Alvesco MDI (ciclesonide) is a synthetic glucocorticoid (also called corticosteroid) delivered via aerosol inhaler; the MDI in the name stands for Metered Dose Inhaler. It is used to help manage asthma or COPD over the long term. It does not provide fast-acting relief from asthma symptoms; do not buy Alvesco MDI to replace a rescue inhaler such as epinephrine or albuterol.

The medication works similarly to any other inhaled steroid; it reduces inflammation and mucous production in the airways, which ultimately leads to fewer asthma attacks and, when attacks do happen, less severe attacks.

Getting the Most from Alvesco MDI

The medication is typically administered twice daily, indefinitely; treatment may span years or decades, as long as it remains effective. It may be used alone or along with other maintenance treatments.

Inhalers do not need to be shaken before use, but do need to be primed before first use or if not used for more than 10 days--simply actuate the inhaler 3 times into the air before administering puffs to the lungs. It may be used with or without a spacer.

It is only possible to buy Alvesco MDI in two strengths; 80 mcg or 160 mcg, which describes how much medication is delivered in each puff. It does not matter how each total dose is achieved, the difference is simply a matter or convenience or preference. For example, if a dose is 320 mcg, effects will be the same if the dose is achieved by 4 puffs of an 80 mcg inhaler or 2 puffs of a 160 mcg inhaler.

Treatment can vary somewhat depending on the severity of the condition, but in the majority of cases it is similar:

• Patients are started on 80 mcg taken twice daily, for a total of 160 mcg.
• If after 4 weeks of treatment no significant improvements are noticed, increase each dose by 80 mcg for a total of 320 mcg.
• Exceeding 320 mcg per day is generally not recommended without explicit doctor approval, but in some cases 320 mcg will be taken twice daily for a total of 640 mcg.
• Spread daily doses as evenly apart as possible, and try to take doses at the same time each day.
• Missed doses may be taken as soon as remembered.

Some individuals notice improvements within days of starting treatment, but full effects are unlikely to be felt until after 4 weeks of daily use. If little difference is noticed after 4 weeks of taking 320 mcg a day, other options should be considered.

Considerations before you Buy Alvesco MDI

Alvesco MDI does not contain salmeterol, an ingredient found in some combination steroid inhalers, which can produce life-threatening reactions in some asthmatics. It does, however, contain the HFA propellent which most inhalers have transitioned to following the phase-out of CFCs--do not buy Alvesco MDI if unable to tolerate HFA propellent.

The medication should not be used in patients who have tuberculosis, or who have fungal or bacterial infections in the lungs or airways. Steroids inhibit the immune system and use may exacerbate the conditions.

It should be used with caution in patients with:

• Hypothyroidism
• Eosinophilia
• Hypoprothrombinemia
• Liver issues
• Glaucoma
• Conditions which cause immune system suppression

Use of Alvesco MDI is not necessarily ruled out in the above situations, but it should not be used with carefully discussing risks with a doctor and understanding what symptoms of adverse reactions to be alert for.

The Medications you Need Delivered to your Door

Clients are not required to have a prescription to buy Alvesco MDI from Kiwi Drug. If you don't have one, you may need to answer a few questions for our online doctor during checkout. There is no extra charge and the process takes only moments.