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Symbicort is an asthma inhaler that you take daily. It is mainly sold as a dry powder inhaler (DPI) under the brand name Symbicort Turbohaler.
It contains two active ingredients that can both prevent and treat asthma symptoms. It is also prescribed for COPD. It works by reducing inflammation in the airways which improves symptoms and prevents asthma attacks.
Depending on your symptoms, it can be used as your only inhaler or alongside a reliever inhaler. Your doctor will instruct you on how to use it to manage your asthma.
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol.
Both of these ingredients work together to provide direct relief for asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain and breathlessness.
It also reduces the risk of you reacting to asthma triggers (e.g. pollution or dust mites) and therefore lowers the risk of an asthma attack.
Symbicort Turbohaler is available in 3 different doses: 100/6, 200/6 and 400/6 mcg.
You must take it daily to successfully prevent asthma attacks. Take 2 inhalations daily. You can take one inhalation in the morning and one in the evening. Alternatively, you can take both inhalations either in the morning or evening.
If your doctor has told you to, you can also use it when your symptoms get temporarily worse. This is known as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART). Take one inhalation as and when you need it.
Do not use Symbicort as and when you need it if you use a blue reliever inhaler (e.g. Ventolin). Always ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
Do not take more than 6 inhalations per day. If you use more than you’re supposed to, you may experience side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue from your next scheduled dose.
Before using your new Symbicort Turbohaler, you need to prepare it.
Use your Symbicort as follows:
It only releases a small amount of medicine. So even if you don’t feel anything, you have taken it successfully if you have followed the instructions.
You should clean your inhaler once weekly with dry tissue. Do not use water.
Like most prescription medications, Symbicort may cause some side effects.
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Most common side effects are mild and go away on their own. You can prevent oral thrush by rinsing your mouth after each use. If any side effects continue, talk to your doctor.
You may experience signs of an allergic reaction (e.g. swelling or a rash). If these side effects occur, seek immediate medical attention.
In rare cases, people experience more serious side effects such as a paradoxical bronchospasm, which is an unexpected spasm in the airways after using an inhaler. If you suddenly feel symptoms after using an inhaler, seek immediate medical attention.
Refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.
Most people with asthma or COPD can safely use Symbicort. However, you may be more at risk of experiencing side effects if you have a preexisting medical condition.
Ask your doctor before this medication if you have:
You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take Symbicort if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or are lactose intolerant.
You should also tell your doctor if you take any other medications, such as:
Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
Symbicort is available on prescription for COPD and asthma treatment. It will need to be prescribed by your GP or asthma specialist. Once you are stable on it, you can get it on a repeat prescription from your GP or online.
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Product name | Symbicort |
Active ingredient(s) | Budesonide and Formoterol |
Manufacturer | Astrazeneca |
Trustpilot rating | 4.8/5 |
Trustpilot reviews | 78 |
Availability | Out of stock |
Description | Symbicort is a preventative inhaler used to prevent the swelling and irritation of airways that cause asthma symptoms |
Exemption | Subject to medical prescription |
Administration | Oral |
Presentation | Inhalers |
Available dosage | 100 / 6mcg, 200 / 6mcg ,400 / 12mcg |
Application | Men and women over 18 with asthma |
Usage | Use on a daily basis to prevent asthma symptoms |
Drug class | Beta2 agonists, long-acting/corticosteroids |
Alcohol consumption | No influence |
When breastfeeding | Caution is recommended, ask your doctor |
When pregnant | Caution is recommended, ask your doctor |
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