Ciclesonide is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Ciclesonide is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 12 years.

Ciclesonide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ciclesonide.

To make sure ciclesonide inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis;
• an infection of your mouth or throat (such as oral thrush);
• glaucoma or history of cataracts;
• herpes infection of your eyes; or
• a personal or family history of osteoporosis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciclesonide inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether ciclesonide inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ciclesonide inhalation can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Use Alvesco HFA (Inhalation) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat;
• vision problems, such as tunnel vision or blurred vision; or
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

• unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• dry mouth, burning or irritation in your mouth;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• hoarse voice;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• joint pain, back pain; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.