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

Flunisolide inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions involving inflammation of the lung tissues.

Flunisolide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use flunisolide inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your inhaler. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), or another, use the bronchodilator first, then use your flunisolide inhaler. Using the medications in this order will allow more flunisolide to reach your lungs.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place your inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use your inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth after using flunisolide inhalation.

It is very important that you use your flunisolide inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of flunisolide. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Flunisolide will not stop an attack after it has started. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed for you. Flunisolide inhalation is not a substitute for an oral steroid.

If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to flunisolide inhalation, carry or wear identification that will let others know that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.

Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral, nasal, or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with flunisolide inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while you are using flunisolide inhalation.

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Flunisolide inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.

Use flunisolide inhalation on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

It is very important that you use your flunisolide inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit your body’s ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use flunisolide inhalation if you have an infection.

Flunisolide inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use flunisolide inhalation to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical attention.

Flunisolide inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy C. This means that it is not known whether flunisolide inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether flunisolide passes into breast milk. Do not use flunisolide inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Flunisolide inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

Your pharmacist has additional information about flunisolide inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.

Flunisolide inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand names Aerobid and Aerobid-M. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is unfamiliar to you.

• Aerobid 7 grams (100 inhalations/250 mcg per inhalation) —gray plastic inhaler with a purple cap

• Aerobid-M 7 grams (100 inhalations/250 mcg per inhalation) —gray plastic inhaler with a green cap