Symbicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate Dry Powder for Oral Inhalation)

Symbicort contains a combination of budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to a group of medications known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the swelling in the airways of the lungs. Formoterol belongs to the group of medications known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways to improve breathing. Symbicort is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Manufacturer Information

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:

• Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, tremors, nervousness;
• Dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure);
• Signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding;
• Wheezing, throat irritation, or other breathing problems after using Symbicort;
• White patches or sores in your mouth or throat;
• Worsening asthma symptoms

Less serious side effects include:

• Back pain;
• Changes in your voice;
• Headache;
• Muscle or joint pain;
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• Stuffy nose

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or inhaled lactose. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless it is clearly needed. Budesonide passes into breast milk. It is unknown if formoterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor before using Symbicort if you have any of these conditions: an abnormal heart rhythm, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, low blood potassium, or a thyroid disorder.