Symbicort

Budesonide and Formoterol, also known and sold under the trade name of Symbicort, is a product which includes a combination of two medications, Budesonide and Formoterol.

Budesonide, which belongs to a group of drugs known as corticosteroids, works by reducing the irritation and the swelling of the airways.

Formoterol, which belongs to a group of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists, works by opening the airways to make the breathing easier.

This combination is used in the treatment and prevention of the symptoms caused by asthma and ongoing lung disease – e.g. wheezing and shortness of breath. This medication is available in the forms of aerosol and powder.

Before using Symbicort, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related risks and side effects when this medication is used in pediatric patients. However, there are no studies done that confirm the safety of this medication to be used in children younger than 12 years of age.

Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age – related risks and side effects when this medication is used in geriatric patients. However, due to the risk of increased sensitivity in geriatric patients, the treatment with this medication requires extra caution.

Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that confirm the safety of this medication to be sued during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medication poses a risk to the fetus.

This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk or if it poses a risk to the infant.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur.

However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.

Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with the specific type of food, tobacco, and alcohol. Because of this, it is essential to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment with this medication.

Other medical problems – Inform the doctor if there are any other medical problems and conditions present from the past or at the moment.

Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present:

• asthma attack
• cataracts
• bone problems
• COPD flare-up
• bronchospasm
• seizures
• hypertension
• hypokalemia
• immune system problems
• heart rhythm problems
• heart or blood vessel disease
• thyroid problems
• measles
• chickenpox
• infections
• tuberculosis
• diabetes mellitus
• glaucoma
• hyperglycemia
• stress
• surgery
• trauma
• liver disease

For proper use of Symbicort, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the forms of an aerosol and a powder, for inhalation route.

Shake the inhaler at least 5 times before each use. Inhale the medication using the inhaler after you have inserted it in the mouth. Avoid spraying the medication near the eyes.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. This medication is usually inhaled twice, daily.

In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to use it regularly. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up.

This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor right away for further directions.

Before using Symbicort, there are some precautions you must take. Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition or make any adjustments if needed.

These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue the treatment if there are any serious side effects present, that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This is important because this medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy.

At least two proven forms of birth control should be used during the treatment in order to prevent pregnancy. Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Symbicort. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious.

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Common side effects – a headache, throat irritation, or upset stomach. These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence worsens or persists, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects – white patches on the tongue/mouth, signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat), mood changes, vision problems, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, shaking (tremor).

These side effects are considered as serious whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible. A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common.

However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor as soon as possible – skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet, trouble sleeping, or severe dizziness.