Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) is a combination of budesonide and formoterol that helps decreasing inflammation and opening up the airways in your lungs. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your lungs. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Symbicort helps controlling the symptoms of asthma and preventing asthma attacks by keeping the airways open that makes breathing easier. However this medication does not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Symbicort also helps treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Symbicort inhaler as directed by your physician.

Symbicort comes with a medication guide for safe and effective use, and directions for priming and cleaning the Symbicort inhaler device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Symbicort is inhaled through the mouth. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Do not use more often than as prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Symbicort inhaler exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Symbicort, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Symbicort is not a rescue medicine. Do not use it for an acute asthma or COPD attack. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma or bronchospasm attack.

Symbicort is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems;

• diabetes;

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat;

• high blood pressure;

• immune system problems;

• infection;

• liver disease;

• worsening asthma;

• an unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, formoterol, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives;

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant; or

• breast-feeding.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
-Breathing problems
-Changes in vision
-Chest pain
-Fast, irregular heartbeat
-Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-Fever
-High blood pressure
-Nervousness
-Tremors
-White patches or sores in mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-Cough
-Different taste in mouth
-Headache
-Sore throat
-Stuffy nose
-Stomach upset

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not take double or extra doses.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast heartbeats, and feeling shaky or nervous.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature. Do not get the inhaler wet.

Keep track of the number of doses used.

Throw away the inhaler after using the marked number of inhalations or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

Do not burn or puncture canister.

What should I avoid while using Symbicort?

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water and call your doctor if you have severe eye redness or irritation.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid such as budesonide.

Do not use a second inhaled bronchodilator that contains formoterol or a similar medicine.