Symbicort Turbuhaler

Symbicort Turbuhaler is a dry powder inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that helps relax airway muscles and improve breathing. This medication is used for long-term control and is not intended for sudden breathing problems.

Symbicort Turbuhaler is prescribed for the long-term management of certain respiratory conditions that affect breathing.

• Asthma: This inhaler is used to treat asthma in patients 6 years of age and older who require both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator to help control symptoms.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is also used for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adults with COPD, including conditions such as:
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Emphysema

Regular use may improve breathing, reduce COPD flare-ups, and help lower the risk of exacerbations.

This medication is not designed to alleviate acute bronchospasm or sudden respiratory issues. A rescue inhaler should be used for immediate symptom relief if prescribed.

Below is a quick overview of important facts for patients and caregivers:

Symbicort Turbuhaler improves breathing through two complementary mechanisms in patients with asthma and COPD.

• Reduces airway inflammation: Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that lowers inflammation and swelling in the airways, helping to control asthma and COPD symptoms.
• Relaxes airway muscles: Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles and helps keep the airways open, making breathing easier.

Together, these actions improve airflow and help control long-term respiratory symptoms.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. General guidelines include:

• Remove the inhaler cover.
• Hold the inhaler upright and twist the base grip fully in one direction, then back again until you hear a click.
• Breathe out gently away from the inhaler.
• Position the mouthpiece between your lips and take a deep, forceful inhalation through the mouth.
• Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 5-10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
• Replace the cover securely after use.
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

The recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated and the inhaler strength prescribed by your healthcare provider. Turbuhaler strengths are labeled as 100/6 mcg and 200/6 mcg, which deliver 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg, respectively. This inhaler is typically used twice daily (morning and evening), about 12 hours apart.

Important dosage information:

• Do not exceed 2 inhalations twice daily unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• Doses are usually taken morning and evening, about 12 hours apart.
• If breathing symptoms occur between doses, a short-acting rescue inhaler may be needed.
• Do not use additional LABA medications while taking this inhaler unless advised by your healthcare provider.

Using more than the recommended dose may increase the risk of side effects. Most overdose symptoms occur due to excessive beta2-agonist effects from formoterol. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Tremors or nervousness
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Changes in blood pressure
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)

Excessive exposure to corticosteroids such as budesonide over long periods may also lead to systemic steroid effects. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical help or contact a poison control center. Treatment typically involves supportive medical care and monitoring of cardiovascular symptoms.

Symbicort Turbuhaler may cause side effects in some patients. Most reactions are mild, but some may require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects are listed below:

• Headache
• Throat irritation or sore throat
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Nasal congestion or sinus inflammation
• Oral thrush (fungal infection in the throat or mouth)
• Cough
• Stomach discomfort or nausea
• Back pain

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of pneumonia, such as fever, chills, increased cough, or mucus changes
• Severe allergic reactions such as breathing difficulty, swelling, or rash
• Vision problems, including glaucoma or cataracts
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden worsening of breathing or wheezing after inhalation
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
• Increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)

This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about adverse reactions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit MedWatch.

While taking this medication, the following warnings and precautions should be considered:

• Asthma-related risks: Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) may increase the risk of severe asthma-related events when used without an inhaled corticosteroid.
• Eye problems: Long-term use may increase the risk of glaucoma or cataracts.
• Cardiovascular effects: Use with caution in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or arrhythmias.
• Not for sudden breathing problems: This inhaler should not be used as a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks or sudden breathing difficulty.
• Pneumonia risk: Patients with COPD who use inhaled corticosteroids may be at increased risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
• Excessive use: Using higher doses or using other LABA-containing medications at the same time may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.
• Immune system effects: Corticosteroids may weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm: In rare cases, inhaled medications may cause sudden worsening of breathing immediately after use.
• Bone density reduction: Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Oral fungal infections: Inhaled corticosteroids may cause fungal infections in the mouth or throat (thrush). After each use, rinse your mouth to minimize this risk.
• Electrolyte and blood sugar changes: This medication may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) or increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in some patients.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Data on the use of this medication during pregnancy is limited. Inhaled budesonide has not been linked to increased congenital disabilities, but the combination should be used only if the benefits outweigh potential risks. Budesonide may pass into breast milk in small amounts, and data on formoterol are limited. Treatment benefits should be weighed against possible risks to the infant.

Symbicort Turbuhaler may interact with certain medications that affect how the drug works or increase the risk of side effects. Important drug interactions include:

• Beta-blockers: Medicines used for heart disease or high blood pressure (including some eye drops) may reduce the bronchodilator effect and may trigger bronchospasm in asthma patients.
• Diuretics: Non-potassium-sparing diuretics (such as thiazide or loop diuretics) may increase the risk of low potassium levels (hypokalemia) when used with beta-agonists.
• Antidepressants: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants may increase cardiovascular effects associated with formoterol.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors: Medications such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin may increase budesonide levels in the body.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription medications they use before starting Symbicort Turbuhaler.

Several inhalers may be considered as alternatives depending on the patient’s condition, treatment response, and healthcare provider's recommendation.

Brand availability may vary depending on location and pharmacy supply. A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate option based on the patient’s symptoms and treatment response.

Prescription respiratory medications may be costly at many U.S. retail pharmacies. Ordering Symbicort Turbuhaler online from Polar Bear Meds may help reduce overall costs while maintaining safety, quality, and reliability.

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• Shipping across the United States typically takes 3-5 business days via Xpress Post.
• Shipping timelines may vary depending on processing requirements and location.
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• Additional savings with coupon code WELCOMEPB10: 10% off your first order.

All Symbicort Turbuhaler orders require a valid prescription. Medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies that comply with applicable pharmacy regulations and safety standards.

• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6b78d08a-e098-4188-8f7f-94fbd5f396ef
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021929s021lbl.pdf
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1327.pdf