Symbicort

Symbicort is used to treat asthma and COPD. You can get it as either a Turbohaler or a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). With a Turbohaler, the medicine is released automatically when you breathe in. An MDI, on the other hand, needs you to press a button to release the medicine.

Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains two ingredients: a preventer called budesonide, which is a type of steroid, and a reliever known as formoterol fumarate.

You'll use it regularly to lower your risk of asthma attacks, and you can also take extra doses if you experience asthma symptoms. This makes it a good choice for those who currently use both preventer and reliever inhalers separately.

Asthma is a condition where your airways get inflamed. They become narrower and swollen, and might produce more mucus than usual. This can make it hard to breathe and might cause coughing and shortness of breath.

Lung diseases that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult can lead to COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough.

Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Budesonide is a steroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, which can lead to fewer symptoms and asthma attacks.

Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps to relax the muscles in your airways, easing 'bronchoconstriction' and allowing air to move more freely in and out of your lungs.

Symbicort Turbohaler comes in three different strengths: 100/6, 200/6, and 400/12. Symbicort MDI is available in two strengths: 100/3 and 200/6.

The large number indicates the dose of budesonide in micrograms, while the small number shows the dose of formoterol fumarate in micrograms.

The difference in these doses lies in how much medicine is given with each inhalation and the level of relief it offers. The dose you take and how often you use it each day depends on how well your asthma is managed and your symptoms. Usually, you might take 1 or 2 inhalations a day, but sometimes your prescriber may increase this to 4.

Asthma inhalers come in two types: preventers and relievers. Preventer inhalers are used daily to help manage asthma symptoms. Reliever inhalers are used as needed when symptoms arise.

Symbicort is a combination inhaler. You use it regularly, much like a preventer inhaler, but you can also take extra doses if you need quick relief from asthma symptoms.

It has been proven to effectively lower the risk of asthma complications. A clinical study found that Symbicort decreased the chance of hospitalisation by 28%.

There are other combination inhalers with the same active ingredients, but they're produced by different manufacturers, such as Duoresp and Fubomix.

There are also other combination inhalers with a slightly different corticosteroid, such as Seretide and Combisal.

It might take a bit of time to find the best option for you. However, after you've answered some questions about your health, our clinicians can suggest a variety of treatments for you to consider.

It really comes down to what you feel most comfortable with, and your inhaler technique plays a role as well. Some people find a Turbohaler easier to use, while others prefer the control they have over the dosage with an MDI.

After we've had a chat, our team can guide you on the right dose to take.

Asthma medicines typically require a prescription, and Symbicort is no exception. This ensures that the prescriber can confirm it's safe for you to use.