Symbicort Inhaler

Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate Drug Information

• Symbicort Inhaler Overview

  Symbicort Inhaler is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema).budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as formoterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as Symbicort Inhaler, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. For asthma treatment, Symbicort Inhaler should be used when breathing problems are not well controlled with one asthma-control medication (such as inhaled corticosteroid) or if your symptoms need combination treatment. Before using Symbicort Inhaler, it is important to learn how to use it properly. Symbicort Inhaler must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.

• How to Use Symbicort Inhaler

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using Symbicort Inhaler and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of Symbicort Inhaler. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time, if you have not used it for more than 7 days, or if the inhaler was dropped. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use. Inhale Symbicort Inhaler by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart). If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use Symbicort Inhaler last. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using Symbicort Inhaler to help prevent irritation and yeast infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Do not swallow the rinse water. Clean the inhaler once a week with a dry cloth. Do not take the inhaler apart. The Dosage of Symbicort Inhaler is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use Symbicort Inhaler regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Symbicort Inhaler works best if used at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use Symbicort Inhaler more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using Symbicort Inhaler. If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using budesonide/formoterol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions section. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details. It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of Symbicort Inhaler. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

• Symbicort Inhaler Precautions

  Before using Symbicort Inhaler, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to budesonide or formoterol; or to arformoterol; or if you have any other allergies. Symbicort Inhaler may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Symbicort Inhaler, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, bone loss (osteoporosis), eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), diabetes, liver disease, swelling of an artery (aneurysm), a certain tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma). Formoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using Symbicort Inhaler,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using Symbicort Inhaler safely. Symbicort Inhaler may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using Symbicort Inhaler in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Symbicort Inhaler or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Symbicort Inhaler may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time, but poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Symbicort Inhaler, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, Symbicort Inhaler should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used corticosteroids for a long time may develop hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. Budesonide passes into breast milk. It is unknown if formoterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Symbicort Inhaler Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Symbicort Inhaler, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Symbicort Inhaler Interactions

  See also Uses section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.aldesleukin, mifepristone.

• Symbicort Inhaler Side Effects

  Headache, throat irritation, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Symbicort Inhaler because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Symbicort Inhaler do not have serious side effects. Symbicort Inhaler may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Infrequently, Symbicort Inhaler may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away.white patches on tongue/in mouth, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (such as nervousness), trouble sleeping, vision problems (such as blurred vision), increased thirst/urination, muscle cramps, shaking (tremors).chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to Symbicort Inhaler is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, sudden trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  List of Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate side effects

• Symbicort Inhaler Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Do not puncture the canister or use near an open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not remove the inhaler from its original foil package until ready to use. Discard the inhaler 3 months after you remove it from the original foil package or after all the doses have been used, whichever comes first. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Symbicort Inhaler when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.