Inclusion and exclusion criteria and how to prescribe
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NO LONGER RELEVANT AND IS NOT BEING UPDATED BUT HAS BEEN LEFT ON THE SITE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY
This information is sourced from the MHRA:
The PRINCIPLE trial has reported a 3-day median benefit in self-reported recovery for patients with Covid-19 in the community setting who received inhaled budesonide. Budesonide is not currently recommended as standard care but can be considered as part of a shared decision. It is anticipated that only a ‘very limited’ number of patients are expected to be eligible for GP treatment with budesonide, NHS England has said.
Inclusion criteria:
- Aged 65 or over or aged 50 or over with comorbidities (on the flu list)
- Onset of Covid-19 symptoms within the past 14 days
- Ongoing symptoms
- Positive PCR test within the past 14 days
Exclusion criteria:
- Those admitted to hospital before starting treatment
- Those who are almost recovered (improving with mild or no symptoms)
- Those already prescribed inhaled or systemic corticosteroids (people with asthma and COPD should continue using their inhalers as normal)
How to prescribe:
Use Pulmicort Turbohaler 400mcg 2 puffs twice daily (total dose 1600mcg). This should be used for a maximum of 14 days or until the inhaler runs out/symptoms resolve. The following alternative devices for delivering budesonide may be considered:
- Pulmicort Turbohaler® 200 micrograms
- Budelin Novolizer® 200 micrograms
- Easyhaler Budesonide® 400 micrograms
- Easyhaler Budesonide® 200 micrograms
Patient information on budesonide inhalers and Covid-19
See Also: PRINCIPLE Trial
