Symbicort - side effects, dosage, use, action

Symbicort is a combined form of medication composed of two active ingredients, Budesonide and Formoterol. These two components work in synergy to improve the condition of patients with respiratory disorders like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Budesonide, a corticosteroid, plays a pivotal role in reducing inflammation in the lungs. It is crucial in preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in swelling and irritation in the airways, making it easier for patients to breathe.

On the other hand, Formoterol belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs, which helps in regularizing the breathing pattern.

Together, these two active substances help in controlling and preventing the symptoms of breathing problems. It is important to note that Symbicort does not work immediately and is not to be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. A different medication should be used for that purpose.

Symbicort is a combination medicine typically used to manage the symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions. It contains two active ingredients: budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist. These two substances work together to decrease inflammation and relax the muscles around the airways, respectively, making it easier for the patient to breathe.

Specifically, Symbicort is indicated for:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Asthma in patients aged 12 years and older, and only for those patients whose asthma is not adequately controlled with their current asthma-control medicine.

In COPD, Symbicort is used to decrease the number of flare-ups or the worsening of COPD symptoms. For asthma patients, it is used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. However, it is important to note that Symbicort does not work quickly enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack. It should not be used as a relief medication.

Moreover, Symbicort should not be used by patients who are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any of the ingredients in Symbicort. Furthermore, patients who have a severe allergy to milk proteins or who have been diagnosed with status asthmaticus should not use Symbicort.

Despite the benefits of Symbicort in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, certain conditions contraindicate its use. Below are the main contraindications for Symbicort:

• Allergy: People allergic to budesonide, formoterol or any other ingredient in Symbicort should avoid using it.
• Status Asthmaticus: Symbicort is not recommended for the treatment of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus as it may worsen the condition.
• Heart conditions: People with certain heart conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats, should consult their doctor before using Symbicort, as it can accelerate the heart rate and possibly cause other cardiac complications.
• Diabetes: Symbicort can increase blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should use it with caution and under medical supervision.
• Severe liver disease: Symbicort should be used with caution in people with severe liver disease as it may increase the risk of systemic side effects due to impaired metabolism of the drug.

In addition, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 12 years of age should use Symbicort only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Always remember, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any existing health conditions and medications you are taking before starting any new treatment, including Symbicort.

While Symbicort can be highly effective in managing and preventing symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. Not everyone will experience these adverse effects, but it's crucial to know what might occur.

Common side effects of Symbicort include:

• Headaches
• Throat irritation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Back pain
• Stuffy or runny nose

In some cases, Symbicort can cause more serious side effects. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please report them to your doctor or pharmacist.

It's important to remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your healthcare provider promptly.

The dosage of Symbicort should be individualized according to the condition and the individual patient's response to treatment. It is crucial to understand that the medication should be administered as a long-term treatment, and the dosage should not be increased or decreased without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

For adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with asthma, the recommended starting dosage ranges from two inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg twice daily to two inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. The maximum recommended dosage is four inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily.

For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the recommended dosage is two inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. The maximum recommended dosage is four inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily.

It's important to note that Symbicort should be used with a proper inhalation technique. The patient should exhale deeply, place the mouthpiece in the mouth, and inhale quickly and deeply. After inhaling, the patient should hold their breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medication to reach deep into the lungs.

The dosing of Symbicort should be adjusted periodically under the supervision of a healthcare provider based on the patient's response to treatment. If a patient misses a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember, but skip it if it's almost time for the next dose.

Do not increase the dose or frequency of Symbicort without consulting your healthcare provider, as this may lead to serious side effects.

Symbicort is a medication that is often used as a maintenance treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always have a fast-acting inhalation medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms.

Symbicort contains two types of medication: budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It's usually taken as two puffs twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

To use Symbicort, you should first shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds. Then, exhale fully and place the mouthpiece in your mouth. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press down on the inhaler to release the medication and continue to breathe in slowly for as long as you can. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, if possible, to allow the medication to reach deep into your lungs. Wait about 1 minute between inhalations if your dose is more than 1 inhalation.

Regular use is key. It's important to use Symbicort regularly to get the most benefit. If you need to use a different inhaler, like a quick-relief inhaler, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication. It’s also imperative to rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using Symbicort to help prevent mouth and throat infections.

Remember to keep track of the number of inhalations used and discard the inhaler after you've used the labelled number of inhalations, even if it feels like there's still medication left in the device.

While Symbicort is generally considered safe for use in treating asthma and COPD, there are certain precautions that patients should be aware of to ensure safe and effective use of this medication.

Firstly, it is important to use Symbicort exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Overuse of this medication can lead to increased side effects and decreased effectiveness. Similarly, abrupt discontinuation of Symbicort can result in worsening of symptoms.

Patients should be aware that Symbicort may interact with other medications, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and other bronchodilators. It is therefore advised to inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking.

Moreover, Symbicort should be used with caution in patients with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Regular monitoring of these conditions may be required when using Symbicort.

There is also a risk of developing an allergic reaction to Symbicort. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Finally, it is important to note that Symbicort can affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks are recommended for children and adolescents who are using this medication.

Symbicort and Other Drugs

Interactions can occur when Symbicort is used with certain other medications. These interactions may alter the way the medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Some examples of medications that may interact with Symbicort include:

• Antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
• Beta blockers, including those used for high blood pressure and heart conditions
• Diuretics, also known as water pills
• Cardiac glycosides used for heart failure and certain heart rhythm disorders
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications

It’s important to note that this is not a complete list of potential interactions. Always inform your healthcare provider of any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Furthermore, certain medical conditions may affect how Symbicort works. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disease.

Alcohol may also interact with Symbicort. Drinking alcohol while using this medication may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness and a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Before starting Symbicort, discuss possible drug interactions with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for your unique situation.

The cost of the asthma medication Symbicort is determined by various factors, including the type of insurance coverage, the retail price, and the dosage. Without insurance, the price for Symbicort can be high, ranging from $200 to over $300 for a standard one-month supply. However, with insurance, this cost can be significantly reduced. It's important to check with your insurance provider to learn exactly how much you'll be required to pay.

Pharmacy discounts and manufacturer coupons can also help reduce the price of Symbicort. Many pharmacies offer discount programs, and the manufacturer of Symbicort often provides coupons or patient assistance programs. These programs can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost for Symbicort, sometimes making it available for free or at a very low cost.

Another factor which can impact the price of Symbicort is its dosage. Dosages can range from 80/4.5 to 160/4.5, and the higher the dosage, the higher the cost. This is another reason why it's important to communicate with your healthcare provider and insurance company about your prescriptions - they can help you understand the cost implications of different dosages and potentially suggest cheaper alternatives if cost is a concern.

In conclusion, the price of Symbicort is influenced by various factors, including insurance coverage, discounts, and dosage. Always consult with your healthcare provider and insurance company to ensure you're getting the best price possible.

Although Symbicort is a commonly prescribed medication for the management of asthma and COPD, there are various substitutes available in the market if one is unable to tolerate Symbicort or if it's not providing the expected results. It's crucial to remember that one should not switch their medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Here are some potential substitutes:

• Advair Diskus: Just like Symbicort, Advair Diskus also contains a combination of a corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting beta agonist (salmeterol). It's used for the long-term treatment of asthma and COPD.
• Dulera: Dulera is another combination medication that contains mometasone (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist). It's indicated for the control of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older.
• Breo Ellipta: Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone (corticosteroid) and vilanterol (long-acting beta agonist). It's used to improve the symptoms of COPD and asthma.
• Wixela Inhub: Wixela Inhub provides the same active ingredients as Advair Diskus (fluticasone and salmeterol) but at a more affordable price, making it a good alternative for some patients.

It's important to note that while these medications can be used as alternatives to Symbicort, they may not work in the same way for everyone. The effectiveness can vary depending on the individual's specific health conditions and response to treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.