Symbicort Turbohaler

What is Symbicort?

Symbicort Turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) used in the management of asthma. It is classified as a combination therapy, meaning it contains two different medicines that work together to control your asthma.

Active Ingredients: Budesonide and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate.

Drug Class: Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) and Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist (LABA) combination.

How Does Symbicort Work? A Simple Explanation

Think of your asthma symptoms as a fire in your airways. Symbicort contains two firefighters with different roles:

1. Budesonide (The Preventer): This is the fire preventer. It's a corticosteroid that works by reducing and preventing the swelling and inflammation (the underlying 'fire') inside your airways. Using it daily makes your lungs less sensitive to asthma triggers.
2. Formoterol (The Long-Acting Reliever): This is the firefighter that quickly relaxes the muscles around your airways. This helps to open up the airways (bronchodilation), making it easier to breathe. Its effects last for up to 12 hours.

By combining these two actions, Symbicort both controls the underlying cause of asthma and provides rapid relief from symptoms.

What is Symbicort Used For?

Symbicort Turbohaler is used for the treatment of asthma in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older.

It can be prescribed in two distinct ways, which is crucial for patients to understand:

Before Using Symbicort

Before you start using Symbicort, it is essential to discuss your full medical history with your doctor. Special consideration is needed if you have or have ever had:

• Allergies to budesonide, formoterol, or lactose/milk protein.
• Heart problems (e.g., uneven heart beat, fast pulse, heart failure).
• High blood pressure.
• Thyroid or adrenal gland problems.
• Diabetes (corticosteroids can increase blood sugar).
• Low potassium levels in your blood.
• Severe liver problems.
• A current lung infection like tuberculosis.

Symbicort Contraindications

Do not use Symbicort Turbohaler if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol fumarate dihydrate, or lactose (which contains small amounts of milk protein). This is an absolute contraindication.

Special Population Considerations

• Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is required, but elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment: No specific studies, but caution is advised in patients with severe liver impairment.
• Pediatric: Recommended for children aged 6 years and older. The dose must be carefully adjusted, and growth should be monitored as inhaled corticosteroids can cause a slight slowing in growth rate.

Symbicort and Other Medicines

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Key interactions include:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, including eye drops for glaucoma): Can reduce the effect of Symbicort.
• Diuretics ("water tablets") and some steroids: Can increase the risk of low potassium levels.
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) and certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole): Can increase the levels of budesonide in your blood.
• Other bronchodilators or Xanthines (e.g., theophylline): May increase the risk of heart-related side effects.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Only use if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Do not use unless your doctor tells you to.
• Breast-feeding: Talk to your doctor before using. It is unknown if the ingredients pass into breast milk.

Driving & Machine Operation

Symbicort Turbohaler has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or blurred vision, you should not drive or operate machinery until you feel well again.

Symbicort Ingredients

Active Substances: Budesonide and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Each inhalation contains 80 micrograms budesonide and 4.5 micrograms formoterol fumarate dihydrate (equivalent to a metered dose of 100/6).

Other Ingredient (Excipient): Lactose monohydrate.

Allergen Warning: The lactose contains small amounts of milk proteins. This may cause allergic reactions in individuals with severe milk protein allergy.

How to Use Symbicort Turbohaler

It is vital to use the Turbohaler correctly to receive the full dose of medicine.

Symbicort Dosage Guidelines

Your doctor will determine the correct dose. The following are usual doses:

For Fixed-Dose Regimen (with a separate reliever):

For MART Regimen (Symbicort as only inhaler):

Administration Instructions

1. Prepare a new inhaler: Before first use, twist the red grip fully in one direction and then back. Repeat this once.
2. Load a dose: Hold the inhaler upright. Twist the red grip fully in one direction and then back until it clicks. Only do this just before you inhale.
3. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
4. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth.
5. Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible.
6. Breathe out gently.
7. Replace the cover tightly.
8. Rinse your mouth with water after your daily morning and/or evening doses to prevent oral thrush.

Missed Dose Management

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

Do not exceed the prescribed dose. The most common symptoms of overdose are trembling, headache, and a rapid heart beat. If you have used too much, contact your doctor or seek medical advice.

Symbicort Side Effects

Like all medicines, Symbicort can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help):

• Allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, hives.
• Sudden wheezing immediately after inhalation.

Other Side Effects (by Frequency):

• Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Headache, palpitations, trembling, mild sore throat, coughing, hoarse voice, oral thrush.
• Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Dizziness, restlessness, sleep disturbances, fast heart beat, nausea, muscle cramps, blurred vision.
• Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Rash, itching, low blood potassium, uneven heart beat.
• Very Rare (<1/10,000): Depression, behavioural changes (especially in children), chest pain, increased blood sugar.

Long-term use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may rarely affect bone mineral density, cause cataracts/glaucoma, or slow growth in children. Your doctor will monitor for these.

Reporting side effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report them directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Symbicort

• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• No special storage conditions required.
• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.

Symbicort Pack Information

Marketing Authorisation Holder: AstraZeneca UK Limited.

What's in the pack: Symbicort Turbohaler 100/6 is a white inhaler with a red turning grip. It is available in packs containing 1 inhaler with either 60 or 120 doses.

Where Can I Buy Symbicort Online in the UK