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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.
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.
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.
Before using a new Symbicort Turbohaler for the first time, you need to prepare it.
Follow the instructions below:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Usage | Maintenance dose | Reliever dose | Maximum Dose |
---|---|---|---|
Maintenance therapy - used regularly to prevent symptoms | 1-2 inhalations twice daily | N/A | Up to 4 inhalations twice daily |
Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) - used regularly and when needed | 2 inhalations daily or twice daily | 1 dose as needed - if symptoms continue, 1 extra dose can be taken | A maximum of 6 doses on a single occasion |
Reliever use - used only when needed | N/A | 1 dose as needed - if symptoms continue, 1 extra dose can be taken | No more than 6 doses on a single occasion |
COPD treatment | 2 inhalations twice daily | N/A | N/A |
If you are unsure about your dose, ask your doctor.
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:
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Symbicort has many health benefits, including:
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:
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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Refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of 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:
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.
Category | Status | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Safe | There are no known interactions between Symbicort and alcohol. |
Pregnancy | Consult your doctor | Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are currently pregnant. |
Breastfeeding | Consult your doctor | Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding. |
Driving | Safe | This medicine has little to no effect on your ability to drive or use tools or machines. |
Speak to your doctor for more information about the possible dangers of Symbicort use.
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:
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.
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Type of medicine | Long-acting beta 2 agonists + Corticosteroids |
Used for | Prevention of swelling and irritation in airways in conditions such as asthma and COPD |
Active ingredient(s) | Budesonide and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate |
Works by | Reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in the airways. |
Effective within | 15 minutes |
Suitable for | Men and women over 18 with asthma and COPD |
Available as | Inhaler |
Available strength | 100/6 mcg, 200/6 mcg, and 400/12 mcg |
Usage | Dependent on condition |
Packaging | Turbohaler |
Manufacturer | Various |
Generic available | No |
Storage | Keep this medicine at room temperature. |
Prescription required? | Yes, get it FREE with our online consultation |
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