Budesonide and Formoterol: Uses, Side Effects, and Generic Symbicort Availability
Symbicort is a brand name for budesonide and formoterol.
Budesonide and formoterol is a combination medicine used to control and prevent the symptoms of asthma in adults and children at least 6 years old.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema can be controlled with budesonide and formoterol.
Formoterol can increase the risk of death in people with asthma.When budesonide and formoterol are used together, the risk is not increased.
Budesonide and formoterol are not rescue medicine for asthma attacks.If your breathing problems get worse quickly, you should seek medical attention.
Your immune system can be weakened by budesonide.Tell your doctor if you've had an illness in the last few weeks.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor.It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby.If you have asthma during pregnancy, it can cause problems such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia, which can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby.The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh the risks to the baby.
Follow the directions on your prescription.The medicine should be used as directed.Life-threatening side effects can be caused by using too much medicine.
You shouldn't stop using the oral steroid medication suddenly.Follow your doctor's instructions.
Budesonide and formoterol are not rescue medicine for asthma or bronchospasm attacks.For an attack, use only fast-acting medicine.If your breathing problems get worse quickly, you should seek medical attention.
Follow the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
It may take up to a week before your symptoms improve.Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve if you use the medication as directed.
If you have surgery, are ill, or have recently had an asthma attack, your dose needs may change.Don't change your medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature in an upright position.Don't let open flame or high heat get you down.If it gets too hot, the canister may explode.Do not burn an empty canister.
If the canister has been more than 3 months since you took it out of its pouch, then throw it away.
If this medication gets into your eyes, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Don't be near people who are sick.If you are exposed to chickenpox, you should call your doctor.These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid.
Do not use a second bronchodilator if it contains formoterol or a similar medicine.
If you have signs of an allergic reaction, you should get emergency medical help.
Irregular heartbeats, leg pain, weakness in the chest, or limp feeling, are all symptoms of a low potassium level.
Children can be affected by budesonide.If your child is not growing at a normal rate while using budesonide and formoterol, tell your doctor.
This isn't a complete list of side effects.Call your doctor if you have side effects.You can report side effects to the FDA.
It can be unsafe to use certain medications at the same time.Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs, which can increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Budesonide and formoterol can be affected by many drugs.Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products are included.There are not all possible interactions listed here.Tell your doctor if you start or stop using any medicine.
Don't share your medicines with others, use this medication only for the indication prescribed, and keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
To ensure the information on this page applies to your personal circumstances, always consult your healthcare provider.