Symbicort

Symbicort is not available to buy online or over-the-counter without a prescription, but you can order Symbicort online if it's previously been prescribed for you by your doctor and you've filled out the online consultation with a qualified doctor.

Symbicort is successfully taken by many people to control their asthma. It's a safe and effective medication when taken according to your prescription instructions. It's important to take it regularly using the right technique to maximise the benefits.

If your asthma symptoms don't improve then your doctor can adjust the dose or change the type of preventer medicine you use. If you feel no better or feel worse after using Symbicort then don't hesitate to seek out medical treatment. Asthma is a dangerous condition that requires effective medicine to prevent hospitalisation and even death.

Ordering from a certified online pharmacy, you can be ensured that your medication is safe. If the pharmacy doesn't ask you to complete essential health and medical question, however, this is a telltale sign that the website isn't certified. The website should also display clear signs that it is registered and approved by the relevant authorities. In the UK, this includes being registered by the MHRA, GMC .

All medication will be delivered in tamper proof packaging complete with the full patient leaflet, which confirms that the medication is clinically proven and highly effective.

When ordering Symbicort online here at Medilico, this is an all-inclusive price including the prescription, consultation, medication and delivery. There are no hidden costs. The price adjusts depending on the dosage and quantity you have ordered.

Symbicort is only available on prescription because it's not suitable for everyone. Your background, medical history and the current state of health are all factors that must be considered before Symbicort can be prescribed safely.

If your circumstances change mid-prescription, for example, a new pregnancy or high blood pressure, you should speak to your doctor about taking it.

Symbicort is a combination inhaler treatment containing two types of medication called budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is a corticosteroid, which is inhaled into the lungs to reduce inflammation and reduce the tight-chested feeling of asthma. It also lowers the sensitivity of your airways. The second ingredient formoterol is a long-acting beta antagonist. This type of drug is also known as a bronchodilator. It relaxes and opens your airways to let more oxygen through.

When combined as Symbicort, the ingredients budesonide and formoterol form an effective method of managing asthma symptoms that can't be fully controlled with a reliever inhaler.

Symbicort should not be relied upon during an asthma attack unless your doctor has specifically recommended it. This is because Symbicort doesn't work as quickly as a reliever inhaler does.

The active ingredients work together to prevent asthma attacks by soothing the lungs, opening the airways and reducing inflammation.

• You breathe the medicine directly into your lungs where it is most needed via the turbohaler.
• The turbohaler that dispenses Symbicort is just as important as the medicine itself. If your turbohaler is dirty or broken you should clean it or replace it.
• Any dropped inhalers should always be checked to ensure they are still working correctly.
• You can do this by following the instructions on the medical leaflet provided.
• If you're unsure that it's working effectively you should replace the inhaler as soon as possible.
• If you've been using an inhaler regularly it's worth checking your technique with your practice nurse or pharmacist. They can advise on whether you're using the right process. Many people don't get the most out of their asthma medications because the full dose doesn't reach their lungs.

Symbicort is available as a turbohaler which means you don't need to coordinate pressing and inhaling at the same time like the typical inhaler process. The turbohaler uncovers the powdered medicine dose so it's available to breathe in when you are ready. The medication is activated when you breathe in. This is particularly useful for those with joint problems such as rheumatism or arthritis.

If you need to take two doses you should wait for one minute before taking the second as this gives the medicine time to work. It can also cut down on any side effects such as tremors and headaches.

People generally use a preventer inhaler twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, but follow your doctor's instruction and refer to the patient leaflet if concerned at any time.

Symbicort should be stored at room temperature away from damp, drafts, moisture, heat and light. Always keep the lid on the inhaler when you're not using it to prevent any foreign objects or dirt lodging in the mouthpiece.

Follow your doctor's instructions to ensure you receive the most benefits from your Symbicort, but bear in mind it may take up to a week for you to experience any signs of improvement.

What Are Symbicort Dosages?

Symbicort Turbohaler is available as an inhaler in the following dosages:

• 100mcg (budesonide) / 6mcg (formoterol fumarate dehydrate)
• 200mcg (budesonide) / 6mcg (formoterol fumarate dehydrate)
• 400mcg (budesonide) / 12mcg (formoterol fumarate dehydrate)

The standard dose is one inhalation twice a day, but it differs in individuals. Taking the correct dosage of Symbicort for you is essential so follow your doctor's instructions. The most suitable dose will be allocated during your consultation.

Most people are advised, to begin with, a lower dose and increase it if their symptoms are not brought under control. Don't increase your dosage without first speaking to your doctor.

If you forget to take your dose, do so when you remember but if a second dose is approaching then it's not necessary. Don't double up your doses.

Symbicort may increase the risk of asthma-related death or breathing problems. This is because it contains formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA).

If your asthma symptoms worsen when taking Symbicort speak to your doctor as soon as possible as it may not be suitable for you. Symbicort can rarely cause:

• Pneumonia in people with COPD
• Allergic reaction hives, swelling, breathing issues
• Higher chance of infection due to effects on the immune systems
• Adrenal insufficiency if you've swapped from oral to inhaled medicines
• Increased wheezing
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Irregular and fast heartbeat
• Tremors
• Eye problems (glaucoma and cataracts)
• Osteoporosis
• Swollen blood vessels

More common side effects are:

• Oral thrush
• Throat irritation
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Back pain
• Headaches

It's important to take your prescribed dose properly to minimise any side effects.

Symbicort is used successfully by many people over the age of 12 to manage their asthma, but there are some people who shouldn't use it. If you have any of the following issues you should discuss them with your doctor:

• Allergies to budesonide or formoterol
• Heart conditions including high blood pressure
• You're using formoterol or any other type of long-acting beta antagonist
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts
• Diabetes
• Thyroid issues
• Infections including TB
• Liver disease
• A weakened immune system
• Low potassium levels

You should mention any of these conditions during your consultation as Symbicort may interact with them and potentially cause side effects.

Symbicort In Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to control their asthma, but it's not known if Symbicort will affect your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor before taking Symbicort if you intend to fall pregnant.

You should not use Symbicort whilst breastfeeding as trace amounts can pass through breast milk. Budesonide can affect growth rates in children, however, you should not leave your asthma unmanaged. Speak with a doctor about an alternative whilst you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Symbicort And Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can sometimes occur with inhaler use. Thrush is a fungal infection that can be treated with over-the-counter gels, creams or tablets. You may find white patches in your mouth and have a sore or cracked tongue and lips. You can help to prevent oral thrush by washing your mouth out after using an inhaler or by brushing your teeth.

Regularly cleaning your turbohaler will help to reduce the chances of infection too. Always clean your inhaler with a dry cloth, don't submerge it in water or take the inhaler to pieces as this may stop it working correctly.

Other Medication Interactions

Symbicort is safe when it's taken according to your doctor's instructions, but there are some medications that can prevent it working properly or cause side effects. This includes:

• Some antibiotics including - clarithromycin, erythromycin and telithromycin
• Imatinib
• Isoniazid
• Nefazodone
• Some antifungals including itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole
• Some heart medications
• Some hepatitis C medications
• Some HIV/AIDS medication

During your consultation, you should also mention any herbal or over-the-counter remedies you take so the doctor can ensure there are no interactions.