Symbicort Turbuhaler is an inhaled medication used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma. This inhaler contains budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces the swelling in the airways. Formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways and allows greater airflow.

When these two medications are combined, asthma and COPD patients can breathe easier. Symbicort can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and help improve COPD symptoms by opening your airways.  This will help you breathe easier. COPD is an overarching term that describes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both of these conditions can make it incredibly difficult to perform everyday activities and get an adequate amount of exercise.

Symbicort Turbuhaler delivers budesonide and formoterol in powder form. This differs from the traditional Symbicort inhaler that delivers the medication in aerosol form. Your doctor will determine which form of Symbicort is right for your condition. Because the powder is inhaled with the Turbuhaler and not sprayed out, you may need to breathe more forcefully to get the medication in your lungs. If you have reduced lung function, this form of medication may be more difficult for some COPD or asthma patients.

Generally, you should take the following steps when taking your Symbicort Turbuhaler:

1. Unscrew the cap of the Turbuhaler and hold the Turbuhaler upright.
2. To prime the medication, turn the bottom of the Turbuhaler right as far as it will go and then twist it back until it clicks.
3. Breathe out fully and then put the Turbuhaler between your lips, making sure you have a good seal around the mouthpiece. Breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
4. Remove the Turbuhaler from your mouth and then screw the canister shut.

Using Symbicort Turbuhaler correctly is essential to your health and wellness when living with asthma or COPD. This medication can be used by adults and children over 8 years old. Your doctor will tell you how to properly use your medication.  It is important to contact your doctor if you have any questions.

Your doctor may prescribe more than one inhalation per day; if so, repeat the steps above again. This medication has a dose counter and will let you know when your medication is running out.

The dosage of your Symbicort Turbuhaler depends on your lung function and pre-existing conditions. This medication is prescribed to patients with asthma to relieve breathing symptoms and provide daily medication to the lungs to prevent future asthma attacks. If you are taking Symbicort for COPD, the dosage varies from person to person. COPD is often a more severe lung illness, so following your prescribed dosage is essential to your treatment plan.

Generally, if you are taking Symbicort Turbuhaler for daily maintenance, you will take one to two inhalations a day. The maximum dose is 4 inhalations a day. It is important not to go over 4 inhalations a day because it could cause serious side effects and even worsen your breathing condition.

Symbicort Turbuhaler is not an emergency inhaler and should not be used during asthma attacks. But if you are having increasing trouble breathing, your doctor may recommend upping your daily dosage to improve your lung function. If your symptoms persist, you may be experiencing an asthma attack.

Symbicort side effects may include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Trouble sleeping
• Restlessness

For the large majority of Symbicort Turbuhaler users, very few side effects occur. Regardless, it is important to remain aware of any possible side effects that may be cause for concern. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects become persistent or bothersome. Serious side effects are rare, but they may require emergency medical help, so contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest tightness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Mood changes
• Bone pain
• Symptoms of pneumonia
• Unexplained skin bruising
• Sudden wheezing
• Breathlessness when resting

If you are experiencing more than one of the above symptoms and you are feeling worse, you are advised to contact your physician immediately and consider reporting to your nearest health center for evaluation.

Is Symbicort a rescue inhaler?

No, Symbicort Turbuhaler is not an emergency drug and cannot assist in an asthma attack. This medication is a maintenance inhaler that works most effectively when used daily. You need an emergency inhaler to aid in sudden breathing symptoms. Emergency inhalers are typically prescribed along with maintenance medications like Symbicort Turbuhaler.

Is generic Symbicort available?

Canadian pharmacies like Canada Pharmacy Depot does not offer a generic version of Symbicort Turbuhaler, but you can save hundreds of dollars a year by purchasing your asthma and COPD medications through us. Our online pharmacy can save you up to 90% on your brand name Symbicort Turbuhaler prescription.

Is Symbicort a steroid?

Symbicort Turbuhaler contains a combination of a steroid (budesonide) and a bronchodilator (formoterol). Corticosteroids like budesonide reduce inflammation in the lungs and improve breathing. Bronchodilators relax the airways allowing air to flow more easily.

Who is the Symbicort manufacturer?

AstraZeneca is the original manufacturer of Symbicort and Symbicort Turbuhaler. AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish global pharmaceutical company.

How should I store and maintain my Symbicort Turbuhaler?

As with all medications, keep it out of reach of others, especially children and animals. It is also important to avoid breathing into the Turbuhaler because excess moisture may clog the device. For this same reason, avoid getting this medication wet. Keep the lid screwed on tight when not in use and wipe the mouthpiece dry if necessary.

Why is Symbicort so expensive?

Millions of people have asthma across the country and every one of them requires a maintenance inhaler. These maintenance inhalers can be incredibly expensive, especially if you do not have insurance. Luckily, you can save hundreds of dollars by purchasing Symbicort Turbuhaler through Canada Pharmacy Depot.

What are the ingredients to Symbicort Turbuhaler?

Symbicort Turbuhaler is a combination medication that contains budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Budesonide is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation in the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that opens up the bronchi in the lungs, improving the flow of oxygen.