Budesonide and Formoterol

Budesonide / Formoterol Inhaler (Generic version of Symbicort®) is a prescription asthma maintenance inhaler for patients 6 years and older. It combines two medicines: budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist. It is not used to treat sudden breathing problems or acute bronchospasm.

• Generic version of Symbicort® Inhaler
• Used as a scheduled asthma controller when prescribed
• Helps manage asthma over time, not for immediate rescue relief
• Contains an ICS + LABA combination
• Should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider
• Patients should have a rescue inhaler available if prescribed

Use Budesonide / Formoterol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is inhaled through the mouth on a regular schedule as part of asthma maintenance treatment, not taken as extra puffs for sudden symptoms.

• Do not use more often or take more inhalations than prescribed
• Rinse your mouth with water after use and spit it out
• Follow the patient instructions for priming and cleaning the inhaler
• Do not use another LABA medicine unless your provider tells you to
• Use your rescue inhaler as directed for sudden breathing symptoms
• Seek medical help if your breathing gets worse or rescue medicine is not helping

Budesonide / Formoterol can cause side effects, and this is not a complete list. Common side effects may include headache, throat irritation or pain, upper respiratory infection, nasal congestion, sinus symptoms, flu-like symptoms, back pain, stomach discomfort, vomiting, or oral thrush.

• Rinsing after use may help reduce the chance of oral thrush
• Some people may notice fast heartbeat, tremor, or changes in blood pressure
• Breathing can rarely get worse right after using the inhaler
• Serious allergic reactions may include rash, swelling, hives, or trouble breathing
• Seek urgent care for severe breathing problems, chest pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction

See Important Safety / Prescribing Information for full detail.

No. Budesonide / Formoterol is a maintenance inhaler used on a regular schedule for asthma control when prescribed. It is not for sudden breathing problems or acute bronchospasm. If you have sudden symptoms, use your rescue inhaler as directed. Get medical help if symptoms are severe, worsening, or your rescue medicine is not helping.

1. Start an short online health intake
2. A licensed healthcare provider will review your intake
3. If prescribed, the medication will be sent directly to your home by a licensed US pharmacy

Yes. Budesonide / Formoterol is a prescription medication. A healthcare provider must review your information and decide whether this maintenance inhaler is appropriate for your asthma treatment plan.

Your provider may recommend both, but they are used differently. Budesonide / Formoterol is a maintenance inhaler. Albuterol-type inhalers are commonly used for quick relief when prescribed. Do not change how you use either inhaler without medical guidance.

Rinse your mouth with water after each use and spit it out. This helps lower the chance of oral thrush, a possible side effect from the inhaled corticosteroid part of the medication.

Tell the provider about your asthma symptoms, how often you use a rescue inhaler, current asthma medications, allergies, and any recent worsening breathing. Also mention heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, infections, eye problems, pregnancy or nursing, and all medications you take.

If the provider decides Budesonide / Formoterol is not appropriate, they may recommend another treatment path or advise in-person care. Do not use extra puffs, combine it with another LABA medicine, or change your asthma medications without provider guidance.

SYMBICORT (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol - official prescribing information covering approved uses, dosage, warnings, adverse reactions, and safety information. / Source: DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fafa4cf1-99c2-43d5-73ad-51f256de3be0 / Updated: July 24, 2019.