Alvesco (Ciclesonide)

Why is Alvesco prescribed?

Alvesco is a prescription drug to prevent asthma attacks and treat its symptoms. Alvesco is a member of the Corticosteroids, Inhalants drug subclass. Alvesco can be taken either on its own or with other drugs.
It inhibits the body from releasing chemicals that lead to inflammation. Adolescent patients 12 years of age and older can use Alvesco to stop asthma episodes. It is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma when used consistently as directed by your healthcare physician.

Uses of Alvesco:

Alvesco has FDA approval to aid in preventing asthma symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
Coughing, breathing issues, and wheezing are among asthma symptoms that can ease and allow easy breathing with the help of Alvesco.
Over time, Alvesco also reduces airway edema, which could result in fewer and less severe asthma attacks.

Side effects of Alvesco:

• Hoarseness, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, a dry or irritated throat, and coughing.
• White patches in your mouth or on your tongue are uncommon but severe side effects.
• Uncommon but severe side effects include persistent headaches, vision changes, slow wound healing, facial swelling, unexpected weight gain, muscle pain or weakness, mental or mood changes or increased thirst or urination.

Alvesco Dosage:

• Doctors start you on a modest dosage that tends to be gradually adjusted until it is optimized.
• Inhaled Corticosteroids or Bronchodilators of Alvesco are recommended as 80 mcg which can be increased to 160mcg inhaled twice daily at first.
• When taking oral corticosteroids, it is advised to start with 80 mcg twice daily and work your way up to 320 mcg twice daily.

How to use Alvesco?

• Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and firmly seal it with your lips.
• Inhale gently and deeply while applying pressure with your finger to the canister.
• To ensure that this drug enters your lungs and has a chance to do its job effectively, attempt to hold your breath after breathing for at least 10 seconds.

Drug Interactions of Alvesco:

Before taking Alvesco (Ciclesonide), inform your doctor of all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you may be taking, as they may interfere with the body's ability to eliminate ciclesonide. Also inform your doctor about all of the following medications:

• An antibiotic, including erythromycin, telithromycin, and clarithromycin.
• Antifungal medications like Clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole.
• Insulin
• Sulfonylurea drugs like glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide.
• HIV/AIDS medications such as ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, and saquinavir.
• Antidepressants such as nefazodone, paroxetine, or sertraline.

Alvesco Precautions:

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies before using ciclesonide, including those to other corticosteroids and other substances.
• Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated infections , certain eye conditions (such as glaucoma, cataracts, and herpes infection of the eye), liver disease, problems with the adrenal glands, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), bone loss, and liver disease (osteoporosis).
• It might be more challenging for your body to adjust to this medication if you recently moved from a corticosteroid taken orally (such as prednisone pills) to this inhaler or if you have used it for a prolonged period of time at higher-than-usual doses.

Safety and Storage:

Keep Alvesco Inhalation Aerosol between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) at room temperature. Avoid puncturing the Alvesco Inhalation aerosol canister and keep it away from heat, flames, and out of reach of children while storing it.

Alvesco Cost:

The price of Alvesco can vary, just as with any medication. Your insurance policy, where you live, and the drugstore you visit will all affect the actual cost you pay. The price of an 80 mcg/in CFC-free Alvesco inhalation aerosol is approximately $298 at other online or retailer pharmacies. It can be obtained at a reduced cost on OffshoreCheapMeds.

How to lower long term Alvesco cost?

There is no generic version of Alvesco available in the market. Since Alvesco is a medication for long-term usage, it becomes difficult to afford it. Obtaining a 90-day supply of the medication may help you make fewer trips to the pharmacy and save money.
Alvesco's manufacturer offers the Alvesco $5 Co-Pay Program with some terms and conditions.You can also reduce the high cost of Alvesco while purchasing Alvesco from online pharmacies, along with saving time and refill options.

How does Alvesco work?

Alvesco is a maintenance medicine. It is an inhaled corticosteroid that acts by reducing airway inflammation. This facilitates breathing and minimizes asthma symptoms.

What to do if you miss a dose of Alvesco?

If you forget to take your Alvesco dose, you must do so as soon as you remember. You may skip the missed dose and take your usual dose if it is almost time for your next dose. In any situation, it is not recommended to take a second dose to make up for the missed one.

What if you overdose on Alvesco?

Call your doctor if you believe you have taken too much of this medication. You can either visit their online program or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222. However, if your symptoms are severe, dial 911 or your local emergency number, or visit the emergency room as soon as possible.

Is Alvesco a steroid?

Alvesco (ciclesonide) is a corticosteroid that is inhaled. It directly affects lungs to lessen swelling and inflammation, which prevents asthma episodes.

Does Alvesco cause weight gain?

Weight gain as an adverse side effect while taking Alvesco is not reported in clinical studies.

How long does it take for Alvesco to work?

When using Alvesco (ciclesonide), you might see some relief in the first few days to weeks, but it might take up to four weeks to fully experience its benefits. If your symptoms do not subside, continue taking the medication as prescribed and contact your doctor.

How long does Alvesco Stay in your system?

As a Corticosteroid containing steroid substances it stays much longer to get eliminated from the body. Alvesco Stays for around 8-10 hours in the body after the administration of the drug.

References:

• https://www.drugs.com/
• https://www.webmd.com/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/