Budesonide/formoterol (By breathing)

Introduction:

Budesonide (bue-DES-oh-nide), Formoterol Fumarate (for-MOE-ter-ol FUE-ma-rate)

Prevents asthma attacks. This medicine may be used with other asthma medicines. It is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Brand Name(s):

Symbicort

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Under Pressure, Powder

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• Test spray in the air before using for the first time or if the inhaler has not been used for a while.
• You must keep track of the number of puffs you use. Use the dose tracker card to do this. Throw away the inhaler after you have used the number of puffs allowed, or if it is 3 months since you opened the foil pouch.
• When you have finished all your inhalations, rinse your mouth out with water. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty. Store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), erythromycin (PCE®), telithromycin (Ketek®), medicine to treat HIV infection (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Fotovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, or Reyataz®), beta-blocker medicines (such as atenolol, labetalol, Inderal®, Tenormin®, or Toprol®), or diuretics ("water pills" such as furosemide, HCTZ, hydrochlorothiazide, or Lasix®). Tell your doctor if you are taking a medicine for depression or took a depression medicine in the past 2 weeks. Some examples of these medicines are amitriptyline, doxepin, nefazodone, Elavil®, Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Pamelor®, Parnate®, or Sinequan®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bone problems, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, a seizure disorder, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, any kind of infection (especially tuberculosis or herpes infection of the eye), low potassium in the blood, or if you have a weakened immune system. Tell your doctor if you have eye problems (such as a cataract or glaucoma).
• This should not be the first and only medicine you use for asthma. This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack. If the other medicine does not work as well, tell your doctor right away.
• Do not use any other asthma medicine or medicine for breathing problems without talking to your doctor. This medicine should not be used with arformoterol, formoterol, salmeterol, Brovana®, Perforomist?, or Serevent® inhalers.
• This medicine helps prevent asthma attacks for most people, but some people may have more severe asthma attacks when they use it. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
• If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• You may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles.
• You may need to have your eyes checked at regular visits. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: darkening of the skin; diarrhea; dizziness; fainting; loss of appetite; mental depression; nausea; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomiting.
• This medicine may cause children to grow more slowly than usual. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Changes in vision.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness.
• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
• Skin rash.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: