Budesonide and formoterol: your inhaler plan, mouth care and missed doses
This guide is here to teach you. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Always do what your doctor tells you, and ask a pharmacist before you change how you take any medicine.
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What does it do?
It combines an inhaled steroid with a long-acting airway-opening medicine for asthma or COPD maintenance, depending on the prescription.
Should I rinse afterward?
Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each scheduled dose to reduce mouth/throat thrush.
Is it my rescue inhaler?
Do not assume so. The US Symbicort label describes maintenance use, not acute symptom relief. Some asthma patients receive a specific clinician-directed SMART plan using an ICS/formoterol inhaler for both maintenance and relief. Confirm your own written plan.
Sources: Symbicort label; NHLBI asthma guidance.
How should I use it day to day?
Have the pharmacist watch your technique with your actual device. Follow its shaking, priming and cleaning instructions. Meals do not set the inhalation schedule. For Symbicort's labeled maintenance regimen, a missed dose is skipped and the next taken at its usual time; do not double. If prescribed SMART, ask your clinician how missed maintenance doses fit your individual plan. Symbicort label
What needs checking?
Show the pharmacist every inhaler and medicine you use. Another long-acting bronchodilator can duplicate treatment. Ritonavir and some other medicines can interact. Do not stop an oral steroid or change inhalers on your own. Symbicort label
What symptoms need help?
Report persistent hoarseness, white mouth patches or a racing heartbeat. Sudden worsening breathing immediately after inhalation needs prompt medical help; use the rescue treatment in your action plan. Call 911 for severe breathing trouble. Keep follow-ups for symptom control and, when appropriate, children's growth and eye health. MedlinePlus
Get help with your prescription
Ask a Fairview pharmacist to review your device and action plan. Prescription services are through the pharmacy, not the OTC shop. This is general education.