Symbicort® Inhaler for Asthma and COPD

What Symbicort Is and How It Works

Symbicort® combines an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator to help control persistent asthma and reduce COPD symptoms. It is used for maintenance treatment and does not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems. Our service supports US delivery from Canada, and you can review options if paying without insurance.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine contains budesonide, which reduces airway inflammation, and formoterol, which relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to improve airflow. The two components work together to decrease swelling and open airways over time. It may help reduce exacerbations when used consistently as prescribed.

Many patients ask about symbicort generic options. Several regions have approved budesonide and formoterol inhalation aerosols that deliver the same active ingredients. Availability can differ by country and by pharmacy network.

For background on airway disease management in people with metabolic conditions, see our article discussing potential links between diabetes therapies and asthma control in New Hope for Asthma.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated for maintenance therapy of Asthma in patients who require both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist. It is also approved to treat airflow obstruction and reduce exacerbations in adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

People with known hypersensitivity to any ingredients should avoid it. Those with acute, rapidly worsening asthma or COPD symptoms need a fast-acting rescue inhaler, not this maintenance inhaler. Patients with significant cardiovascular disorders, arrhythmias, seizure disorders, thyrotoxicosis, or who are immunosuppressed should use caution and discuss risks with a clinician. The active combination is referred to in labeling as budesonide formoterol fumarate.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the Patient Information and your prescriber’s instructions for the exact routine. Typical schedules involve two inhalations twice daily, about 12 hours apart. For asthma, prescribers may select a lower or higher strength based on control and prior therapy. For COPD, maintenance is often the higher strength with two inhalations twice daily.

Prime a new inhaler before first use and if it has not been used for a period specified on the label. Shake well before each inhalation. Breathe out fully, seal lips around the mouthpiece, press the canister, and inhale deeply and steadily. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If a second inhalation is prescribed, wait briefly before repeating. Rinse your mouth and spit after use to help lower the risk of oral thrush.

If you have been told to adjust your symbicort inhaler dose during seasonal changes or flares, rely on your prescriber’s guidance and the official label. Do not use it to treat sudden symptoms. Keep a rescue inhaler available at all times.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler with a dose counter. Common presentations include two strengths per actuation: 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg of the two active ingredients. Patients and prescribers often reference symbicort 160 4.5 when discussing the higher strength.

Canisters are typically available in 60- or 120-inhalation sizes. Availability may vary by dispensing pharmacy and jurisdiction.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take extra inhalations to make up for a missed dose.

Try to use the inhaler at the same times each day. Keep doses evenly spaced to maintain steady control. For sudden breathing problems, use a short-acting bronchodilator and seek medical advice as needed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the canister at room temperature and keep it away from heat, open flame, and direct sunlight. Do not freeze the inhaler. Keep the protective cap in place, and do not puncture the canister. Track the dose counter and replace the inhaler when the counter reaches zero or when labeled usage limits are met.

When traveling, carry your inhaler and prescription in your hand luggage. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or cold checked baggage. Keep devices and spacers together in a small kit. If crossing borders, bring a copy of your prescription and your prescriber’s contact details for verification if requested.

Benefits

This combination may improve lung function and reduce day-to-day symptoms when taken regularly. It can help lower the frequency of exacerbations in asthma and COPD. Having an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator in one device simplifies routines.

The inhaler includes a dose counter to help track remaining actuations. Many patients find consistent technique and scheduled use improve control compared with irregular use of separate agents.

Side Effects and Safety

• Mild throat irritation
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Oral thrush
• Cough
• Headache
• Nausea

Serious but less common risks can include paradoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia in COPD, adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, ocular effects such as glaucoma or cataracts, and cardiovascular effects including increased heart rate or blood pressure. Rinse your mouth after use to reduce the chance of oral candidiasis. Contact a clinician if breathing worsens after inhalation, if rescue use increases, or if signs of infection, vision changes, or systemic steroid effects occur.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and ritonavir can raise systemic budesonide exposure. Use caution with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and other QT-prolonging agents that may potentiate cardiovascular effects. Beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of beta2-agonists. Non–potassium-sparing diuretics can increase the risk of hypokalemia when combined with a long-acting beta2-agonist.

Using additional long-acting beta2-agonists with this inhaler is not recommended. Patients with severe exacerbations should seek medical attention; unmanaged exacerbations can lead to complications, including acid-base imbalance discussed in our overview of Respiratory Acidosis.

What to Expect Over Time

Some symptom relief may be noticed within days, with further improvement possible over continued use. The goal is fewer symptoms, better exercise tolerance, and reduced exacerbations. Outcomes can vary by individual factors such as adherence, inhaler technique, and trigger exposure.

Track rescue inhaler use, nighttime awakenings, and activity tolerance to monitor control. Review your plan with a clinician if you need your rescue inhaler more often or if morning or nighttime symptoms increase.

Compare With Alternatives

Other inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator options are available. Some patients who need a dry powder formulation consider Advair Diskus. Those requiring an inhaler that includes an additional long-acting muscarinic antagonist may discuss triple therapy such as Trelegy Ellipta with a prescriber. Your clinician can advise on substitutes for symbicort based on disease severity, device preference, and prior response.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada may help patients compare options. The symbicort inhaler price can vary by strength and canister size. Generic budesonide and formoterol products may reduce out-of-pocket spending compared with the brand in some regions.

If you are exploring savings, review current offers on our Promotions page. People paying without insurance can compare generic and brand presentations to see potential differences. For a broader view of inhaled therapy options, see the Respiratory category.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability may differ by strength and package size. If a selected option is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a comparable inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator or a generic equivalent when suitable. Device training and patient technique should be rechecked when changing inhalers.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may be appropriate for patients needing both anti-inflammatory and long-acting bronchodilator effects. It may not be suitable for people with severe milk protein allergy to specific devices, those with hypersensitivity to components, or patients whose symptoms require only short-acting rescue therapy.

To reduce pharmacy visits, consider multi-month supplies if your prescriber authorizes them. Set refill reminders so you do not run out. Reviewing generic Symbicort alternatives and authorized generics can help lower overall costs, depending on local availability and formularies.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right strength for my control level?
• How should I prime and clean the device?
• What signs mean I should seek medical help?
• How do my other medicines affect this inhaler?
• Should I use a spacer with this canister?
• When should I step up or step down therapy?
• How do I reduce the risk of oral thrush?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details, consult the manufacturer’s prescribing information available on AstraZeneca’s official site: AstraZeneca Symbicort Resources.

Regulatory labeling is published on the FDA’s DailyMed, which provides current patient and professional information: FDA DailyMed Symbicort.

Health Canada maintains a database of product monographs for reference: Health Canada Drug Product Database.

Ready to Order?

You can place your prescription order online with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.