Symbicort

What is Symbicort?

Symbicort is a combination inhaler that treats and prevents asthma attacks. It contains two active ingredients, each working in a different way to prevent asthma symptoms and prevent future attacks. It can also be used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Symbicort Turbohaler is taken daily to help manage asthma symptoms. Some people might get an additional reliever inhaler alongside it for flare-ups or during asthma attacks. Your physician will give you more information on how and when to take your inhaler.

How does Symbicort work?

Symbicort contains two active ingredients:

• Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. This helps control asthma symptoms and reduces the risk of asthma flare-ups and attacks over time. It’s mainly used as a preventer, to keep symptoms at bay, not for sudden asthma attacks.^[1]
• Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping to open them up and make breathing easier. It works quickly, which is useful as it can relieve asthma symptoms when they occur.^[2]

How is Symbicort used?

Symbicort can be used in two ways:

1. AIR (anti-inflammatory reliever) – You use Symbicort as needed when you need it when you have asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.
2. MART (maintenance and reliever therapy) – You use Symbicort every day as a regular maintenance inhaler to help prevent asthma symptoms and flare-ups. You also use it as needed when symptoms develop.

Your physician will decide which approach is best for you depending on your symptoms and severity of asthma. They might also prescribe another inhaler as part of your asthma action plan.

Will I get side effects using Symbicort?

Yes, you might get side effects while using Symbicort, although not everyone will get them. The side effects might include:

• Palpitations
• Thrush
• Mild sore throat
• Coughing
• Headache
• Nausea

The side effects are mild and should subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. If they worsen or persist, let your physician know.

What doses of Symbicort are there?

Symbicort comes in several doses containing:

• 80 mg of budesonide and 4.5 mg of formoterol.
• 160 mg of budesonide and 4.5mg of formoterol.

The dose you get depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you’re using it as MART or AIR.

How to take Symbicort

There are two ways to take Symbicort:

1) Using Symbicort Turbohaler and a separate reliever inhaler

Take your usual dose daily. This is often one to two inhalations, twice a day. It can be increased to a maximum of four inhalations. 

Use your separate reliever inhaler as needed when symptoms occur. 

2) Using Symbicort Turbohaler every day and also when required

Use Symbicort daily. The dose is usually two, either once in the morning and one in the evening, or two in the morning, or two in the evening. 

If your symptoms flare, take one inhalation. If it doesn’t get better within a few minutes, take another inhalation. Only take a maximum of six inhalations. 

To use Symbicort Turbohaler

1. Prepare your inhaler if it’s the first time you’re using it. 
2. Hold your Turbohaler upright. 
3. Turn the red grip in one direction, then the other. You should hear a click sound. This means your inhaler is loaded and ready to use. 
4. Hold Symbicort away from your mouth. 
5. Breathe out gently. 
6. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips. 
7. Breathe in deeply through your mouth. 
8. Remove Symbicort from your mouth and breathe out gently, 
9. If you take a second dose, repeat steps 3 to 7. 
10. Replace the cover and rinse the mouth with water. 

For detailed information on how to use Symbicort Turbohaler, check the package leaflet that comes with your medicine.