Generic Drugs // Asthma // Budesonide (Symbicort)

Symbicort Aerosol is used for:
Long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Symbicort Aerosol is a combination of a synthetic corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. It works by decreasing irritation and inflammation in the lungs; it widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Symbicort Aerosol is used for:
Long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Symbicort Aerosol is a combination of a synthetic corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. It works by decreasing irritation and inflammation in the lungs; it widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Do NOT use Symbicort Aerosol if:

    * you are allergic to any ingredient in Symbicort Aerosol
    * you are using another medicine that has a long-acting beta-agonist (eg, salmeterol) in it
    * you are having an asthma attack (eg, sudden, severe onset or worsening of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath)
    * you are taking mifepristone

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

How to use Symbicort Aerosol:
Use Symbicort Aerosol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Symbicort Aerosol comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Symbicort Aerosol refilled.
    * Store Symbicort Aerosol in the foil package until right before use.
    * You will need to prime the inhaler before using it for the first time. To prime the inhaler, shake it for 5 seconds, then release a test spray into the air away from your face. Shake well again for 5 seconds and release a second test spray into the air.
    * To use Symbicort Aerosol, remove the inhaler from the foil pouch. Write the date that you open the foil pouch on the dose tracker card that comes with Symbicort Aerosol.
    * Be sure that the canister is properly placed in the inhaler unit. Shake well. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check the mouthpiece for foreign objects. Breathe out slowly and completely. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time. This will release a dose of Symbicort Aerosol. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips or your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above steps. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Close the mouthpiece cover after each use.
    * If the inhaler is not used for more than 7 days or if it is dropped, it will need to be reprimed again before you use it.
    * Wipe the mouthpiece clean with a dry cloth at least once a week.
    * Rinse your mouth with water after you finish using the medicine (do not swallow). This will help remove excess medicine and decrease your risk of developing an oral fungal infection.
    * Use the enclosed dose tracker card to keep track of the number of puffs you have used. Throw the inhaler away after you have used the labeled number of puffs or after it has been removed from the foil pouch for longer than 3 months, even if the container does not feel empty.
    * Use the new inhaler that comes with each refill. Do not reuse an old inhaler. Do not use Symbicort Aerosol with a different kind of inhaler.
    * Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler with water. Keep it dry and always store in a dry place. Do NOT try to take the inhaler apart.
    * Continue to use Symbicort Aerosol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
    * If you miss a dose of Symbicort Aerosol, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Symbicort Aerosol.

Possible side effects of Symbicort Aerosol:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

    * Dizziness; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain or upset; stuffy nose; throat irritation; tiredness; tremor; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual hoarseness); back pain; chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, coughing, increased chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing); severe or persistent dizziness, headache, nervousness, or tremor; severe or persistent muscle pain or cramps; trouble speaking; vision changes; white patches in your mouth or throat.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Proper storage of Symbicort Aerosol:
Store Symbicort Aerosol at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Store Symbicort Aerosol with the mouthpiece down. Keep Symbicort Aerosol out of the reach of children and away from pets.