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Living with COPD: How SYMBICORT may help

SYMBICORT helps me manage my COPD symptoms.

Living with COPD: How SYMBICORT may help

Living with COPD

About SYMBICORT

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

 

SYMBICORT is a maintenance treatment used to help significantly improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

SYMBICORT is a maintenance treatment used to help significantly improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

 

When used as prescribed, SYMBICORT has been shown to help patients breathe better starting within 5 minutes.[*]

To help improve your lung function, your doctor may want you to take a maintenance medicine—a medicine taken every day to help ease constriction and control inflammation in your airways.

 

SYMBICORT may also help reduce your need to use your rescue inhaler. SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.

*^Results may vary.

 

There is another COPD treatment option from the makers of SYMBICORT. See if you can save. [*] *^For eligible commercially insured patients only. Subject to applicable insurance plan’s eligibility rules and requirements; restrictions may apply.

There are 2 medicines in SYMBICORT that work together to help improve lung function by both reducing the inflammation and relaxing the muscles around the airways:

  • ICS (ANTI-INFLAMMATORY)

    The first medicine is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) called budesonide. Budesonide helps to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the lungs and can help allow you to breathe more freely.

  • LABA (BRONCHODILATOR)

    The second medicine is an inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) called formoterol. Formoterol helps to relax the smooth muscles around the airways in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier.

ICS (ANTI-INFLAMMATORY)

The first medicine is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) called budesonide. Budesonide helps to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the lungs and can help allow you to breathe more freely.

LABA (BRONCHODILATOR)

The second medicine is an inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) called formoterol. Formoterol helps to relax the smooth muscles around the airways in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier.

SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.

Be sure to ask your doctor about the benefits, risks and side effects of SYMBICORT

SYMBICORT Side Effects

When taken as prescribed—twice a day (morning and evening), every day—SYMBICORT has been shown to:

  • Significantly improve lung function, starting within 5 minutes[*]

     

  • Reduce the use of rescue medication

     

Significantly improve lung function, starting within 5 minutes*

Reduce the use of rescue medication

Remember, SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler, and you should continue to use a rescue medication for sudden symptoms. It’s important to remember that SYMBICORT is a maintenance medication, so while you may notice an improvement in your breathing over time, you should still continue to take SYMBICORT as prescribed.

Keep in mind that you may experience side effects from taking SYMBICORT. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking before being prescribed SYMBICORT. For example, you shouldn’t take any medicine containing a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), such as formoterol or salmeterol, at the same time as SYMBICORT. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any side effects from SYMBICORT.

[*]^Results may vary.

Living with COPD

  • It’s important to remember that SYMBICORT is a maintenance medication, so while you may notice an improvement in your breathing over time, you should still continue to take SYMBICORT as prescribed
  • You may also find that you need to use your rescue inhaler less when properly taking SYMBICORT
  • SYMBICORT is not, and will NOT replace, a rescue inhaler for symptoms that suddenly become worse
  • Contact your doctor if these symptoms do not improve or if they become more severe

Taking SYMBICORT

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

COPD is a chronic condition that requires your attention every day. It’s important that you don’t miss a dose or take more doses than prescribed. If you do miss a dose, take your next dose at the same time you normally do.

Remember, SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.

To use SYMBICORT effectively:

2 PUFFS OF SYMBICORT
TWICE A DAY, EVERY DAY

  • MORNING

  • EVENING

 

Take 2 puffs of SYMBICORT in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening, every day

  • Do not take more than 4 puffs per day

  • Do not use more than twice a day

  • Your inhaler should last you 30 days if you are taking 2 puffs twice a day

  • Use the actuation counter to monitor your doses

Do not take more than 4 puffs per day

Do not use more than twice a day

Your inhaler should last you 30 days if you are taking 2 puffs twice a day

Use the actuation counter to monitor your doses

 

There is another COPD treatment option from the makers of SYMBICORT. See if you can save.[*] *^For eligible commercially insured patients only. Subject to applicable insurance plan’s eligibility rules and requirements; restrictions may apply.

Learn more about how SYMBICORT can help

Before starting SYMBICORT, read the Instructions for Use that comes with your prescription. If you have any questions about the directions, ask your health care provider.

Take your SYMBICORT inhaler out of the foil pouch and write the date on the box. If you are using your inhaler for the first time, you need to prime it.

TO PRIME YOUR INHALER:

  • Hold it in the upright position as shown
  • Shake your inhaler well for 5 seconds
  • Remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing gently at both sides, then pulling out
  • Hold the inhaler facing away from you, and release a test spray
  • Shake it again for 5 seconds and release a second test spray

If you do not use your SYMBICORT inhaler for more than 7 days or if you drop it, you will need to prime it again.

Counter

Canister inside

Inhaler

Mouthpiece

Strap

Mouthpiece cover

“Symbicort Budesonide160 mcg/ formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5mcg inhalation Aerosol 120 inhalation AstraZeneca (80/4.5) contain below parts: - A mouthpiece through which medicine is dispensed - Mouthpiece cover is a cap that goes over the mouthpiece - The mouthpiece is attached to the inhaler by the strap. - A canister inside the inhaler which is used for dispensing doses of medicine from a container - Counter which tracks the count of dose left”

Shake your inhaler well for 5 seconds. Remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing gently at both sides, then pulling out. Check the mouthpiece for foreign objects.

Breathe out fully (exhale). Hold the inhaler up to your mouth. Place the white mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Make sure that the inhaler is upright and that the opening of the mouthpiece is pointing toward the back of your throat.

Breathe in (inhale) deeply and slowly through your mouth. Press down firmly and fully on the top of the counter on the inhaler to release the medicine.

Continue to breathe in (inhale) and then hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as it is comfortable. Before you breathe out (exhale), release your finger from the top of the counter. Keep your inhaler upright and remove it from your mouth.

Shake your inhaler again for 5 seconds and repeat steps 2 to 4.

STEP 1

Step 1: Using your SYMBICORT inhaler

Shake your inhaler well for 5 seconds. Remove the mouthpiece cover by squeezing gently at both sides, then pulling out. Check the mouthpiece for foreign objects.

STEP 2

Step 2: Exhale & Hold the inhaler up to your mouth

Breathe out fully (exhale). Hold the inhaler up to your mouth. Place the white mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Make sure that the inhaler is upright and that the opening of the mouthpiece is pointing toward the back of your throat.

STEP 3

Step 3: Inhale deeply and slowly through your mouth

Breathe in (inhale) deeply and slowly through your mouth. Press down firmly and fully on the top of the counter on the inhaler to release the medicine.

STEP 4

Step 4: Continue to inhale & then hold your breath for about 10 seconds

Continue to breathe in (inhale) and then hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as it is comfortable. Before you breathe out (exhale), release your finger from the top of the counter. Keep your inhaler upright and remove it from your mouth.

STEP 5

Step 5: Shake your inhaler again for 5 seconds and repeat steps 2 to 4

Shake your inhaler again for 5 seconds and repeat steps 2 to 4.

After using your SYMBICORT inhaler:

  • Put the cover back on
  • Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out
  • Don’t swallow the water

Reading the actuation counter

The actuation counter on top of the inhaler helps to monitor the amount of medication remaining and helps you know when to refill your prescription. The arrow points to the number of inhalations, or puffs remaining. Here’s how to read it:

  • After you have primed the inhaler for the first time, the counter will read either 120 or 60, depending on which size was provided to you
  • Each time you release a puff from the inhaler, the counter will count down
  • When the arrow gets close to 20, you will notice the beginning of the yellow zone, indicating that it is time to call for a refill
  • Discard the inhaler when the arrow points to the red zone and reads zero (0), or 3 months after it is taken out of its pouch, whichever comes first
  • Your inhaler may not feel empty and may continue to operate, but you will not get the right amount of medicine if you keep using it

Get the most from your medication by taking it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

You can do this by:

  • Keeping your inhaler in a place that will remind you to use it
  • Keeping track of the number of doses of SYMBICORT remaining in your inhaler so you’ll know when to refill your prescription

Remember:

  • Use SYMBICORT twice a day, morning and evening
  • While taking SYMBICORT, never use another medicine that contains a LABA (long-acting beta2‐adrenergic agonist)
  • SYMBICORT is not, and will not replace, a rescue inhaler for symptoms that suddenly become worse. Contact your doctor if these symptoms do not improve or if they become more severe

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT USING YOUR INHALER, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR CALL OUR NURSE HOTLINE: 1-800-236-9933, MONDAY–FRIDAY, 8 AM–8 PM ET.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT USING YOUR INHALER, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR CALL OUR NURSE HOTLINE: 1-800-236-9933,  MONDAY–FRIDAY, 8 AM–8 PM ET.

  • You should clean the white mouthpiece of the SYMBICORT inhaler every 7 days
  • Remove the gray mouthpiece cover by squeezing gently at both sides, then pulling out
  • Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the white mouthpiece
  • When you are finished cleaning the mouthpiece, place the cover back over the mouthpiece

NOTE: Never put your SYMBICORT inhaler into water. Do not try to take the inhaler apart.

  • Throw away SYMBICORT when the counter reads zero (0) or 3 months after you take SYMBICORT out of its foil pouch, whichever comes first
  • Your SYMBICORT inhaler may not feel empty and it may continue to operate, but you will not get the right amount of medicine if you keep using it
  • Never immerse the canister into water to try and determine the amount of medicine remaining (“float test”)

text

SYMBICORT Side Effects

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... READ MORE

It’s important to be aware and tell your doctor if you have any side effects. SYMBICORT doesn’t interact well with certain medicines, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

The most common side effects of SYMBICORT include:

 

  • Throat irritation
  • Thrush in the mouth and throat
  • Lower respiratory tract infections, mostly infections and inflammation of mucous membranes of bronchial tube airways (bronchitis)
  • Inflammation of the inner linings (mucous membranes) in the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Throat irritation
  • Thrush in the mouth and throat
  • Lower respiratory tract infections, mostly infections and inflammation of mucous membranes of bronchial tube airways (bronchitis)
  • Inflammation of the inner linings (mucous membranes) in the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection

 

There is another COPD treatment option from the makers of SYMBICORT. See if you can save. [*] *^For eligible commercially insured patients only. Subject to applicable insurance plan’s eligibility rules and requirements; restrictions may apply.

You should also tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or suffer from high blood pressure. SYMBICORT can also cause other serious side effects, such as increased blood pressure, increases in heart rate, and changes in heart rhythm.

These are not all the possible side effects of SYMBICORT. You can find a detailed list of side effects in the full Prescribing Information. You can also ask your health care professional for more information.

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.

  • SYMBICORT doesn’t interact well with certain medicines, so tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, especially any of the following:

    • Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors
    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
    • Beta-blockers
    • Diuretics
     

  • Avoid exposure to infections such as chickenpox or measles. Tell your doctor immediately if you’ve been exposed and think you are at risk.

     

  • Do not use SYMBICORT more than twice a day.

     

  • See your health care provider right away if your asthma gets worse with SYMBICORT.

     

SYMBICORT doesn’t interact well with certain medicines, so tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, especially any of the following:

  • Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
  • Beta-blockers
  • Diuretics

Avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox or measles. Tell your doctor immediately if you’ve been exposed and think you are at risk.

Do not use SYMBICORT more than twice a day.

See your health care provider right away if your asthma gets worse with SYMBICORT.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • SYMBICORT combines an ICS, budesonide and a LABA medicine, formoterol. LABA medicines, such as formoterol, when used alone can increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. When an ICS and LABA are used together, this risk is not significantly increased
  • Do not use SYMBICORT for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma
  • Before you use SYMBICORT, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure, and all the medicines you may be taking. Some patients taking SYMBICORT may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or change in heart rhythm
  • Do not use SYMBICORT more often than prescribed. SYMBICORT should be taken as 2 puffs 2 times each day
  • While taking SYMBICORT, do not use another medicine containing a LABA for any reason. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your other medicines are LABA medicines
  • Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
    • Your breathing problems worsen
    • You need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual or your rescue inhaler doesn’t work as well at relieving symptoms
  • SYMBICORT may cause serious side effects, including:
    • Using too much of a LABA medicine may cause chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, tremor, increased blood pressure, headache or nervousness
    • Fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using SYMBICORT to help reduce your chance of getting thrush
    • Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections. People with COPD may have a higher chance of pneumonia and other lung infections. ICS may increase the chance of getting pneumonia. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: increase in mucus production or change in color, fever, increased cough, chills, or increased breathing problems
    • Immune system effects and a higher chance for infections. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs of infection such as: fever, body aches, feeling tired, vomiting, pain, chills, or nausea
    • Adrenal insufficiency. This can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines and start inhaled corticosteroid medicine
    • Increased wheezing right after taking SYMBICORT. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing
    • Serious allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue, and breathing problems. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
    • Lower bone mineral density can happen in people who have a high chance for low bone mineral density (osteoporosis)
    • Slowed growth in children. A child’s growth should be checked regularly while using SYMBICORT
    • Eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye exams while using SYMBICORT
    • Swelling of blood vessels. This can happen in people with asthma. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have: a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, rash, flu like symptoms, or pain and swelling of the sinuses
    • Decreases in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
    • Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
  • The most common side effects of SYMBICORT include:
    • COPD: throat irritation, thrush in the mouth and throat, bronchitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection
    • Asthma: throat irritation, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, throat pain, sinusitis, flu, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and thrush in the mouth and throat

APPROVED USES

COPD: SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg is used long-term to improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups.

Asthma: SYMBICORT is for the treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older whose asthma is not well-controlled with an asthma-control medicine such as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose asthma warrants treatment with both an ICS and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).

SYMBICORT is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace a rescue inhaler.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, and discuss with your doctor.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products.

SCROLL TO TOP

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • SYMBICORT combines an ICS, budesonide and a LABA medicine, formoterol. LABA medicines, such as formoterol, when used alone can increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems. When an ICS and LABA are used together, this risk is not significantly increased
  • Do not use SYMBICORT for sudden severe symptoms of COPD or asthma
  • Before you use SYMBICORT, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure, and all the medicines you may be taking. Some patients taking SYMBICORT may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or change in heart rhythm
  • Do not use SYMBICORT more often than prescribed. SYMBICORT should be taken as 2 puffs 2 times each day
  • While taking SYMBICORT, do not use another medicine containing a LABA for any reason. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your other medicines are LABA medicines
  • Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
    • Your breathing problems worsen
    • You need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual or your rescue inhaler doesn’t work as well at relieving symptoms
  • SYMBICORT may cause serious side effects, including:
    • Using too much of a LABA medicine may cause chest pain, fast and irregular heartbeat, tremor, increased blood pressure, headache or nervousness
    • Fungal infection in your mouth or throat (thrush). Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using SYMBICORT to help reduce your chance of getting thrush
    • Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections. People with COPD may have a higher chance of pneumonia and other lung infections. ICS may increase the chance of getting pneumonia. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: increase in mucus production or change in color, fever, increased cough, chills, or increased breathing problems
    • Immune system effects and a higher chance for infections. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs of infection such as: fever, body aches, feeling tired, vomiting, pain, chills, or nausea
    • Adrenal insufficiency. This can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines and start inhaled corticosteroid medicine
    • Increased wheezing right after taking SYMBICORT. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing
    • Serious allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue, and breathing problems. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
    • Lower bone mineral density can happen in people who have a high chance for low bone mineral density (osteoporosis)
    • Slowed growth in children. A child’s growth should be checked regularly while using SYMBICORT
    • Eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye exams while using SYMBICORT
    • Swelling of blood vessels. This can happen in people with asthma. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have: a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, rash, flu like symptoms, or pain and swelling of the sinuses
    • Decreases in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
    • Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
  • The most common side effects of SYMBICORT include:
    • COPD: throat irritation, thrush in the mouth and throat, bronchitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection
    • Asthma: throat irritation, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, throat pain, sinusitis, flu, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and thrush in the mouth and throat

APPROVED USES

COPD: SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg is used long-term to improve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for better breathing and fewer flare-ups.

Asthma: SYMBICORT is for the treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older whose asthma is not well-controlled with an asthma-control medicine such as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose asthma warrants treatment with both an ICS and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).

SYMBICORT is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace a rescue inhaler.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, and discuss with your doctor.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products.

Read More