Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol): Uses, Side Effects, Alternatives & More - GoodRx (2024)

What is Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)?

What is Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) used for?

How Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) works

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination of two medications.

• Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works in your lungs to lower swelling and inflammation, making it easier for you to breathe.

• Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways to the lungs. This opens up the lungs and makes breathing easier.

Drug Facts

More on Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) essentials

Pros and cons of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Pharmacist tips for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

How to use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol):

Frequently asked questions about Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

What are the risks and warnings for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)?

Although rare, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can worsen symptoms of asthma or COPD by tightening the airways. This medical condition is called paradoxical bronchospasm and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. If you feel more wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol), stop this medication right away and speak to your provider.

In addition, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) shouldn't be used to treat asthma attacks or any severe episodes of asthma or COPD. You should only use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (ProAir), to treat asthma attacks or COPD flare ups. If your rescue inhaler isn't working well to control your symptoms, let your provider know because you might need additional medications, such as steroid pills.

Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) more often, at a higher dose than prescribed, or together with another LABA (e.g., Striverdi Respimat (olodaterol)) can raise the risk of overdose. Get medical attention right away if you think you've taken too much of this medication or have symptoms of overdose, including chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea, or trouble sleeping.

There's a chance of fungal infections, such as thrush in the mouth and throat, while using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol). The risk is higher if you don't rinse your mouth right after using this medication. Symptoms of oral thrush include white patches on the inside of the mouth, mouth redness or soreness, and pain while eating or swallowing. If you develop thrush in your mouth, let your provider know right away. You will need to take an antifungal medication to treat the infection.

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can lower your ability to fight infections. Infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, and measles, can be more serious in people who use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol). If you have any of the risk factors listed above, discuss with your provider about how you can safely use this medication. Don't use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) if you have an active infection or an infection that keeps coming back without speaking with your provider first. Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can make these infections worse. Let your provider know right away if you have signs or symptoms of an infection, such as fever, cough, white patches in your mouth, or sore throat.

Additionally, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can also raise the risk of certain lung infections, including pneumonia. Keep in mind that symptoms of pneumonia are similar to COPD flare ups, so let your provider know if you experience cough, chest pain, shortness of breath. Your provider can help decide what is the right treatment for you.

When switching from an oral to an inhaled steroid, your provider might closely observe you for withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, tiredness, weakness, or muscle and joint pain. This is because switching between different forms of steroids can affect the cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that controls blood sugar, blood pressure, and other important functions in your body. It also helps the body respond to stressful situations, such as trauma, surgery, and infection. Don't switch between steroids without proper guidance from your provider. Let your provider know if you develop any symptoms, such as tiredness, weakness, loss of energy, nausea, vomiting, or low blood pressure.

If you have used oral steroids for long periods of time and have asthma or COPD, it's important to carry a warning card with you that states that you might need steroid pills during an asthma attack or a COPD flare up. In these cases, a rescue inhaler alone might not be enough to treat your emergency. Your provider might also perform tests to monitor your lung function and breathing more closely.

Rarely, using inhaled steroids, such as Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol), for a long time can cause a medical condition called adrenal suppression. This happens when your adrenal gland doesn't make enough of steroid hormones for your body, which creates a dependence on steroid medication. If you suddenly stop the medication, it can be dangerous to your body. In adults, symptoms of withdrawal include fever, joint or muscle pain, and low energy. In children, symptoms often include stunted growth, weight gain, and headaches. To prevent adrenal suppression from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long period of time, their provider might ask you to do some lab work to test how well your adrenal gland works. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of withdrawal. Don't suddenly stop using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) without talking to your provider first.

Rarely, using too much Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can cause serious problems, including seizures, heart problems, and changes in blood pressure. To lower your risk, don't use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) with other inhalers that have LABA (e.g., Formoterol (Perforomist)) and don't use this medication more than directed. Talk to your provider right away if you experience chest pain, fast heart rate, headache, tremor, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.

People taking Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time might be at risk of bone loss or poor growth. If you've any of the risk factors listed above, you might be more likely to experience weaken bones or slowed growth after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) long-term. Your provider might measure your bone density regularly to make sure your bones are healthy. If you've had bone fractures before or history of osteoporosis, talk to your provider about their risk before using this medication.

Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time can raise eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, and cause cataracts (cloudiness in the eyes). Talk to your provider right away if you experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or other changes in your vision after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol). You might need an eye exam.

In some rare cases, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Don't use this medication if you've a history of allergy to medications containing budesonide. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as wheezing, dizziness, fainting, rash, itching, trouble breathing, and swelling of the tongue or throat. Get medical attention right away if you've any of these reactions.

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can cause low potassium levels in some people, which can affect your heart rhythm. The low levels of potassium are typically temporary and usually doesn't require any treatment. Let your provider know if you have muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or abnormal heartbeat as these can be signs of low potassium.

Although rare, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can also raise blood sugar levels in some people. Let your provider know if you're feeling more thirsty or hungry than usual, confused, or urinating more often. These can be signs of high blood sugar.

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) dosage forms

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) comes in two different strengths:

• Each inhalation of Symbicort 80/4.5 contains 80 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol.

• Each inhalation of Symbicort 160/4.5 contains 160 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol.

Asthma

• Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 or Symbicort 160/4.5 twice daily.

• Children ages 6-11 years old: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 by mouth twice a day.

COPD

• Adults: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 by mouth twice a day.

How much does Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) cost?

What are alternatives to Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.