What is Symbicort?
Symbicort is a medication used to treat both asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a combination medication containing budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate , which are both bronchodilators. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works to reduce inflammation in the airways of the lungs, while formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Symbicort is available as an inhaler and is typically used twice a day on a regular schedule. It can also be used as a rescue medication for asthma attacks in some patients. Patients should always use Symbicort as directed by their doctor and should keep track of their symptoms and any side effects they experience.
Possible side effects of Symbicort may include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, increased heart rate, and tremors. It is important to notify a healthcare provider if side effects persist or if any new symptoms develop.
Symbicort was first approved by the US FDA in 2006 and is manufactured by AstraZeneca. There have been several studies conducted on the clinical use and effectiveness of Symbicort, including a study on Korean asthmatic patients and the real-life clinical use of Symbicort Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART).
It is worth noting that the use of Symbicort in children has limited data , and the FDA has requested more information on its safety for use in children.
If you have asthma or COPD and are considering Symbicort as a treatment option, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about symbicort
SYMBICORT is a maintenance treatment used to help significantly improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) To help improve your lung function, your doctor may want you to take a maintenance medicine - a medicine taken every day to help ease constriction and control inflammation in your airways.
Symbicort is a novel asthma product containing both budesonide and formoterol in a single inhaler, Turbuhaler. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that treats underlying airway inflammation in asthma; formoterol is a rapid- and long-acting beta2-agonist that prevents and reverses airway obstruction.
SYMBICORT is a registered trademark and AZ&Me is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is indicated for the twice daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Official answer. In general, most people use Symbicort as two puffs twice a day, morning and evening 12 hours apart, for long-term control of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symbicort should NOT replace a rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) for sudden symptoms.
The most common side effects of SYMBICORT include: THROAT IRRITATION. UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION. INFLAMMATION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF THE SINUSES (sinusitis)
Symbicort is used for long-term treatment in both asthma and COPD. However, if you have asthma and your symptoms improve to the point where you no longer need a long-acting beta agonist such as formoterol, your doctor may decide to switch you to an inhaler that only contains a corticosteroid.
Sweden
Budesonide/formoterol was first launched in Sweden in 2000 and has been approved in approximately 120 countries to treat asthma and/or COPD either as Symbicort Turbuhaler or Symbicort pMDI (pressurised metered-dose inhaler).
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic of Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol for the treatment of two common pulmonary health conditions: asthma in patients six years of age and older; and the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and ...
Bottom Line. Symbicort is a long-term maintenance (controller) medication used to treat asthma or COPD. Symbicort contains two medications that work together to reduce inflammation and open the airways in your lungs. This can help to tame your symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath over the long-term.
Symbicort can cause CNS problems, and this risk is increased in people who already have heart conditions. Osteoporosis. Symbicort can cause loss of bone density. If you have a history of osteoporosis, you may be at an increased risk of symptoms such as bone fractures and bone pain.
Do not stop using Symbicort for your asthma without speaking to your doctor first. For COPD, Symbicort is used long-term to improve your breathing symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups. Continue to take your Symbicort for as long as your doctor recommends it and exactly as prescribed.
Do not stop using Symbicort for your asthma without speaking to your doctor first. For COPD, Symbicort is used long-term to improve your breathing symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups. Continue to take your Symbicort for as long as your doctor recommends it and exactly as prescribed.
