Safely Buy Symbicort Turbuhaler ( Budesonide/Formoterol ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It contains 2 medications: budesonide and formoterol.

Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways.

Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time if you have not used it for more than 7 days, or if the inhaler was dropped. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.

Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart).

If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the uses of each medication, and use this drug last.

To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.

Clean the inhaler once a week with a dry cloth. Do not take the inhaler apart.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using this medication.

If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, and allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using budesonide/formoterol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details.

It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if you are breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects include:

• Severe or ongoing nosebleeds
• Vision problems
• Fever, chills, body aches, and flu symptoms

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to budesonide or formoterol; or to arformoterol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, bone loss (osteoporosis), eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), diabetes, liver disease, swelling of an artery (aneurysm), a certain tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).
• Formoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.
• The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using this medication safely.
• This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
• If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• This medication may temporarily slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. However, poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height can be checked.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Budesonide passes into breast milk. It is unknown if formoterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Symbicort Turbuhaler is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Symbicort Turbuhaler Dry Powder Inhaler:
  • 80/4.5 mcg
  • 100/6 mcg
  • 160/4.5 mcg
  • 200/6 mcg

FAQ

Is Symbicort Turbuhaler a steroid?

One of the active ingredients of this product is a corticosteroid. Budesonide is a steroid that acts on inflammation in the lungs.

Does Symbicort Turbuhaler make you sleepy?

Using this inhaler does not usually cause drowsiness or sleepiness. However, taking too much of this can cause insomnia or sleep problems.

How long does it take Symbicort Turbuhaler to start working?

This medication 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 weight changes are not among the common side effects of this product. However, a corticosteroid is 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:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16584855/
2. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/budesonide-nasal.html#side-effects
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148393/symbicort-inhalation/details