Symbicort® Inhaler for Asthma and COPD

This inhaled prescription medicine helps control asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It pairs an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator for maintenance control, not quick relief. This page outlines approved uses, dosing basics, strengths, and how to place an order and manage storage when you travel.

What Symbicort Is and How It Works

Symbicort® combines budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist) to reduce airway inflammation and improve airflow. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order. You can compare Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada and see options if you pay without insurance.

It is supplied as budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate inhalation aerosol in a pressurized canister. The steroid component helps decrease airway swelling with regular use, while the bronchodilator relaxes smooth muscle to keep airways open. This medicine is not for sudden symptoms; keep a separate rescue inhaler available as directed by your prescriber.

Who It’s For

This combination is approved for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients six years of age and older, and for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in adults with COPD. For persistent asthma, some patients benefit from Symbicort for asthma inhaler when an inhaled corticosteroid alone is not enough. It is not indicated for acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Review your history of allergies to budesonide or formoterol before starting.

People with certain conditions should discuss added cautions with a prescriber, including cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, glaucoma or cataracts, osteoporosis, liver impairment, or active infections. For background on conditions, see Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Dosage and Usage

Use two inhalations by mouth twice daily as directed. For COPD, the usual recommended strength is Symbicort 160/4.5 inhaler, two inhalations in the morning and evening. For asthma, your starting strength and regimen depend on prior control and response; follow the official label and your prescriber’s plan.

Prime the device before first use and if not used for several days. Shake well for each actuation. Exhale fully, seal lips around the mouthpiece, and inhale slowly and deeply while actuating. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale gently. Rinse your mouth after each dose to lower the risk of oral thrush. Do not exceed the prescribed number of inhalations. Avoid using another long-acting beta2-agonist with this treatment.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is an HFA inhalation aerosol with a built-in dose counter. Common presentations include canisters with 60 or 120 actuations. A lower-strength option such as budesonide formoterol 80/4.5 inhaler may be used for some patients; a higher-strength option is also marketed. Package sizes and labeling can vary by manufacturer and dispensing pharmacy, and availability may differ by market.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not take extra inhalations to make up for a missed dose. Use the device at the same times each day to maintain benefit. The dose counter helps track remaining actuations; replace the inhaler when it reaches zero.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the canister at room temperature away from heat, flame, and direct sunlight. Do not freeze, puncture, or incinerate the canister. Keep the mouthpiece clean and covered when not in use; wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth as directed in the patient information. When traveling, keep the inhaler in your carry-on bag, and bring your prescription details or a copy of the label. Use a protective cap to prevent accidental sprays. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits

This combination therapy provides anti-inflammatory control plus sustained bronchodilation in a single device. Regular use may reduce daytime and nighttime symptoms and help prevent exacerbations when used as prescribed. Twice-daily dosing supports routine use. The built-in dose counter assists with tracking remaining inhalations. Using one controller inhaler can simplify maintenance therapy for many patients under a prescriber’s guidance.

Side Effects and Safety

• Throat irritation or hoarseness
• Cough or upper respiratory symptoms
• Headache
• Oral thrush (yeast infection)
• Nausea
• Tremor or nervousness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Serious or rare risks can include hypersensitivity reactions, paradoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia in COPD, adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, glaucoma or cataracts, slowed growth in pediatric patients, changes in blood potassium or blood glucose, and effects on the heart rhythm. Seek urgent care if breathing suddenly worsens after use. Report persistent mouth or throat symptoms, vision changes, or frequent infections to your prescriber.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) can increase steroid exposure; monitoring may be needed. Other adrenergic drugs can enhance cardiovascular effects. Beta-blockers may reduce bronchodilation. Diuretics can increase the risk of low potassium when combined with beta-agonists. Use caution with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants because of potential cardiovascular effects. Avoid using additional long-acting beta2-agonists. For respiratory background topics, see Respiratory Acidosis. Systemic steroid use has its own considerations; see Prednisone And Diabetes.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent twice-daily use, many patients notice steadier baseline breathing and fewer symptom flares. Rescue inhaler use may decline when control improves. Individual responses vary by diagnosis, adherence, inhalation technique, and triggers such as allergens or infections. Review technique periodically, and follow your action plan. If control changes, your prescriber may reassess your regimen and overall management strategy.

Compare With Alternatives

Other controller options combine an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. Two common alternatives are Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) and Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol, for COPD). A generic Symbicort inhaler may be available in some markets as budesonide/formoterol; availability and labeling can differ by manufacturer. Your prescriber can help select a controller that fits your diagnosis and treatment goals.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful value for self-pay customers. Check current budesonide formoterol price listings on our product page to estimate your out-of-pocket costs. Ordering is straightforward and ships from Canada to US. You can explore current offers on our Promotions page. We provide secure, encrypted checkout and coordinate dispensing through licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific pack size is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative or an equivalent generic. A Symbicort 120 dose inhaler is commonly dispensed in many markets; other canister sizes may also be supplied. If substitution is suggested, your pharmacy team will contact your prescriber as required before fulfilling the order.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit patients who need controller therapy beyond an inhaled corticosteroid alone or who have COPD requiring maintenance bronchodilation. It may not be suitable for those with severe hypersensitivity to components, significant uncontrolled cardiac disease, or patients who cannot perform proper inhalation technique. To save on costs, consider multi-month refills when appropriate, set refill reminders to avoid gaps, and review inhaler technique to prevent wasted actuations. Discuss generic options and therapeutic alternatives with your prescriber if budget is a concern.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right controller for my current asthma or COPD plan?
• How should I adjust my action plan during respiratory infections or flare-ups?
• What inhalation technique should I use, and do I need a spacer?
• How will we monitor for oral thrush, vision changes, or bone health over time?
• Which medicines or supplements could interact with this inhaler?
• When should I use my rescue inhaler versus my controller inhaler?
• How long should I continue therapy before we reassess control?
• What steps can reduce out-of-pocket costs for my maintenance therapy?

Authoritative Sources

• AstraZeneca Prescribing Information (US)
• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Add to cart at CanadianInsulin for US shipping from Canada with express delivery and temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your prescriber. Always read the patient information and follow the official label.