing problems due to asthma.
Alvesco can also be prescribed as a long-term treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), usually in conjunction with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs).
Alvesco can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis (hay fever) that may be caused by pollen release or systemic allergies.
Dosage
Use Alvesco as prescribed. Each inhaler delivers 60 doses in measured puffs, each delivering 80 mg. The usual dosage is 160 mg per day, but this may be reduced to 80 mg daily in long-term use. In some cases of severe asthma, doctors may increase the dosage to 4 puffs twice a day, but this is for a short term only.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.Â
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Alvesco do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Alvesco because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweighs any possible unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- Hoarseness
- Increased coughing and wheezing immediately after inhalation
- An unpleasant taste, burning, inflammation, irritation, or dryness in the mouth or throat. These can be minimized by rinsing out the mouth immediately after inhaling a dose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Oral fungal infections
- Headache
- Itching and redness of the skin (eczema).
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Alvesco can reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks for patients 12 years of age and older, as well as to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and COPD are both lung conditions that cause airway swelling and difficulty breathing.
The main symptoms of asthma are a dry cough without mucus, as well as periods of wheezing and chest tightness, especially at night. An acute asthma attack requires immediate treatment with a relief inhaler, not with an Alvesco inhaler.
COPD symptoms include a loose cough producing phlegm and irritation in the airways that can cause a buildup of mucus, making it difficult to breathe.