Symbicort

• Risk factors: Using albuterol more often | Using too much Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) shouldn't be used for asthma attacks or serious breathing problems from asthma or COPD. If you suddenly have trouble breathing or start wheezing, use a rescue inhaler like albuterol instead.

If you notice you're using your rescue inhaler more often, tell your prescriber right away. This could mean your condition is getting worse and your treatment might need to change. Don't take more than 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening.

• Risk factors: Using too much Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) | Using together with other LABAs

Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) more often, at a higher dose than prescribed, or with other LABAs can raise your risk of overdose. Taking too much can lead to serious side effects like heart problems, and in rare cases, even death. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, tremor, headache, or nervousness.

• Risk factor: Not rinsing and spitting after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can sometimes cause a yeast infection in your mouth or throat called oral thrush. Symptoms include white patches inside of your mouth, redness, soreness, or pain while eating or swallowing. If you notice these symptoms, tell your prescriber right away since you might need an antifungal medication to treat it. To help prevent this, rinse your mouth with water after each use and spit it out — don’t swallow the water.

• Risk factors: COPD

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can raise your risk of certain lung infections like pneumonia, especially if you have COPD. Keep in mind that pneumonia can look a lot like a COPD flare up, so tell your prescriber if you have more mucus, a fever, more coughing, mucus that changes color, chills, or more trouble breathing. They can help figure out the cause and choose the right treatment for you.

• Risk factors: Active, chronic (long-term), or recurrent infection | Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking other medications that can weaken the immune system

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can make it harder for your body to fight infections. Infections like tuberculosis, chickenpox, and measles can be more serious if you're using this medication. Don't use Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) if you have an active or ongoing infection without talking with your prescriber first. Let them know right away if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever, body aches, tiredness, vomiting, pain, chills, or nausea.

• Risk factors: High doses of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) | Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time | Stressful events (e.g., surgery)

Rarely, using an inhaled steroid like Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where your body doesn't make enough of its own steroid hormones. To help prevent this, your prescriber will recommend the lowest dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) that works for you, for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use the medication long term, your prescriber might order some lab tests to check how well your adrenal glands are working. Let your prescriber know if you feel very tired, weak, or sick to your stomach — especially after surgery or during times of stress — as these could be signs of low steroid levels.

Although rare, Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing suddenly gets worse right after using the inhaler. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. If you notice more wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol), stop using it and use a rescue inhaler (like albuterol) right away. Contact your prescriber since you might need to switch to a different treatment.

Some people might have an allergic reaction immediately after using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol). This could include hives, swelling of the face or throat, rash, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the inhaler and get medical help right away.

• Risk factors: History of heart problems | Using too much Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Using too much Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can lead to serious issues like seizures, heart problems, and changes in blood pressure. To stay safe, only use it exactly as your prescriber tells you. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience chest pain, fast heart rate, headache, tremor, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.

• Risk factors: Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) long term | Older adult | Unable to move for a long period of time | Family history of osteoporosis | Poor diet | Postmenopausal | Smoking | Using medications that can cause bone loss

People taking Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time might be at risk for bone loss. It's not clear if this leads to broken bones, but the risk is higher if you're an older adult, postmenopausal, have a poor diet, smoke, or take certain medications. Your prescriber might check your bone density regularly to make sure your bones stay healthy. If you've had broken bones or have a history of osteoporosis, talk to your prescriber before starting this medication.

• Risk factors: Children

Inhaled corticosteroids like Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can slow down growth in children. If your child is using this medication, their height should be checked regularly to make sure they're growing normally. To lower the risk of side effects, your child's prescriber will try to use the lowest dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) that still works well to control symptoms.

• Risk factors: Long-term use of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) | History of eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts | Higher dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for a long time can raise eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, or lead to cataracts. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or other changes in your vision. You might need an eye exam to check for these problems.

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can sometimes cause low potassium levels, which can affect your heart rhythm. This is usually temporary and doesn’t need treatment. Let your care team know if you have muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or abnormal heartbeat as these can be signs of low potassium.

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