Indications
Symbicort Turbuhaler is a medication used to treat the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a combination of two medicines, budesonide, and formoterol, in a single inhaler. Together, these two medications work to help manage the symptoms of asthma and COPD, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works to reduce inflammation in the airways. It helps to prevent and reduce swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs.
Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the air passages. This makes it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Use and Dosage
The Turbuhaler is a breath-activated plastic device containing dry powdered medication. When you inhale, the Turbuhaler delivers a measured dose of the medication to your lungs. The Symbicort brand of Turbuhaler has a dose counter which counts down from 120, with the last 20 doses appearing in red.
Symbicort Turbuhaler should be inhaled into your lungs through the mouth is usually used twice a day or depending on the recommendation of your physician. Do not use it more frequently, and do not change your Symbicort Turbuhaler dosage. Here are the general steps for using the Symbicort Turbuhaler:
- Remove the cap: Twist the cap off the inhaler and set it aside.
- Prepare the inhaler: Hold the inhaler upright and twist the grip in one direction, then back again until it clicks. This loads a dose of the medication into the inhaler.
- Breathe out: Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth: Put the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips tightly around it to make a seal.
- Inhale the medication: Breathe in rapidly and deeply through your mouth to inhale the medication. Do not breathe in through your nose.
- Rinse your mouth: After you have finished inhaling, remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out slowly. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent an infection in the mouth or throat.
- Replace the cap: Twist the cap back onto the inhaler until it clicks.
Use Symbicort Turbuhaler exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Symbicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol):
- Throat irritation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Stomach upset
Serious Side Effects of Symbicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol):
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mental changes
- Muscle cramps
- Persistent sore throat
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness
- Tremors
- Trouble sleeping
- Vision problems
- White patches inside the mouth
- Worsening breathing problems
Forms and Strength
Symbicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Symbicort Turbuhaler: Dry Powder Inhaler
- 100/6mcg
- 200/6mcg
- 80/4.5mcg
- 160/4.5mcg
Cautions
- Do not use Symbicort Turbuhaler to treat a sudden severe attack of asthma or COPD. You should have a quick-relief inhaler like albuterol for those situations.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may increase the risk of asthma-related death, especially in children and adolescents. Therefore, it should be used with caution in these groups.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may cause worsening of your breathing problems or other side effects. If you experience any new symptoms or your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting Symbicort Turbuhaler.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting Symbicort Turbuhaler.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may increase the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, especially in people with COPD. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or worsening cough, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may cause adrenal suppression, which can affect your body's natural production of steroids. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your adrenal function while you are using Symbicort Turbuhaler.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may affect your blood sugar levels, so if you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar closely while using Symbicort Turbuhaler.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler may cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symbicort Turbuhaler should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose of Symbicort Turbuhaler?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
How long does it take Symbicort Turbuhaler to start working?
Symbicort Turbuhaler may start to relieve your breathing symptoms 15 minutes after the dose has been administered. Your condition may fully improve after two weeks of continuously using this inhaler.
Does Symbicort Turbuhaler cause weight gain?
Weight gain or any changes in weight are not among the common side effects of Symbicort Turbuhaler. However, corticosteroids are known to cause weight gain.
How long should I use Symbicort Turbuhaler?
This inhaler can be used as a maintenance treatment and is safe to use for a long time. Even so, you must use this prescription only until the doctor prescribes it.
Resources
- https://medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/symbicort-turbuhaler
- https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/get-help/how-use-your-inhaler/turbuhaler%C2%AE
- https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/medicines/s/symbicort/
- https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/asthma-first-aid/symbicort-turbuhaler-budesonide-formoterol-inhaler
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Symbicort-Turbuhaler.aspx
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/s/symbicortthaler.pdf
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