Symbicort Turbohaler

Symbicort Turbohaler (Dry Powder)

Symbicort Turbohaler is a convenient, breath-actuated combination inhaler that targets asthma from two angles, helping patients breathe more easily, prevent flare-ups, and manage symptoms effectively

It must be used every day, even when you feel well, because consistent daily use helps control inflammation and prevents sudden flare-ups or worsening of asthma.

Skipping doses or only using Symbicort when you have symptoms may increase the chances of your asthma becoming unstable in the long term.

Consult your doctor before starting or changing your dose.

Available strengths: 100/6 mcg, 200/6 mcg, and 400/12 mcg per inhalation.

Dual-Action Control with Symbicort

Breathe easier with two proven treatments in one simple inhaler.

Symbicort inhaler targets asthma from two angles to prevent symptoms before they start. Many people report fewer asthma symptoms in daily life, such as less frequent wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. You may find you wake up less at night due to asthma, or use your rescue inhaler less often during the day.

It works in two ways to help you breathe more easily:

1. Calms inflamed airways
Symbicort contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid. It reduces lung swelling and irritation, reduces mucus buildup, and reduces airway sensitivity to common triggers.

2. Keeps airways open
It also contains formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator. This relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping them stay open and allowing air to move in and out more easily for up to 12 hours.

Benefits:

• Fewer symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness
• Better day- and night-time breathing
• Reduced risk of asthma flare-ups when used regularly

Triggers it helps protect against:

• Cold air
• Exercise
• Pollen and dust
• Smoke and pollution
• Chest infections

Symbicort is taken daily as a preventer inhaler. In some patients, it may also be used as a reliever if prescribed as part of a MART/SMART treatment plan.

Doctor’s note:
For best results, Symbicort should be used every day as prescribed, even when symptoms are well controlled.

Symbicort Turbohaler 100/6 is indicated for patients aged 6 years and above, where combined inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator therapy is clinically appropriate.

Symbicort 100/6 may be prescribed as:

• Maintenance therapy – taken daily to prevent symptoms, with a separate reliever inhaler.
• Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) – used daily and also when symptoms occur, if advised by a doctor.

It is usually prescribed for people who:

• Do not have good asthma control with an inhaled steroid and a separate reliever inhaler
• Are already using an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, and want to manage asthma with a single inhaler
• Need a low to moderate steroid dose as part of ongoing asthma control

You should seek medical advice before using Symbicort if you have any existing health conditions or ongoing treatments, particularly:

• A history of heart disease, including chest pain, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or raised blood pressure
• Thyroid conditions where the gland is overactive
• Diabetes or problems with blood sugar control
• Moderate to severe liver problems
• Low blood potassium levels, or if you take medicines that can reduce potassium levels
• Current or previous lung infections, such as tuberculosis, or repeated chest infections
• Eye conditions affecting pressure or vision, including glaucoma or cataracts
• Previously required long-term treatment with oral steroid medicines

• Licensed for adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and over.
• Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Symbicort should be used only on the advice of a doctor or specialist, who will assess the benefits and any potential risks.

Use Symbicort exactly as prescribed in your asthma action plan.
It is for inhalation only through the mouth. Use it every day, even if you feel well.

Steroid safety card recommendation (adults): Steroid safety card not normally required [Sources]

1. Maintenance Therapy (with a separate reliever)

Administer Symbicort daily to prevent symptoms. You must also carry a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler.

Typical doses (your doctor may adjust):

Adults (18+ years):
1–2 puffs twice daily
Adolescents (12–17 years):
1–2 puffs twice daily
Children (6–11 years):
1–2 puffs twice daily
Your doctor may reduce the number of puffs once your asthma is well controlled.

2. Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART)
If prescribed this way, Symbicort is used as both your daily preventer and your reliever.

Adults and adolescents (12+ years):

Usual maintenance dose: 1 puff twice daily
If symptoms occur: take 1 extra puff
If needed, take one more puff after a few minutes
Do not exceed the number of puffs prescribed by your doctor.

If you frequently require additional puffs, consult your physician.

Children (6–11 years)
Use only as directed by the doctor. Children should be supervised when using the inhaler.

The Turbohaler is breath-activated. This means the medicine is released when you inhale deeply through the mouthpiece.

1. Unscrew and remove the cover.
2. Hold the Turbohaler upright (with the coloured grip at the base).
3. Load a dose: Twist the grip as far as it will go in one direction, then back again until you hear a click.
4. Breathe out gently, away from the mouthpiece. Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
5. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips firmly around it.
6. Breathe in deeply and forcefully through your mouth.
7. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 5–10 seconds.
8. Breathe out slowly.
9. If another inhalation is required, repeat the steps above.
10. Replace the cover firmly after use.
11. After your regular dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.
12. You may not taste or feel the medicine. This is normal.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor for guidance.

• Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness after use.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not stop using Symbicort suddenly without medical advice. Stopping this medicine abruptly can cause your asthma symptoms to return or worsen, and may put your health at risk.

Always consult your doctor if you are considering any changes to your treatment.

For full safety information, read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Long-term high-dose use may rarely lead to steroid-related effects. Your prescriber will monitor for these effects where appropriate by arranging regular check-ups and, sometimes, blood tests or other assessments. This helps ensure treatment is safe and effective for you. Always let your doctor know if you notice any new or unusual symptoms.

For full details of possible side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) supplied with your inhaler.

Some medicines may affect how Symbicort works, including:

• Certain antifungal, antibiotic, or HIV medicines
• Beta-blockers (including some eye drops)
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm or potassium levels
• Other inhalers containing similar bronchodilators

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter or herbal products.

For full details on ingredients, dosing, and interactions, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Like all medicines, Symbicort can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most are mild and improve as your body adjusts to treatment.

The most common side effects include:

• Thrush (fungal infection) in the mouth or throat
• Hoarse voice or throat irritation
• Headache
• Tremor (shakiness)
• Palpitations (feeling your heart beating faster or stronger)

Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after your regular dose helps reduce the risk of thrush and hoarseness.

For a full list of possible side effects and important safety information, please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).