Using SYMBICORT Effectively

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How to Use/Prep & Maintainance Video with Actuation Counter

SYMBICORT is for patients 12 years and older for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma

SYMBICORT is for patients whose asthma is not well tolerated on another asthma controller medicine or who need two controller medicines

SYMBICORT is not for the treatment of sudden asthma symptoms

SYMBICORT contains formoterol. Medicines like formoterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death.

So SYMBICORT is only for people whose asthma is not well controlled on another asthma-controller medicine or who need two controller medicines.

SYMBICORT won’t replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms and should not be taken more than twice a day.

Contact your doctor if your asthma does not improve or gets worse.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

This short video demonstrates the correct procedure for preparing and maintaining your SYMBICORT inhaler. It also discusses how to use the SYMBICORT inhaler with new built-in actuation counter.

After removing your SYMBICORT inhaler from its foil pouch, write the date on the dose tracker card that comes with your inhaler.

Your SYMBICORT inhaler is comprised of three parts: The mouthpiece cover, the aerosol canister, and the mouthpiece.

Do not use parts from any other inhalation drug product with your SYMBICORT inhaler.

If your inhaler is new, has been dropped, or has not been used for 24 hours or more, remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds to mix the contents of the canister.

Hold your SYMBICORT inhaler upright with the mouthpiece pointing away from your face.

Depress the top of the canister firmly to release a shot of medicine into the air, then release your finger from the top of the canister to allow it to reset.

Repeat this procedure to release a second shot of medicine into the air. Your SYMBICORT inhaler is now primed and ready for you to use.

The mouthpiece of your SYMBICORT inhaler should be cleaned regularly, at least once a week.

Remove the mouthpiece cover and wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece opening with a dry cloth.

Replace the mouthpiece cover. Do not remove the canister from the mouthpiece or allow the inhaler to come in contact with water.

Store your inhaler upright, at room temperature.

Discard your inhaler according to the instructions in the medication guide that came with your prescription.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about preparing or maintaining your inhaler.

You are about to begin a simple daily routine with SYMBICORT to help get your asthma under control.

Taking SYMBICORT correctly every day in the morning and evening as prescribed by your doctor can help you to control your asthma.

Keep watching as we take you through the 5 easy steps that will help you learn to use your SYMBICORT inhaler correctly. And be sure to watch the end of this video for additional information on using the SYMBICORT inhaler with the new built-in actuation counter.

Step 1...After preparing your SYMBICORT inhaler, shake it well for a full 5 seconds to get the medicines inside fully mixed.

It is important that the medication inside your SYMBICORT inhaler is well mixed before you take a puff.

Now remove the mouthpiece cover. Check for any objects that shouldn’t be there. If you find something, remove it.

Step2...Breathe out completely, then raise the inhaler to your mouth. You will need to place the white mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it.

Make sure that the inhaler is upright and the mouthpiece opening is pointing toward the back of your throat. Do not aim the inhaler sideways towards your cheeks, up towards the roof of your mouth, or down on your tongue.

Step 3...Take a slow, deep breath in through your mouth. As you breathe in, press down firmly and fully on the gray top of the inhaler. This will release the medicine.

Step 4...Continue to breathe in all the way and hold your breath for about 10 seconds - or for as long as is comfortable for you.

Before breathing out, release your finger from the gray top and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Make sure to keep the inhaler upright when removing it.

Step 5...Now, shake the inhaler again for 5 seconds and repeat steps 2 through 4 to get your second puff of SYMBICORT.

Remember, 2 puffs of SYMBICORT each morning and evening, as prescribed by your doctor, is needed to control your asthma. Do NOT take more than 4 puffs each day.

When you are finished taking your two puffs of SYMBICORT, place the cover back on the mouthpiece. Rinse your mouth with water and spit into the sink. Be sure not to swallow the water.

If your SYMBICORT inhaler comes without a built-in actuation counter, make sure to record your morning and evening puffs on the dose tracker card that came with your SYMBICORT inhaler.

If you keep track of your puffs each day, you’ll know when it is time to refill your prescription for SYMBICORT.

If your SYMBICORT inhaler comes with a built-in actuation counter, your counter will let you know how many doses you have remaining.

The counter for your SYMBICORT inhaler is attached to the top of the metal canister.

The arrow points to the number of inhalations, or puffs, remaining.

After you have primed the inhaler for the first time, the counter will read 120 for a filled prescription, or 60 for an institutional or sample pack.

Each time you release a puff from the inhaler, the counter will count down by one.

When the arrow approaches 20, you will notice a yellow zone, indicating that it is time to call for a refill.

The counter will stop counting when it gets to zero, indicating that you have used the number of puffs on the product label.

Discard your SYMBICORT inhaler and begin a new one the next time.It is important to discard your SYMBICORT inhaler when it reaches zero or within 3 months of opening the foil pouch, to ensure that you get the right amount of medicine each time you take SYMBICORT.

Remember, use SYMBICORT twice a day, every day, morning and evening. SYMBICORT is not and will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.

While taking SYMBICORT, never use another medicine containing a long-acting beta2-agonist. Contact your doctor if your asthma does not improve or gets worse.

If you have any questions about SYMBICORT or using your SYMBICORT inhaler, talk to your doctor.

what is the most important safety information I should know about SYMBICORT? SYMBICORT contains formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). Medicines containing LABA may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So, SYMBICORT should be used only if your health care professional decides another asthma-controller medicine alone does not control your asthma or you need two controller medicines. While taking SYMBICORT never use another medicine containing a LABA.

what other important safety information should I know about SYMBICORT? SYMBICORT won’t replace rescue inhalers for sudden symptoms. Do not use SYMBICORT more than twice a day. If you are taking SYMBICORT, see your health care professional if your asthma does not improve or gets worse. Some people may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or change in heart rhythm. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure.

If you are switching to SYMBICORT from an oral corticosteroid, follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid health risks when you stop using oral corticosteroids. Avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox or measles. Tell your health care professional immediately if you are exposed. In clinical studies, common side effects included nose and throat irritation, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, sinusitis, and stomach discomfort.