Symbicort Turbohaler (100, 200 & 400)

What is Symbicort and what is it used for?

Symbicort turbohalers are a preventative everyday treatment for the symptoms of asthma. This inhaler will help to control your asthma and prevent future attacks from occurring. It contains two active ingredients, which work in combination to fight asthma in two different ways. Budesonide, a corticosteroid, has an anti-inflammatory function; formoterol fumarate dihydrate relaxes the muscles in the airways.

Three different strengths of turbohaler are available: 100mcg budesonide / 6mcg formoterol fumarate dihydrate; 200mcg / 6mcg; and 400mcg / 12 mcg. Your doctor will prescribe the strength appropriate for you – this will depend on whether you are using Symbicort as your primary inhaler, or purely as a preventer.

What is asthma?

Asthma affects over five million people in The United Kingdom. The condition is caused by an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the tubes that connect the windpipe to the lungs. The swelling in the bronchi causes the airway passages to contract and increases the production of phlegm. This results in a restriction of breathing, coupled with further obstruction of the airways.

How does Symbicort work?

There are two types of inhalers: ‘preventers’ and ‘relievers’. Symbicort turbohalers have both properties. Primarily, it is a preventer containing the corticosteroid budesonide – once budesonide enters the lungs, it stops cells in the area from producing the chemicals which cause inflammation. When used every day, Symbicort will effectively manage the inflammation of the airways, reducing your risk of an asthma attack.

Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a type of medicine called a long-acting beta 2 agonist also used in Symbicort. When stimulated, the lungs’ beta 2 receptors relax the muscles in the airways. This causes the airways to expand, which relieves asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. This function is very similar to that of a blue reliever inhaler. However, reliever inhalers feature short-acting beta 2 agonists. This important difference means that Symbicort turbohalers will not provide immediate relief and that you will still require a reliever inhaler for emergencies.

Alternatives to Symbicort

Asthma is not a condition that can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications. If you are looking for another treatment or want to swap inhalers you will need to broach this subject with your GP at your regular asthma review. Please do not 'Try' a new inhaler without seeing your GP first.

We recommend you have a regular check-up with your regular GP to ensure your inhalers are still keeping your asthma controlled and are still the best course for you.

Sources

• Symbicort Tubohaler, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Symbicort Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Before using this medication, consult your doctor if you:

• Are diabetic
• Have a lung infection
• Have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure
• Have a liver disorder
• Are intolerant to lactose
• Have thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• Have a low level of potassium in the blood

The following medications may interact with Symbicort; inform your GP or pharmacist if you are taking:

• Any beta-blockers (e.g. atenolol, propranolol, timolol)
• Heart medication (e.g. quinidine, digoxin)
• Diuretics
• Xanthines (e.g. aminophylline, theophylline)
• Another bronchodilator (including salbutamol-based inhalers)
• Oral steroids
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
• Nefazodone
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants (e.g. phenelzine)
• HIV medicines (e.g. ritonavir)
• Phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine)
• Anti-infection medicines (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin)
• Thyroid medicines
• Medication for Parkinson’s disease

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to use Symbicort

Generally, you will be advised to take 1-2 puffs from a Symbicort turbohaler, twice a day. It is most effective at controlling inflammation when it is used every day, so continue to use it even if your breathing feels normal.

Have your pharmacist or asthma nurse show you the correct technique for using the device. This information will also be available in the Product Information Leaflet.

After using the turbohaler, remember to brush your teeth and/or rinse your mouth. This will prevent oral side effects from developing.

Symbicort Ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Symbicort turbohalers are: budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate.

Symbicort turbohalers also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product: Lactose monohydrate (contains milk proteins).

Symbicort Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Symbicort turbohalers, however, if you do they can include:

• Trembling
• thrush (fungal infection) of the throat or mouth
• heart palpitations
• sore throat
• headache
• coughing

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.