Is Symbicort inhaler a steroid?

Is Symbicort inhaler a steroid?

Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) is a combination of a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator used to prevent bronchospasm in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Is Symbicort a strong inhaler?

A specific strength of Symbicort (160/4.5) may be used as a maintenance treatment in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, to reduce inflammation and airflow obstruction.

How often can you take Symbicort?

SYMBICORT should be taken every day as 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening. If you miss a dose of SYMBICORT, you should take your next dose at the same time you normally do. Do not take SYMBICORT more often or use more puffs than you have been prescribed.

How long does it take for Symbicort to work?

For asthma, your symptoms should start improving within 15 minutes of your Symbicort inhalation. Full improvement in your symptoms may not occur for 2 weeks or longer after you have started treatment. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Symbicort can start improving your lung function within 5 minutes.

Can you stop Symbicort suddenly?

If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using budesonide/formoterol.

Is Symbicort long or short acting?

Symbicort is a combination of two drugs: the steroid known as budesonide , and a bronchodilator called formoterol . It is a long-acting medicine, not a short-acting inhaler to be taken in the throes of an attack, and is typically taken twice daily, every day.

What is the alternative to Symbicort?

A few medications on the open market utilize the inhaled steroid feature of Advair with a bronchodilator medication. These Advair alternatives include: Budesonide and formoterol (known as the Advair alternative symbicort).

Is Symbicort right for everyone?

Symbicort is not appropriate for everyone, as this eMedTV page explains, and in some cases, the medication should be avoided. As a result, this page stresses the importance of discussing every aspect of your medical history with your healthcare provider.

Is Symbicort a MDI?

Symbicort comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an “MDI”). The medicine is inhaled into the lungs, usually twice daily, with about 12 hours between doses. You should “test spray” each Symbicort inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for more than a week.