Alvesco Inhalator 60do

Alvesco contains ciclesonide, a pro-drug inhaled corticosteroid that is activated in the lungs rather than the mouth and throat. This unique pharmacological property makes it one of the best-tolerated inhaled steroids, with very low rates of oral candidiasis and hoarseness.

How does ciclesonide differ from other inhaled steroids?

Unlike beclometasone or fluticasone, which are active when they land on the oral mucosa, ciclesonide is inactive until it reaches the lungs, where esterases in the airway epithelium convert it to its active metabolite, desisobutyryl-ciclesonide. This means the drug exerts its anti-inflammatory effect exactly where it is needed while sparing the mouth and throat from steroid-related side effects.

Who benefits most from Alvesco?

Alvesco is particularly suited to patients who have experienced oral thrush or hoarseness with other inhaled corticosteroids, or those who want to simplify their regimen with once-daily dosing. It is licensed for the maintenance treatment of persistent asthma in adults and adolescents.

How to Use Alvesco

Inhale Alvesco (ciclesonide) once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Unlike most other inhaled corticosteroids, there is no need to rinse the mouth after use, because ciclesonide is inactive in the mouth and upper airways, it is only activated once it reaches the lungs.

Inhaler Technique

Shake the inhaler well before each use. Breathe out fully, then inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the canister. Hold your breath for ten seconds before exhaling. Alvesco is a preventer inhaler, use it every day even when you have no symptoms.

Low dose: 80 mcg once daily. Medium dose: 160 mcg once daily. High dose: 320 mcg once daily (can be given as 160 mcg twice daily). Adjust to the lowest dose that maintains asthma control.

Common Side Effects

Alvesco has one of the lowest side-effect profiles of any inhaled corticosteroid.

• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis
• Taste disturbance (uncommon)
• Oral candidiasis (very rare compared with other ICS)
• Hoarseness (very rare)

Inhaled corticosteroids are not for acute asthma relief. Continue using a short-acting beta-agonist as your reliever inhaler. Switching from higher-dose ICS or oral corticosteroids to ciclesonide should be done gradually, with monitoring for adrenal insufficiency.

Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to ciclesonide or any excipient. Not recommended for the primary treatment of acute severe asthma or status asthmaticus.