Symbicort Turbohaler

Used correctly as prescribed, Symbicort Turbohaler can alleviate asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Taking Symbicort Turbohaler

Usually, you will be prescribed 1-2 puffs twice a day.

Symbicort Turbohaler comes in 3 different strengths. We will advise which strength you need. Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you have any questions, contact us via your Patient Record.

How it works

Symbicort Turbohaler works as both a reliever and a preventer. It contains 2 active ingredients: formoterol fumarate dihydrate and  budesonide.

Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a long-acting bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways.

Budesonide is one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids, which are often referred to simply as steroids. Steroids have an anti-inflammatory action, reducing the irritation and swelling in the airways, and so ease breathing problems like asthma.

Effectiveness

Symbicort Turbohaler should help control breathing immediately.

Used daily, Symbicort Turbohaler can help prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms, such as wheeze or a night-time cough.

Some use the Symbicort Turbohaler when they need extra doses for relief of asthma symptoms, whereas others have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol) to hand in case of sudden breathing problems.

Correct inhaler use

1. Unscrew the white cover and remove. Hold your Symbicort Turbohaler upright with the red grip at the bottom. Do not shake the inhaler.
2. To load a dose, turn the red grip as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it as far as it will go in the other direction until you hear a click.
3. Hold your Symbicort Turbohaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently as far as is comfortable. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth (do not bite it) and close your lips to make a seal. Breathe in as deeply and as hard as you can through your mouth.
4. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently. Repeat if you are taking another dose. Once your have taken your prescribed dose, replace the cover and rinse your mouth out.

Side effects

Can cause throat irritation or thrush in the mouth. The risk of these side effects can be reduced by using a spacer device with your inhaler. You can also help by brushing your teeth, gargling, and/or rinsing your mouth out with water after each use.

Some people also experience heart racing, tremors or headaches when taking Symbicort Turbohaler.

For full information on side effects, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Safety: taking other medicines

You should be able to use Symbicort Turbohaler alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Symbicort Turbohaler safely.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have ever needed intensive care treatment for your asthma, or have been admitted to hospital because of your symptoms in the last year, we will be unable to prescribe you Symbicort Turbohaler.