Prescription required. Product of New Zealand. Shipped from New Zealand. Symbicort Inhaler is also marketed internationally under the name Vannair Aerosol Inhaler.
Prescription required. Product of India. Shipped from Mauritius.
Prescription required. Product of New Zealand. Shipped from New Zealand. Symbicort Inhaler is also marketed internationally under the name Vannair Aerosol Inhaler.
Prescription required. Product of India. Shipped from Mauritius.
Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and generic Symbicort are combination inhalers containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). These medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While individual recommendations vary, a common dose for Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) is two inhalations by mouth twice daily, about 12 hours apart.
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
There are two strengths of Symbicort available — 80/4.5 and 160/4.5. These provide 80 or 160 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol.
However, the recommended dosage of Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) may vary based on the patient’s diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and individual treatment plan.
In general, the 80/4.5 strength is often recommended for children aged 6-11 years with asthma, while 160/4.5 is often recommended for all patients aged 12 years and older.
Dosage | Quantity | Typical Dosing |
80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler (120 doses) | 2 inhalations twice daily (Ages 6-11: asthma) |
160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler (120 doses) | 2 inhalations twice daily (Ages 12+: asthma, COPD) |
Common side effects reported in clinical studies have varied depending on the diagnosis being treated. Some of the common side effects based on the treated condition include:
Asthma
Nasopharyngitis (upper respiratory cold or flu-like symptoms)
Headache
Confirmed upper respiratory tract infection
Sore throat
Stuffy nose
Oral candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth; thrush)
COPD
Nasopharyngitis (upper respiratory cold or flu-like symptoms)
Thrush
Bronchitis
Oral candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth; thrush)
Other side effects include:
Back pain
Stomach discomfort
Vomiting
Inhalers that contain steroids like budesonide, including Symbicort, can increase the risk of local fungal infections in the mouth (thrush). Rinsing the mouth after each use can help prevent this.
Less common and serious side effects can also include:
Severe and allergic reactions: swelling, rash, trouble breathing
Overdose reactions: chest pain, fast heart rate, dizziness, headache, tremor, muscle cramps, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping
Sudden breathing problems: sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
Question | Answer |
Is Symbicort a steroid? | Yes, it contains budesonide (a steroid) and formoterol (a LABA or long-acting beta agonist) that work together to reduce inflammation and relax airways. |
Is Symbicort a rescue inhaler? | Symbicort is not formally recommended for acute breathing symptoms. For sudden difficulty breathing, a rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol) is recommended. |
How long does Symbicort take to work? | Some may feel relief in 15 minutes. However, it can take two weeks or more to establish whether Symbicort is helping to prevent asthma or COPD symptoms. Tracking how often you need to use a rescue inhaler over time can be helpful. |
How long can I use Symbicort? | Use as long as your healthcare provider directs for long-term control of symptoms. Many individuals remain on Symbicort or similar inhalers for years. |
Does Symbicort cause weight gain? | Unlikely. Unlike oral steroids, inhaled steroids like the budesonide in Symbicort carry a low risk of weight gain when used as directed. |
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.
