Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort Turbuhaler®)

What is this medication for?

Symbicort Turbuhaler® contains two medications: budesonide and formoterol.

Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps to reduce and prevent swelling and inflammation in the airways. 

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that keeps the airways open, helping you to breathe more easily. 

This combination medication is used to provide both quick symptom relief and long-term control of: 

1. Asthma - a condition affecting the lungs which make it harder for the person to breathe as the airways become narrow and swollen.
2. COPD - a long-term, progressive lung condition that makes it harder to breathe because airflow in and out of the lungs is partly blocked. 

You can also find out about this medication by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here. 
 

How should I take or use this medication?

Symbicort Turbuhaler® is usually called a "preventer" or "controller" inhaler. Do not stop taking your medication even if you feel well. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to use it as a "reliever" inhaler when symptoms suddenly get worse. If so, carry the Turbuhaler® with you at all times.

	(A) Preparing the Turbuhaler® before the first use
	1. Unscrew and lift off the cover. A rattling sound is heard when the cover is removed.
	2. Hold the Turbuhaler® upright with the red grip downwards. Do not hold the mouthpiece when you turn the grip.  3. Turn the grip as far as it will go in one direction (Action 1 in the image on the left) and then back again (Action 2) as far as it will go. It does not matter which way you turn first. During this procedure you will hear a click.  4. Repeat Step 3. The Turbuhaler® is now primed and ready for use. Do not repeat this step again.

	(B) Using the Turbuhaler®
	1. Unscrew and lift off the cover. A rattling sound is heard when the cover is removed.
	2. Hold the Turbuhaler® upright with the red grip downwards.  3. To load the Turbuhaler® with a dose, turn the grip counter-clockwise as far as it will go (Action 1 in the image on the left), and then twist it back (clockwise, Action 2) as far as it will go until you hear a click.
	4. Holding the Turbuhaler® away from your face, breathe out gently and fully through your mouth. Do not breathe out into the Turbuhaler®.  5. Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth, close your lips, and inhale forcefully and deeply through your mouth. 6. Remove the Turbuhaler® from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Breathe out gently through your nose.   7. If more than 1 dose has been prescribed, repeat Steps 4-6 after 1 minute.
	8. Replace the cover by screwing it back on tightly.  9. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to minimize the chance of developing a fungal infection of the mouth.

The videos will teach you how to use a Symbicort Turbuhaler®.  

English  
 

Also available in other languages: 中文| Melayu |தமிழ் 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to the next dose, skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication, lactose or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have heart, thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• You have high blood pressure, diabetes or low potassium levels
• You have tuberculosis, fungal or viral infections in the airways

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Increased chance of throat irritation, hoarseness of voice, cough, or oral fungal infection (white patches in the mouth). This can be prevented by rinsing your mouth with water after each use and spit it out
• Headache
• Tremor (uncontrollable shaking of limbs)
• Palpitations (awareness of your heartbeat)

Most of the side-effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your healthcare professional if they continue, worsen, or affect your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here

Other serious side-effects include:
• Sudden worsening of wheezing or breathing difficulties immediately after using the inhaler
• Signs of high blood sugar: feeling confused, feeling thirsty or hungry more easily, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• Signs of low potassium levels: muscle weakness, muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat
• Lung infection: fever, increased cough, change in mucus colour or amount
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking medications for heart rhythm problems, antidepressants, or other medications for asthma or breathing problems.

How should I store this medication?

Keep the cap on when not in use. Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

When should i throw away this medication? 

The dose indicator tells you approximately how many doses are left in the inhaler. When the zero reaches the middle of the window with a red background, discard the Turbuhaler®.

What else should I know about this medication? 

• It is normal to not taste or feel any medication when using the Turbuhaler® due to the small amount of medication dispensed.
• The dose indicator is marked in intervals of 10 doses and may not show each individual dose.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Please see your healthcare professional if you run out of medications, or your asthma symptoms get worse. Signs include:

• Having to use your ‘reliever’ inhaler more often than before
• Your wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing) or chest tightness gets worse
• Your ‘reliever’ inhaler doesn’t help you as well as before