Side Effects of Flunisolide Inhalers

A few common side effects of flunisolide inhalers include nasal congestion, a sore throat, headaches, and vomiting. Some less common side effects (reported in less than 3 percent of people taking the drug) include bloody nose, gas, and weight gain. There are also a number of flunisolide inhaler side effects that are more serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, such as a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

 

An Introduction to Side Effects of Flunisolide Inhalers

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with the flunisolide inhaler (Aerobid®); however, not everyone who uses the inhaler will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate flunisolide inhalers well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with flunisolide inhalers. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of flunisolide inhaler side effects with you.)
 

Common Flunisolide Inhaler Side Effects

Flunisolide inhalers have been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the most common side effects of flunisolide inhalers included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 25 percent of people
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) -- up to 25 percent
  • Nausea or vomiting -- up to 25 percent
  • A sore throat -- up to 20 percent
  • Nasal congestion -- up to 15 percent
  • Unpleasant taste -- up to 10 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 10 percent
  • Upset stomach -- up to 10 percent
  • The flu -- up to 10 percent.
     
Some other common side effects, occurring in 3 percent to 9 percent of people, included:
 
  • Heart palpitations (feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart)
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Heartburn
  • Loss of appetite
  • A fever
  • Thrush
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Chest congestion
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sinus infections
  • Ear infections
  • Loss of taste or smell.
     
(Side Effects of Flunisolide Inhalers Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;