Symbicort Generic

This article tells the readers about the Symbicort inhaler and how to use it properly. You will also learn about its ingredients and the health conditions it can treat.

What Is Symbicort (Budesonide Formoterol) Inhaler?

Symbicot is a generic name for asthma and lung disease symptoms resolver that consists of two components, Formoterol and Budesonide, so the preparation can also go under the name of Budesonide-Formoterol.

Formoterol is a medication belonging to the class of medical preparations called long-acting beta-agonists. Its action is related to relaxing the airways’ muscles. Then, the airways can open up for easier breathing. The preparation can control breathing problems that prevent normal work, studies, and lifestyle. Long-acting beta-agonists alone may induce asthma-related death, hence they are taken alongside inhaled corticosteroids. It's crucial to know how to use this inhaler and see your doctor before using it for asthma treatment. It’s Budesonide that belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It reduces swelling and irritation of the airways.

Therefore, Symbicort is mostly used to prevent asthma symptoms, like shortness of breath or wheezing, or effectively control them. It is also efficient for lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and its display in the form of chronic emphysema or bronchitis.

How to Use Symbicort Inhaler?

To use this preparation properly, read the patient information and use directions booklet. Your doctor or pharmacist can clarify instructions.

If you use the inhaler for the first time or haven’t used it for more than a week, prime it. Do the same if the inhaler is dropped. Spray away from the face to prevent getting the preparation into your eyes.

You have to shake the container properly for at least 5 seconds before every use. You need to inhale the drug via your mouth, as recommended by the doctor, twice per day with 12 hours apart. The inhaling sessions are better conducted in the morning and in the evening.

You can usually use the dose of 1 puff. However, if the physician prescribes two puffs, make a 1-minute pause between them. You can also use it alongside other inhalers, but you need to wait at least 1 minute between different medications and apply this drug last.

Dry mouth, oral yeast infections, and hoarseness may occur. Rinse and spit after usage to avoid them. Never swallow the water you have rinsed your mouth with.

There is a need to clean the inhaler with a dry cloth once a week. Never take the device apart.

You have to use this drug regularly to make it more beneficial. However, the dosage is usually based on your organism’s response to this treatment. The medication shows a better effect if you apply it at approximately the same time of the day. Never increase the dose on your own or attempt to utilize it more often than prescribed. Avoid canceling it yourself without a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid using other long-acting beta-agonists alongside this preparation. Stopping the inhaler or oral corticosteroids might cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Weight loss, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscular discomfort may occur. To avoid these problems, your doctor will gradually lessen the dosage.

Don’t use a quick-relief inhaler, for example, albuterol, regularly as you did before taking Symbicort. For instance, if you are used to applying it 4 times per day, stop such a schedule and apply it only when needed, like in the case of a sudden asthma attack or breath shortness.

The full effect of Symbicort will be obvious in about a week or longer. If your symptoms don’t improve or your condition gets worse, talk to your doctor about it.

You need to be aware of the ways to treat your sudden breathing issues with quick-relief drugs, too, because Symbicort does not belong to such preparations.

Side Effects and Precautions

Most people who use Symbicort do not suffer from any side effects. If you have throat discomfort, headaches, or stomach problems, see a doctor. To avoid high blood pressure, check it periodically.

The rarest side effect is sudden worsening of breathing problems or asthma directly after the drug application. Use your quick-relief inhaler first and get the urgent medical help as soon as possible.

Other serious side effects can include the following:

• sore throat accompanied by fever;
• white patches in your mouth or on the tongue;
• changes in your mood or nervousness;
• blurred vision;
• trouble sleeping;
• excessive urination;
• increased thirst;
• shaking or tremors;
• muscle cramps.

There may also be very serious side effects that need the immediate medical help, such as severe dizziness, chest pain, zeisures, too fast, irregular, or too slow heartbeat, and fainting.

Allergic reactions are rare but severe. Rash, itching, throat, tongue, or facial swelling, trouble breathing, and severe dizziness indicate an emergency hospital visit.

Tell your doctor if you or a family member have ever had a bad response to any medication or food, including this one. It's also important to highlight your health history:

• present or past tuberculosis, herpes, or other infections;
• heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• overactive thyroid;
• osteoporosis;
• seizures;
• eye problems;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• aneurysm;
• tumors of the adrenal gland.

Mind that Formoterol may lead to QT prolongation that can affect your heart condition and become occasionally life-threatening.

Healthcare experts do not recommend using this product during pregnancy if it is not severely needed. The same is about breastfeeding. You should always consult your physician or pharmacist if you encounter some issues or your health condition has changed.