Symbicort

Symbicort is a prescription inhaler used to manage symptoms of asthma and provide long-term control of the condition. Taken daily, it helps reduce the risk of flare-ups and maintain steady breathing. It is also recommended for maintenance and reliever therapy (MART), meaning it can, offer both daily preventative treatment and rapid relief from symptoms in those with mild asthma. This makes it a practical combination inhaler for both everyday use and fast-acting support when needed.

Symbicort works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It does this through its two active ingredients, budesonide and formoterol:

• Budesonide: a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and irritation in the airways.
• Formoterol: a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways to keep them open.

The Symbicort Turbohaler is a dry-powder inhaler (DPI), meaning it delivers these ingredients through a fine powder that is inhaled directly into the lungs. This allows the medication to act quickly where it is needed most.

When used as a daily preventative treatment, Symbicort significantly reduces the risk of asthma attacks. One study found that Symbicort users saw a 70% reduction in rescue inhaler use within just one day of use. This meant asthma attacks were less common and less severe in those using Symbicort.

In this same study, 69% of patients taking Symbicort reported feeling symptoms improve within one week, compared to just 23% of placebo users. This shows that despite being a long-term treatment, Symbicort works fast to improve symptoms and reduce your reliance on a rescue inhaler.

To be prescribed Symbicort from 121doc, you must be over the age of 18 and have asthma. It can be prescribed either alongside a rescue inhaler (such as Ventolin), or as your only inhaler; to be used daily and when symptoms flare up.

Do not use a Symbicort inhaler if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Furthermore, ask your doctor before use if you have:

• diabetes
• a lung infection
• high blood pressure
• ever had a heart problem
• problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands
• low levels of potassium in your blood
• severe liver problems

To use a Symbicort Turbohaler, follow these instructions.

Unscrew the cover and lift it off to reveal the inhaler.

Hold the inhaler upright and twist the base fully one way, then twist it fully in the other direction. You should hear a click.

Breathe out gently as much as you can. Do not breathe in again until you are ready to take the medicine.

Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth and close your lips. Then, breathe in as deeply and as hard as you can through your mouth.

If you are to have a second inhalation, repeat steps 2 to 4. When you are done, replace the cover.

There are two doses of Symbicort available from 121doc: 100/6 and 200/6. Which one you use depends on the severity of your asthma and how you respond to treatment.

The recommended dose is 1-2 inhalations twice a day, but yours may be different. If you are prescribed Symbicort as your only inhaler, you can also use it as-needed when your symptoms flare up. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking your medicine.

If you forget to take a dose of Symbicort, follow these instructions:

• If it is the same day, take it as soon as you remember, then continue as usual.
• If it is the next day, skip the forgotten dose, and take your next dose at the usual time.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

There are some potential side effects of Symbicort you should be aware of, although not everyone gets them.

The most common Symbicort side effects include:

• palpitations
• trembling or shaking
• thrush in the mouth
• mild sore throat
• headache

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe you asthma treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects