Product Introduction:

Symbicort 160mcg/4.5mcg Turbuhaler is a combination medication used in a single inhaler that helps manage the long-term symptoms of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It works by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in the airways, which helps make breathing easier.

Your doctor will guide you on how often to use the inhaler. While you may notice some improvement in a few days, the maximum effect typically takes a few weeks to fully develop. To get the best results, it’s important to use the inhaler regularly, even if you don’t feel symptoms. Stopping the medication could worsen your symptoms. Note: This inhaler should not be used for immediate relief of sudden shortness of breath. For rapid relief, use your rescue inhaler.

Proper inhaler technique is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness. If you’re unsure of the correct technique, consult your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:
While most side effects are mild and temporary, some of the common ones include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and respiratory tract infections. These effects typically diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or concern you, consult your doctor.
You can reduce some side effects by rinsing your mouth and throat with water or brushing your teeth after using the inhaler.

There are rarer, more serious side effects, so talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Important Warnings:
Before starting Symbicort, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney conditions, as this may affect your dosage. Additionally, discuss your pregnancy or breastfeeding status with your doctor to ensure the inhaler is safe for you.

Uses of Symbicort Inhaler:

1. Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Symbicort helps keep your airways open by relaxing the muscles in the lungs. It relieves symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. It allows you to carry out your daily activities with more ease. This medication usually starts working within minutes, and its effects can last for several hours. Continue using it regularly, even if you feel fine, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

2. Treatment and Prevention of Asthma:
Symbicort can help prevent asthma attacks when used before exercise or exposure to triggers like dust, pollen, pets, or cigarette smoke. It can also help you exercise without the worry of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. By managing these symptoms, it enables you to live more freely.

Side Effects of Symbicort Inhaler:

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach discomfort
• Cough
• Nasopharyngitis (throat and nasal passage inflammation)
• Upper respiratory infections
• Sinus inflammation
• Oral fungal infections
• Tremors
• Palpitations
• Voice changes
• Pharyngolaryngeal pain
• Influenza
• Back pain

If any of these persist or cause concern, reach out to your healthcare provider.

How to Use Symbicort Inhaler:

1. Check the label for instructions before use.
2. Shake the inhaler.
3. While breathing in through your mouth, press the inhaler to release the medication and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat this process until you have inhaled the prescribed number of puffs.
5. Afterward, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out to prevent side effects like oral fungal infections.

How Symbicort Works:

Symbicort 160mcg/4.5mcg Turbuhaler is a combination of two active ingredients:

• Formoterol (4.5mcg): A long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles and opens up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
• Budesonide (160mcg): A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals responsible for swelling.

Together, these components help to keep the airways open and reduce inflammation, easing your breathing.

Safety Advice:

• Alcohol: Unsafe. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while using Symbicort.
• Pregnancy: Safe if prescribed by your doctor. Although animal studies show no harm to the baby, human data is limited.
• Breastfeeding: Generally safe, but consult your doctor for guidance.
• Driving & Kidney Function: No known interactions have been established.
• Liver Function: No known interactions have been established.

What if You Miss a Dose of Symbicort Inhaler?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.