Symbicort Turbohaler

Symbicort is an inhaler used to treat and maintain Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in adults and contains Budesonide (steroid) and Formoterol (medium to long acting beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist).  Budesonide works by reducing swelling and irritation in the lungs. Formoterol helps to relax the muscles around the airways, so they open up more and allow you to breathe easier.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable chronic lung disease which affects men and women worldwide. Abnormalities in the small airways of the lungs lead to limitation of airflow in and out of the lungs. Several processes cause the airways to become narrow. Nearly all COPD sufferers smoke or have smoked leading to the disease being so heavily linked to smoking. If you are a smoker, the 1st thing to do to prevent development of disease is to stop smoking. 

Priming your Symbicort Turbohaler

• Hold it in the upright position as shown
• Shake your inhaler well for 5 seconds
• Remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing gently at both sides, then pulling out
• Hold the inhaler facing away from you, and release a test spray
• Shake it again for 5 seconds and release a second test spray

If you do not use your SYMBICORT inhaler for more than 7 days or if you drop it, you will need to prime it again.

Instructions:

The actuation counter on top of the inhaler helps to monitor the amount of medication remaining and helps you know when to refill your prescription. The arrow points to the number of inhalations, or puffs remaining. Here’s how to read it:

• After you have primed the inhaler for the first time, the counter will read either 120 or 60, depending on which size was provided to you
• Each time you release a puff from the inhaler, the counter will count down
• When the arrow gets close to 20, you will notice the beginning of the yellow zone, indicating that it is time to call for a refill
• Discard the inhaler when the arrow points to the red zone and reads zero (0), or 3 months after it is taken out of its pouch, whichever comes first
• Your inhaler may not feel empty and may continue to operate, but you will not get the right amount of medicine if you keep using it

All instructions and information on the patient information leaflet should be read throughly before use.

• Do not use SYMBICORT for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma

• Do not use SYMBICORT more often than prescribed. SYMBICORT should be taken as 2 puffs 2 times each day

• The most common side effects of SYMBICORT include:

  • COPD: throat irritation, thrush in the mouth and throat, bronchitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection

  • Asthma: throat irritation, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, throat pain, sinusitis, flu, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and thrush in the mouth and throat

Reporting of any side effects

If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the YellowCard Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.