Your doctor will tell you how
often you need to use your inhaler. It’s important that you take the
lowest dose needed to effectively control your asthma. The effect of
this medicine may be noticeable after a few days but will only reach its
maximum after a few weeks. This medicine must be used regularly to be
effective, so go on taking it even if you don't have any symptoms. That
means it’s doing its job. If you stop taking it your asthma may get
worse. It should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an
asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (reliever). To get
the benefit from this medicine you need to make sure you get your
inhaler technique right, otherwise, it does not work as well.
The
most common side effects are hoarseness of voice, sore throat, fungal
infection of mouth, respiratory tract infection, headache, and muscle
cramp. If you get these, don’t stop taking it but do talk to your
doctor. You can help prevent some of these symptoms by rinsing your
mouth and throat with water or brushing your teeth after using your
inhaler. There are other, rarer side effects which can be serious. Talk
to your doctor if you're worried about them. In general, you should be
trying to avoid situations that make your asthma worse (your triggers)
and try not to smoke.
Ask your doctor whether it’s safe to take
this medicine if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking it, you
should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so
that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you.