Symbicort Inhaler

The active ingredients in Symbicort Inhalers are budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Budesonide is a steroid that helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation. Meanwhile, formoterol helps you breathe easier since it is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs. This combination prevents and treats asthma symptoms—such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness—in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Additionally, it is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Symbicort Inhaler. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Symbicort Inhaler:

• Symbicort is a combination aerosol inhaler. The usual dosage is two actuations (puffs) twice daily, morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart.
• Take Symbicort at around the same time each day.
• Carefully follow your prescription label's instructions. If any part is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time, and do not take two doses at once.
• Use Symbicort as prescribed and do not change the dosage or frequency without your doctor's direction.
• COPD: Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg is used for long-term management of COPD symptoms, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It aids in improving breathing and reducing flare-ups.
• Asthma: Symbicort is used in the treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older whose condition isn't well-managed with an asthma-control medicine like an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose asthma requires treatment with both an ICS and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).

The most common side effects of Symbicort Inhaler include:

• Back pain.
• Headache.
• Bronchitis.
• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Sinusitis.
• Stomach discomfort.
• Vomiting.
• Thrush in the mouth and throat.
• Flu-like symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sinus pain, or sore throat.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Symbicort Inhaler. Serious allergic reactions include rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue, and worsened breathing problems. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Tremors, anxiousness, and chest pain.
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties after use.
• Decline in bone mineral density.
• High blood sugar leading to increased thirst and urination, dry mouth, and fruity breath odor.
• Low potassium levels leading to leg cramps, constipation, rapid and irregular heartbeats, chest fluttering, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness or limpness.
• Signs of a hormonal disorder such as fatigue or weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Symbicort Inhaler. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Symbicort Inhaler, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Seizures.
• Weakened immune system.
• Liver disease.
• Osteoporosis.
• Vision problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts).
• Diabetes.
• Drug allergies.
• Tuberculosis.
• Recent exposure to infectious diseases (e.g., chickenpox, measles).
• Thyroid disorders.
• Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low blood potassium levels).
• Hypokalemia associated with non-potassium-sparing diuretics.

Boxed Warning

• Symbicort is a maintenance treatment and not a rescue medication. It doesn't act quickly enough to treat an asthma attack or bronchospasm. If you experience worsening breathing problems or feel your medications aren't as effective, seek immediate medical attention.

The use of Symbicort is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures.
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredients in Symbicort.

If you use Symbicort for asthma, you may notice symptom improvement within 15 minutes of inhalation. However, full relief might take 2 weeks or longer after starting treatment. For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Symbicort can improve lung function within 5 minutes. It may also reduce your need for a rescue inhaler to manage acute COPD symptoms.

When Symbicort Inhaler is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking so they can identify any possible drug interactions, including:

• Using a second inhaled bronchodilator containing formoterol or similar medicines (such as arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol).
• Undergoing treatment with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within two weeks of discontinuing such agents.
• Taking long-term ketoconazole or other known potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Using a beta-blocker may reduce the effectiveness of Symbicort in treating your symptoms.

Symbicort comes as a metered-dose inhaler and is available in the following strengths:

• 80 mcg of budesonide/4.5 mcg of formoterol.
• 160 mcg of budesonide/4.5-mcg of formoterol.

Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of children's reach. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose of the inhaler 3 months after removing it from the foil overwrap or when the dose indicator reads "0," whichever comes first. Store upright with the mouthpiece down. Keep away from open flames or high heat—the canister may explode if overheated. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Symbicort inhalers are a registered trademark of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Yes, Symbicort is available as a lower-cost generic.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose of your previous medication after you start using budesonide/formoterol.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant. It's unknown whether budesonide or formoterol will harm an unborn baby. However, untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications like low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia—dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems for both mother and baby. The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby. Discuss with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They'll recommend the best course of action for you.

Breastfeeding while using Symbicort may not be safe. If you're currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, consult your doctor. They can provide the best advice for your situation.