Using your Symbicort inhaler correctly helps ensure that the medication reaches your lungs and works as effectively as possible. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and review these steps before use.
Before Using the Inhaler
Prime the Inhaler (When Needed)
Before using the inhaler for the first time, if it has not been used for more than 7 days, or if it has been dropped, you should prime it.
To prime the inhaler:
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds.
- Spray one test puff away from your face.
- Shake the inhaler again for 5 seconds.
- Spray a second test puff away from your face.
Check the Mouthpiece
Before each use, inspect the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean and free from dust, debris, or other obstructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Shake the Inhaler
Shake the inhaler well for at least 5 seconds before each puff.
Step 2: Breathe Out Fully
Breathe out completely through your mouth to empty your lungs. Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
Step 3: Position the Inhaler
Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. Keep your tongue below the opening so it does not block the medication.
Step 4: Inhale and Release the Medication
Begin breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
As you start to inhale, press down firmly on the top of the canister to release one puff of medication. Continue breathing in steadily until your lungs are completely full.
Step 5: Hold Your Breath
Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, ideally up to 10 seconds.
Holding your breath helps the medication settle deeper into your lungs.
Step 6: Breathe Out Slowly
Exhale gently through your mouth or nose.
Step 7: Repeat if Prescribed
If your prescribed dose includes a second puff:
- Wait approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Repeat the inhalation steps for the next puff.
After Using Symbicort
Rinse Your Mouth
After each dose, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit the water out.
Do not swallow the water.
Rinsing your mouth helps reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection that can occur with inhaled corticosteroids.
Cleaning Your Inhaler
Clean the mouthpiece at least once each week using a clean, dry cloth.
Do not wash the inhaler or place any part of it in water.
Dosage
Asthma Maintenance Therapy
The typical maintenance dose of budesonide/formoterol may include:
- 100 mcg/6 mcg: 1 to 2 inhalations twice daily
- 200 mcg/6 mcg: 1 to 2 inhalations twice daily
Depending on your symptoms and response to treatment, your healthcare provider may temporarily increase the dose to a maximum of:
4 inhalations twice daily
Asthma Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART)
For some patients, Symbicort may be used as both a maintenance and reliever inhaler.
Typical dosing may include:
- 1 to 2 inhalations once or twice daily for maintenance
- 1 additional inhalation as needed when symptoms occur
No more than 6 inhalations should be taken at one time.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as the appropriate dose may vary based on your age, asthma severity, and response to treatment.
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