How long can you be on Symbicort?
Key Points
Which medicines are in Symbicort?
Symbicort comes as a combination inhaler and contains two medicines:
Symbicort is used for two conditions:
Asthma and COPD are lung conditions that usually need to be controlled with long-term treatment. You may notice an improvement in your symptoms over time, but continue to use Symbicort as it is considered a maintenance (controller) medication. Only stop using Symbicort when your doctor tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking your medicine, your breathing symptoms may worsen.
Why do I need both a rescue and a maintenance inhaler?
The symptoms of asthma and COPD can be controlled day-to-day with a controller medication, such as Symbicort, that helps to prevent symptoms. You may not need to use your rescue (“quick-acting”) inhaler (such as albuterol) as frequently while taking Symbicort.
However, an asthma attack or COPD flare-up (worsening of symptoms) can still occur, and that’s why you need a rescue medication such as albuterol (brand names: ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) on-hand at all times. Symptoms can flare-up due to triggers such as pollen, air pollutants, a cold or the flu.
Symbicort is not a replacement for your rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. It is not approved as a “fast-acting” inhaler for an acute asthma attack or bronchospasm in COPD. Also, do not use a rescue medication as a replacement for your controller (maintenance) medication such as Symbicort.
How fast does Symbicort work?
If you use Symbicort as a maintenance medication for your asthma, your symptoms should begin to improve within 15 minutes of your dose, although results vary between patients. Full improvement may not occur for two weeks or longer after you have started treatment.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Symbicort can start to improve your lung function in about 5 minutes. Symbicort may also help to reduce your use of a rescue inhaler for acute COPD flare-ups.
How well Symbicort works also depends upon you taking your medicine every day, as prescribed. It is a maintenance (“controller”) inhaler medication you use long-term for symptom control and to help prevent acute attacks. The usual recommended dose of Symbicort is 2 puffs inhaled twice a day.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using Symbicort for one week, or if you are using your rescue inhaler more often than normal. If your symptoms worsen after taking Symbicort, contact your doctor immediately.
Sustained improvement in lung function was seen in 12-month studies for COPD and in 12-weeks in asthma studies.
Bottom Line
This is not all the information you need to know about Symbicort for safe and effective use. Review the full product information here, and speak to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Related medical questions
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