Symbicort Turbohaler
"A 2-in-1 inhaler that can both prevent and relieve asthma symptoms."
What is Symbicort Turbohaler?
Symbicort Turbohaler is a compact inhaler that uses a no-push design to deliver the correct dose of medicine to treat asthma. It comes in 3 different strengths:
- Symbicort Turbohaler 100/6mcg
- Symbicort Turbohaler 200/6mcg
- Symbicort Turbohaler 400/12mcg
How does it work?
Symbicort Turbohaler is a dual-purpose medication that acts as both a reliever and a preventer. Its 2 active ingredients are formoterol fumerate and budesonide.
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate belongs to a group of medicines called long-acting bronchodilators. These help you breathe more easily by relaxing the muscles around your airways and opening them wider.
Budesonide propionate is a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Symbicort Turbohaler
- First, take off the white cover by unscrewing it. Keep your Symbicort inhaler in an upright position with the red grip at the bottom. Make sure you don't shake the inhaler.
- To get your dose loaded and ready to use, turn the red grip as far as it goes in one direction. Then turn it all the way in the opposite direction until you hear it click.
- Now, hold your Symbicort inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently as far as you can without it feeling uncomfortable.
- Put the mouthpiece between your teeth, making sure not to bite down on it. Close your lips around it to create a good seal. Take the deepest, strongest breath you can through your mouth.
- Take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. If you need to take another dose, repeat these steps.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 3 different strengths of Symbicort Turbohaler: 100/6mcg, 200/6mcg, and 400/12mcg.
Effectiveness
Symbicort Turbohaler can help bring your breathing under control straight away. By using it every day, the medicine can also prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time coughing.
While some people use their Symbicort Turbohaler for quick relief when their asthma flares up, others keep a separate reliever inhaler such as Ventolin (salbutamol) nearby for more unexpected breathing difficulties.
Side effects of Symbicort Turbohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Symbicort Turbohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
Other possible side effects include headaches, a racing heart or hands shaking (tremors), though not everyone will experience these.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Symbicort Turbohaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Contains salmeterol and fluticasone propionate
Reduces inflammation in your lungs
Prescription is normally two puffs twice a day
What is Symbicort Turbohaler?
Symbicort Turbohaler is a compact inhaler that uses a no-push design to deliver the correct dose of medicine to treat asthma. It comes in 3 different strengths:
- Symbicort Turbohaler 100/6mcg
- Symbicort Turbohaler 200/6mcg
- Symbicort Turbohaler 400/12mcg
How does it work?
Symbicort Turbohaler is a dual-purpose medication that acts as both a reliever and a preventer. Its 2 active ingredients are formoterol fumerate and budesonide.
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate belongs to a group of medicines called long-acting bronchodilators. These help you breathe more easily by relaxing the muscles around your airways and opening them wider.
Budesonide propionate is a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Symbicort Turbohaler
- First, take off the white cover by unscrewing it. Keep your Symbicort inhaler in an upright position with the red grip at the bottom. Make sure you don't shake the inhaler.
- To get your dose loaded and ready to use, turn the red grip as far as it goes in one direction. Then turn it all the way in the opposite direction until you hear it click.
- Now, hold your Symbicort inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out gently as far as you can without it feeling uncomfortable.
- Put the mouthpiece between your teeth, making sure not to bite down on it. Close your lips around it to create a good seal. Take the deepest, strongest breath you can through your mouth.
- Take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. If you need to take another dose, repeat these steps.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 3 different strengths of Symbicort Turbohaler: 100/6mcg, 200/6mcg, and 400/12mcg.
Effectiveness
Symbicort Turbohaler can help bring your breathing under control straight away. By using it every day, the medicine can also prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time coughing.
While some people use their Symbicort Turbohaler for quick relief when their asthma flares up, others keep a separate reliever inhaler such as Ventolin (salbutamol) nearby for more unexpected breathing difficulties.
Side effects of Symbicort Turbohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Symbicort Turbohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
Other possible side effects include headaches, a racing heart or hands shaking (tremors), though not everyone will experience these.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Symbicort Turbohaler patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
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Symbicort Turbohaler FAQs
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Who can use Symbicort Turbohaler?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- You’ve needed hospital admission in the last 12 months due to asthma symptoms.
- Your asthma symptoms have ever caused you to receive intensive care treatment.
- You’re allergic (hypersensitive) to budesonide, formoterol, or other ingredients in this medicine like lactose (which contains some milk protein).
If any of these apply to you, our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Symbicort Turbohaler.
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Can I use Symbicort Turbohaler while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe this medication for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Where can I buy a Symbicort Turbohaler?
You can’t buy a Symbicort Turbohaler over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription for the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after an online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to have two inhalers, in case you run out, forget to request a repeat prescription, or lose one.
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What should I do if I get Symbicort Turbohaler side effects
If you notice any side effects (including ones not mentioned in the patient information leaflet), contact your GP or pharmacist, or message us in your Patient Record. To help reduce the likelihood of side effects, you may be prescribed the lowest dose of this medicine.
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Symbicort Turbohaler warnings
Before using Symbicort Turbohaler, you should let your GP or pharmacist know if:
- You have diabetes.
- You have a lung infection.
- You have high blood pressure or any history of heart conditions, including irregular heartbeat, rapid pulse, narrowed arteries, or heart failure.
- You have any thyroid or adrenal gland disorders.
- Blood tests have shown low potassium levels.
- You have severe liver conditions.
Make sure to contact your doctor straight away if you notice your vision becoming blurred or disturbed in any other way.
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Using Symbicort Turbohaler with other medications
As with all medications, Symbicort Turbohaler can interact with certain other medicines. So, it’s important you let your clinician, or pharmacist know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
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How to dispose of Symbicort Turbohalers
Always take any empty or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy. They'll be able to dispose of them safely.
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Alternative asthma treatments
Alongside prescribed medications, there are certain lifestyle adjustments you can also make to help manage your asthma. If you smoke or vape, quitting is particularly important as it can significantly lower your chances of getting asthma symptoms or attacks.
Some activities can also help you manage your asthma. Yoga and mindfulness can all help build strength, promote relaxation, and support better breathing. They can complement, but not replace, your regular asthma treatments.
