Symbicort® for Asthma and COPD Control

What Symbicort® Is and How It Works

The symbicort inhaler combines two medicines for breathing control: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist that relaxes airway muscles for easier breathing. Together, they help prevent symptoms and improve lung function in asthma and COPD.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brands, a wide selection, and affordable pricing.

Symbicort comes as a metered-dose inhaler (HFA). It is used for maintenance treatment in adults with COPD and in adults and children with asthma. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not treat sudden bronchospasm. Keep a short-acting beta agonist inhaler available for quick relief as directed by a prescriber.

The usual dosing cadence is two inhalations twice daily. Strengths include 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg per actuation (budesonide/formoterol). The choice of strength depends on age, symptoms, and prior therapy.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult asthma dose: 2 inhalations twice daily of 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 mcg.
• Typical pediatric asthma dose (6–11 years): 2 inhalations twice daily of 80/4.5 mcg.
• Typical adult COPD dose: 2 inhalations twice daily of 160/4.5 mcg.
• Not for acute symptoms; use a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing trouble.
• Do not exceed the prescribed Symbicort dose per day.
• How to use the inhaler: remove the cap and check the mouthpiece.
• Shake well for 5 seconds.
• Prime before first use, and if not used for more than 7 days: release test sprays away from the face.
• Exhale fully away from the inhaler.
• Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and seal lips around it.
• Begin a slow, deep breath and press the canister once.
• Continue inhaling slowly and deeply; hold the breath for up to 10 seconds.
• Wait about 30 seconds, then repeat for the second puff.
• Rinse mouth with water after each dose and spit to lower the chance of thrush.
• Track doses using the counter; discard when the counter reads 0.
• Missed dose: skip and resume the regular schedule. Do not double.

• Storage: store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Protect from freezing and sunlight.
• Do not expose the canister to heat above 49 °C (120 °F) or open flame.
• Do not puncture the canister. Keep the cap on when not in use.
• Travel: keep the inhaler in carry-on luggage. Avoid temperature extremes.
• Use a protective case to prevent damage in bags.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Check the expiration date before travel and replace if expired.

Benefits and Savings

Symbicort medication provides two actions in one device. Budesonide reduces airway swelling, and formoterol improves airflow within minutes. Regular use lowers the risk of exacerbations, improves day and night symptoms, and supports better exercise tolerance. Many people find the dosing simple, with only morning and evening use.

Youdrugstore offers Canadian pricing, often providing 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Many shoppers compare the symbicort price and the symbicort inhaler cost with local pharmacies and see meaningful differences. Ask about the generic version of Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) when comparing options and the generic symbicort price.

For seasonal promotions and offers, view our symbicort coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: throat irritation or hoarseness.
• Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth or throat).
• Cough, headache, or sinus irritation.
• Tremor, nervousness, or palpitations.
• Nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Upper respiratory infections.

Serious effects are uncommon but can occur. These include paradoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia risk in COPD, adrenal suppression, slowed growth in children, reduced bone mineral density, glaucoma or cataracts, and cardiovascular effects such as arrhythmia or hypertension. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase steroid exposure. Avoid combining with other long-acting beta agonists. Seek urgent care for severe breathing trouble or allergic reactions.

Onset Time

Formoterol acts quickly, so some symptom relief can appear within minutes of a dose. The anti-inflammatory effect of budesonide builds with consistent use. Better daytime control often appears within 1–2 weeks. Nighttime symptoms and activity tolerance usually improve further over 4–8 weeks as dosing stabilizes.

In COPD, reductions in flare-ups are seen over months of stable therapy. Symbicort is not a substitute for a rescue inhaler. Keep short-acting reliever therapy available as directed by a prescriber.

Compare With Alternatives

Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) is another ICS/LABA option. Salmeterol has a slower onset than formoterol. Some prefer the Diskus dry-powder device, while others prefer HFA sprays. Compare dosing frequencies and device handling when choosing. See Advair® Diskus for an alternative delivery format.

Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate) is an inhaled corticosteroid taken once daily without a LABA. It may fit patients needing an ICS alone. If symptoms persist, many move to an ICS/LABA combination like Symbicort. Learn more at Arnuity® Ellipta Inhaler.

Generic budesonide/formoterol (listed as budesonide formoterol fumarate or budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) offers comparable efficacy to the brand in head-to-head trials. Device feel and spray characteristics may differ slightly. Discuss brand versus generic preferences, dosing, and insurance or out-of-pocket costs with a prescriber or pharmacist.

Combination Therapy

• Short-acting beta agonist inhaler for quick relief as needed.
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) such as tiotropium in COPD for triple therapy.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonist (e.g., montelukast) in allergic asthma phenotypes.
• Allergic rhinitis therapy (nasal steroids or antihistamines) for upper-airway control.
• Avoid concurrent LABA therapy to reduce overdose risk; adjust doses to minimize side effects.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Symbicort is indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older and for COPD in adults. It should not treat an acute attack. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component. Caution is advised with cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, seizure disorders, glaucoma, or osteoporosis.

Active infections, including tuberculosis or fungal infections, warrant careful assessment before starting steroids. Watch for oral thrush; rinsing after each dose helps. Vision changes should be evaluated. Pediatric patients using an ICS should have growth monitored. Use the lowest effective dose to maintain control; many step down once stable, under prescriber guidance.

To manage the symbicort cost, compare the symbicort inhaler price and the cost of Symbicort with the available generic symbicort price. Multi-month supplies and occasional bulk promotions can lower the per-month expense. You can set simple reorder reminders so refills arrive on time, reducing gaps in controller therapy.

You can order online or by phone during office hours. US orders ship at Canadian prices. Prompt, express shipping is available.

Authoritative Sources

AstraZeneca Symbicort Prescribing Information

FDA Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

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This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.