BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

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BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (bue-DES-oh-nide/for-MOE-ter-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Symbicort

GENERIC NAME(S): budesonide/formoterol fumarate

Uses

USES: This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It contains 2 medications: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists. It works by opening airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as formoterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as this product, do not increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems. For asthma treatment, this product should be used when breathing problems are not well controlled with one asthma-control medication (such as inhaled corticosteroid) or if your symptoms need combination treatment. Before using this medication, it is important to learn how to use it properly. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as prescribed.


How to use BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time, if you have not used it for more than 7 days, or if the inhaler was dropped. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes. Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart). If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug last. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using this medication to help prevent irritation and yeast infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Do not swallow the rinse water. Clean the inhaler once a week with a dry cloth. Do not take the inhaler apart. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists while using this medication. If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. See also Precautions section. If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks. Consult your doctor for details. It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, throat irritation, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Infrequently, this medication may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and get medical help right away. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches on tongue/in mouth, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (such as nervousness), trouble sleeping, vision problems (such as blurred vision), increased thirst/urination, muscle cramps, shaking (tremors). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, sudden trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to budesonide or formoterol; or to arformoterol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, bone loss (osteoporosis), eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma), diabetes, liver disease, swelling of an artery (aneurysm), a certain tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma). Formoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using this medication safely. This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time, but poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used corticosteroids for a long time may develop hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. Budesonide passes into breast milk. It is unknown if formoterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Uses section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: shaking (tremors), chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.

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Faq for BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL HFA INHALER - ORAL

Budesonide/Formoterol HFA Inhaler is used to treat asthma in patients who require both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.

This inhaler combines two medications, budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist), to help open airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Shake the inhaler well before each use and prime it if it is newly opened or has not been used for a while. Breathe out completely and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth, forming a tight seal. Inhale deeply and slowly while pressing down on the canister to release the medication. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.

Common side effects may include headache, throat irritation, cough, and nasal congestion. More serious side effects can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pain, or tremors. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.

Yes, Budesonide/Formoterol HFA Inhaler can be prescribed for children aged 6 years and older, but under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

No, Budesonide/Formoterol HFA Inhaler is not indicated as a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma attacks. It is a maintenance medication to be used regularly to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. You should always have a separate rescue inhaler for immediate relief during an asthma attack.

Budesonide/Formoterol HFA Inhaler is available as a brand-name medication called Symbicort. There may also be generic versions available, which contain the same active ingredients.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.