Symbicort Medication Information (dosing, side effects, patient counseling)

Your medication Symbicort

Budesonide and formoterol is also known as the brand name: Symbicort.
It is most commonly used to treat asthma in patients over the age of 12 but can also be used to treat asthma in children. No matter how old you are, depending on the severity of your asthma, Symbicort is taken two inhalations twice daily with a maximum of four inhalations per day. It comes in inhaler form and is taken by pressing inhaler to release medicine into mouth and then swallowing.
Some common side effects of Symbicort are headaches and upper respiratory tract infection.
Some less common side effects are dizziness, abdominal distress, vomiting, influenza, back pain, bronchitis, and nasal congestion.
Symbicort is not a rescue inhaler, and does not replace fast-acting inhalers to treat acute symptoms.
Do not take Symbicort if:
• You need acute bronchodilation in COPD
While taking Symbicort, it is important to remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following:
• Signs of an infection
• Signs of high blood sugar (confusion, fatigue, increased thirst, increased hunger, flushing, fast breathing, etc.)
• Signs of low potassium (muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps or an abnormal heartbeat)
• Signs of adrenal gland problems (severe nausea, vomiting, severe dizziness, passing out, muscle weakness, etc.)
• Signs of lung problems
• Signs of allergic reaction (wheezing, chest tightness, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, seizures, etc.)
Symbicort has a US Black Box Warning stating that it can increase the risk of asthma-related death.