ALVESCO^® brand ciclesonide HFA Inhalation Aerosol is an inhaled corticosteroid indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adult and adolescent patients 12 years of age and older.

For additional information about ALVESCO HFA, please visit the ALVESCO HFA product web site at www.alvesco.us.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction and a pathologic finding of airway inflammation. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, when taken every day, maintenance inhalers like ALVESCO HFA can help prevent the coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath associated with asthma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, in 2006 an estimated 34 million people had been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime.

Important Safety Information:
ALVESCO HFA should be used regularly as prescribed. The effectiveness of the medication depends on its regular use. It may take 4 weeks or longer before a patient feels the full benefits of ALVESCO HFA. Patients should not increase their prescribed dosage; if symptoms do not improve or asthma symptoms worsen, patients should contact their doctor.

ALVESCO HFA is not a bronchodilator and is not intended to provide rapid relief of breathing difficulties during an asthma attack. Patients should not use ALVESCO HFA if they are experiencing sudden symptoms of shortness of breath. Patients should use an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator, or rescue medication, such as levalbuterol, to relieve sudden symptoms of shortness of breath. Patients using doses of corticosteroid drugs that weaken the immune system are more susceptible to infection and should avoid exposure to chickenpox and/or measles. ALVESCO HFA can worsen existing conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), herpes of the eye, and other infections.

Orally inhaled corticosteroids, including ALVESCO HFA, may cause slowed growth in children and adolescents. These patients should have their growth monitored regularly.

Yeast infections in the mouth and throat (thrush) have occurred in some patients treated with ALVESCO HFA.  Eye problems have been reported following the use of inhaled corticosteroids including ALVESCO HFA.  Patients should speak to their doctor if they have a history of eye problems or experience a change in vision.