Symbicort Turbohaler

Symbicort is an asthma inhaler that you take daily. It is 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 used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Asthma inhalers are commonly given a colour to indicate the type of inhaler it is. Red asthma inhalers like Symbicort are commonly given this colour to indicate that they are combination inhalers, but most inhalers are blue or brown. Depending on your symptoms, it can be used as your only inhaler or alongside a reliever inhaler (rescue inhaler). Your doctor will instruct you on how to use it to manage your asthma.

Symbicort was approved for sale by the EMA on November 19th 2014.

Symbicort works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which improves symptoms of asthma and prevents asthma attacks.

Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol.

• Budesonide: an inhaled corticosteroid. It works by reducing and preventing inflammation and swelling in your airways.
• Formoterol: a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA). It helps to relax the muscles in the airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.

Both of these ingredients work together to provide relief of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain and breathlessness.

It also reduces the risk of reacting to asthma triggers (e.g. pollution or dust mites) and therefore lowers the risk of an asthma attack.

Components

Symbicort turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler. A single dose is released by turning the coloured base. The medication is then breathed in through the mouthpiece. The dose counter indicates how many doses are left.

Preparing the inhaler before first use:

Before using a new Symbicort Turbohaler for the first time, you need to prepare it.

Follow the instructions below:

1. Unscrew the cover and take it off. You may hear a rattling sound.
2. Hold the inhaler upright, with the red grip at the bottom.
3. Turn the red grip as far as it will go in one direction, then twist it in the opposite direction. You should hear a click on the first or second twist.
4. Repeat step 3 and your turbohaler is ready to use.

How to use the Symbicort turbohaler:

Unscrew the cover and take it off.

Hold the inhaler upright, with the red grip at the bottom.

To load the dose, turn the red grip as far as it will go in one direction, then twist it in the opposite direction. You should hear a click - this means the dose is ready to take.

Hold your inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently (as far as possible).

Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth. Close your lips and breathe in as deeply and hard as possible through your mouth.

Remove the inhaler from your mouth then breathe out gently.

Repeat steps 2 - 5 if you need to take a second dose.

Place the cover back onto the inhaler.

Rinse your mouth after each use.

It’s important that my patients know how to use their inhalers correctly. Using the proper inhaler technique will ensure that the medicine is delivered to the lungs.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

When should I use it?

You should use Symbicort every day as prescribed by your doctor to help control asthma or COPD symptoms.

You should only use this medicine as a reliever if your doctor has told you to. Otherwise, you must use your quick-relief inhaler for sudden breathing problems.

How long does it take for Symbicort to work?

When used as prescribed, this medicine offers fast relief to symptoms. The active ingredient formoterol usually works within 1-3 minutes, but the effects you will notice are as follows:

• When effects are first noticed: symptoms are usually eased within 15 minutes.
• How long it lasts for: the effects usually last for at least 12 hours after a single dose.

How long do I use it for?

Symbicort is used for long-term treatment in both asthma and COPD. If you’re using Symbicort for maintenance therapy, you will have to use this medicine every day to keep your condition under control.

If you are using this medicine as a reliever, you should only use it when you need relief from asthma symptoms.

You should continue using it until your GP tells you otherwise.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, and you’re using it every day, 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.

Symbicort Turbohaler is available in 3 different doses: 100/6, 200/6 and 400/6 mcg.

Symbicort Turbohaler dosages

Symbicort Turbohaler 100/6

Symbicort Turbohaler 200/6

Symbicort Turbohaler 400/12

There are 3 different ways Symbicort can be used for asthma. Your symbicort dosage will depend on what you are using it for:

If you are unsure about your dose, ask your doctor.

What if you take too much Symbicort?

Do not use your inhaler more than your prescribed dose. If you have taken too much Symbicort, contact your GP immediately.

An overdose of Symbicort can cause serious side effects. These include:

• Shaking, tremors
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Symbicort has many health benefits, including:

• Asthma and COPD control: Symbicort helps prevent symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Improves lung function: this makes it easier to breathe and reduces the number of flare-ups.
• Reduces airway inflammation: this helps to keep the airways open and allows for deeper breathing.
• Effective drug administration: the inhaler delivers medication directly to the lungs providing effective relief with fewer side effects.
• No spacer device needed: since the inhaler is breath-activated, there is no need to time your dose with your breathing. Simply prepare the dose, and breathe in when ready.

Clinical trials have been conducted to study the effects of Symbicort on lung function. This was measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Asthma and other airway conditions may make your FEV1 lower because of the tightness in your airways.

In these studies, the asthmatic patients who were treated with Symbicort showed a greater improvement in lung function at the end of the 12-week study, compared to those taking the placebo.

To make sure this medicine is safe and effective you must make certain lifestyle changes, such as the following:

• Identify and avoid your asthma triggers including pollen, dust, smoke, and certain foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your lungs.
• Take part in regular exercise to improve your lung function and fitness level.
• Have a written asthma action plan provided by your doctor for managing worsening symptoms.
• Rinse your mouth out with water, then spit the water out after each dose. Doing this reduces the risk of developing oral thrush.

What to do when taking Symbicort

Maintain a healthy weight

Have a written asthma action plan

Rinse out your mouth with water after each dose

Identify and avoid asthma triggers

Exercise regularly to improve lung function

What can I expect when taking this medicine?

When using Symbicort, you should experience better control of your symptoms and breathing should feel easier.

If your doctor has prescribed Symbicort for regular use, it can help you have fewer and less severe asthma flare-ups.

With your symptoms under control, you can feel better and do more of your everyday activities without being held back by breathing problems.

Who can use this medication?

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 pre-existing medical condition.

Who cannot use it?

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol or any of the other added ingredients in this medicine, including lactose (which contains small amounts of milk proteins).

Ask your doctor before taking this medication if you have or have had:

• diabetes
• a lung infection
• severe high blood pressure
• heart problems (including an uneven heartbeat, a fast pulse, narrowing of the arteries or heart failure)
• problems with your adrenal and/or thyroid glands
• low potassium levels in your blood
• an aneurysm
• severe liver problems

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some research has indicated that the use of Symbicort during pregnancy may cause birth defects, and so you must inform your doctor if you are pregnant, believe you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

As for patients who are breastfeeding, your baby is unlikely to ingest enough budesonide for it to cause problems. With this in mind, you should still ask your doctor for advice.

Like most prescription medications, Symbicort may cause some side effects. The most common of Symbicort’s side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people. Most adverse effects of Symbicort are mild and go away on their own. If they continue, inform your doctor.

Refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

Oral thrush can often be avoided by rinsing your mouth with water after each dose of inhaled corticosteroids.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Long-term side effects

For people using Symbicort long-term, there may be an increased risk of more significant side effects such as adrenal suppression and decreased immune response.

It’s important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider, as they can help manage and mitigate them effectively. If you experience any severe reactions or if your symptoms seem to worsen after using Symbicort, seek immediate medical attention.

You should tell your doctor if you take any other medications, supplements or natural health products. Talk to your doctor if you take any of the following:

• Beta-blockers for high blood pressure and glaucoma: e.g. propranolol or timolol
• Medicines for an uneven heartbeat: e.g. quinidine
• Medicines for heart failure: e.g. digoxin
• Diuretics for high blood pressure: e.g. furosemide
• Oral corticosteroids: e.g. prednisolone
• Oral asthma medicines: e.g. theophylline
• Other bronchodilators: e.g. salbutamol
• Certain antidepressants: e.g. amitriptyline
• Phenothiazine medicines: e.g. prochlorperazine
• HIV-medications: e.g. ritonavir
• Certain antibiotics or antifungals: e.g. ketoconazole or clarithromycin
• Medicines for Parkinson’s disease: e.g. leva-dopa
• Thyroid medications: e.g. levothyroxine

For a full list of interactions, refer to the patient information leaflet included with your order.

Ask your doctor if you are unsure about potential interactions with the medicines you take.

For more information, consult the safety advice table below.

Safety Tips

Pregnancy Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before using Symbicort during pregnancy to weigh potential benefits and risks.

Breastfeeding Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before using Symbicort while breastfeeding, as its components can pass into breast milk in small amounts.

Alcohol Caution

Limit alcohol intake while using Symbicort, as excessive consumption may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness.

Driving Caution

Symbicort may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Heart health Consult your doctor

Inform your doctor if you have heart problems before using Symbicort, as it may affect your condition.

Oral health Important

Rinse your mouth with water after each dose to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

Long-term use Consult your doctor

Long-term use of Symbicort may affect bone density; consult your doctor if you have osteoporosis or risk factors for bone loss.

Speak to your doctor for more information about the possible dangers of Symbicort use.

Storage instructions

1. Store your inhaler at room temperature and away from moisture and humidity.
2. Do not expose this inhaler to direct sunlight and heat
3. Cover the mouthpiece with the protective cap when not using your inhaler
4. Do not use your inhaler past its expiration date

Disposal

Any unused canisters must be taken to a pharmacy so they can be disposed of safely. The same goes for the inhalers, as they are unsuitable for household waste.

Any medicine disposed of via household waste or wastewater poses a danger to the environment.

No, you cannot buy Symbicort Turbohaler over the counter, it must be prescribed by a doctor. You will need a prescription for Symbicort so that a doctor can ensure it's the right treatment for you and monitor for any side effects.

If a doctor has diagnosed you with asthma previously, you can get a repeat prescription for Symbicort from our registered doctors at euroClinix.

With your permission, we will communicate with your GP for regular follow ups. This will ensure you receive the best quality care possible.

Yes, ordering Symbicort through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Symbicort page and complete a confidential online questionnaire, which takes about 5-10 minutes.
2. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
3. If approved, the doctor will write a prescription.
4. Your medication will be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with next-day delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Start your journey with euroClinix today and experience our expert care.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat asthma and COPD.

At euroClinix, we stock a variety of combination inhalers as well as a range of inhalers containing corticosteroids and bronchodilators separately. You can find more information about different inhalers in the table below.