Budesonide-formoterol (budesonide-formoterol)
My medication guide
Fairview Pharmacy. Call 601-544-4871.
My prescribed doseYour pharmacist or doctor fills this in.
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.
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.