Brand Name
Symbicort Turbuhaler
Common Name
budesonide - formoterol turbuhaler
In this drug factsheet:
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This combination product contains two medications: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the swelling in the airways of the lungs. Formoterol belongs to the group of medications known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways and allowing the airways to open.
This medication is used to treat reversible obstructive airways disease, often known as asthma. When combined, these medications help to control the symptoms of asthma and prevent asthma attacks by keeping the airways open to make breathing easier.
It is also used for maintenance treatment of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
For asthma treatment, budesonide - formoterol can be used for maintenance therapy or for maintenance plus reliever therapy.
The starting dose of budesonide - formoterol is based on control of your symptoms. After asthma symptoms are controlled, your doctor will adjust your dose to the lowest regular dose that prevents asthma symptoms.
For maintenance therapy, the recommended dose for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 inhalations (or puffs) once or twice daily. If you need fast relief from asthma symptoms, use your fast-acting "reliever" (or "rescue") medication such as formoterol, terbutaline, or salbutamol. The maximum recommended daily maintenance dose is 4 inhalations. When asthma is worsening, the dose can temporarily be increased to a maximum of 4 inhalations twice daily.
For maintenance and reliever therapy, the recommended dose for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 inhalations twice daily or 2 inhalations once daily. If you need fast relief from asthma symptoms, use 1 additional inhalation as needed and repeat after a few minutes (to a maximum of 6 inhalations) if symptoms persist. The maximum recommended total daily dose is 8 inhalations.
When used as COPD therapy, the recommended dose is 2 inhalations twice daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 4 inhalations.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
When used regularly, this medication can reduce the number and severity of episodes of difficulty breathing. Regular daily use is important for its effectiveness.
This medication is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth, using the device that contains the medications (Turbuhaler®). Your health care professional should show you how to use the device. If you not sure about how to use the device, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Budesonide - formoterol turbuhaler should be used regularly, even when you are not experiencing any symptoms.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature with the cover on tight, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Symbicort 100 Turbuhaler
Each dry powder inhaler contains: budesonide 100 µg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 6 µg per dose. Also contains lactose which acts as a "carrier." The amount added does not normally cause problems in lactose-intolerant people.
Symbicort 200 Turbuhaler
Each dry powder inhaler contains: budesonide 200 µg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 6 µg per dose. Also contains lactose which acts as a "carrier." The amount added does not normally cause problems in lactose-intolerant people.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or inhaled lactose.
