Symbicort® Inhaler for Asthma and COPD

This combination inhaler helps control persistent symptoms in asthma and COPD. It combines an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator to reduce inflammation and open airways. This page summarizes how it works, who it suits, safe use, and ways to access treatment. We support US delivery from Canada to make maintenance therapy simpler, including options that help manage costs without insurance.

What Symbicort Is and How It Works

Symbicort® contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, a long-acting beta2-agonist. The steroid reduces airway swelling over time. Formoterol relaxes airway muscles to improve airflow for up to 12 hours per dose. Together, the class can reduce flares with regular use. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

It is a maintenance controller, not a rescue inhaler. Use a fast-acting reliever for sudden breathing symptoms. Approved uses include Symbicort for asthma maintenance in patients who need both components and for COPD maintenance to reduce exacerbations.

See our condition guides on Asthma and COPD for broader context.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for long-term control of asthma in patients requiring both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator. It is also indicated for maintenance therapy in COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Budesonide Formoterol uses include reducing daily symptoms and lowering the risk of exacerbations with consistent dosing.

It is not appropriate for sudden breathing problems or status asthmaticus. Patients with severe hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or milk proteins should avoid it. People with certain heart conditions, arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, active infections, or glaucoma should discuss risks with a clinician before starting therapy.

Explore related treatments and information in our Respiratory category.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s plan and the official label. For asthma, many adults and adolescents are prescribed two inhalations twice daily. For COPD maintenance, adults often use two inhalations twice daily as directed.

How to use Symbicort inhaler: exhale fully, place the mouthpiece between the lips, start a slow deep breath, press the canister, inhale fully, then hold the breath about 10 seconds before exhaling. The next two sentences avoid repeating that phrase. Rinse and spit after each use to reduce the chance of oral thrush. Prime the inhaler before first use, and reprime if it has not been used for several days, per the label.

Use a separate fast-acting inhaler for acute symptoms. Do not exceed the prescribed number of inhalations. If control is not adequate, speak with a healthcare professional about the plan. Device technique matters; review steps during appointments and consult our guide on Symbicort Dosing Guidelines for educational insights.

Strengths and Forms

This pressurized metered-dose inhaler is typically available in two strengths. Many patients use the Budesonide Formoterol 160/4.5 inhaler for COPD or more persistent asthma, as directed. A lower 80/4.5 strength is commonly used in pediatric or step-down settings when appropriate. Availability may vary by pharmacy and jurisdiction.

Note: dose counters help track remaining inhalations. Discard once the counter indicates zero, even if the canister seems to contain propellant.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. Do not double doses. Keep a consistent morning and evening routine to support steady control. For frequent forgetfulness, consider reminders or calendar alerts.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the inhaler at room temperature away from heat, flames, and direct sunlight. Do not puncture or incinerate the canister. Keep the cap on to protect the mouthpiece. Wipe the mouthpiece exterior with a dry cloth; avoid soaking the canister. Keep out of reach of children.

While traveling, carry the inhaler in hand luggage. Bring a copy of the prescription or a pharmacy label if questions arise at security. Use a protective case to reduce damage in bags. If extreme temperatures are expected, keep the device in climate-controlled settings when feasible. For country-of-origin details, see Canada.

Benefits

Inhaled steroid plus long-acting bronchodilator therapy can improve lung function, reduce daytime symptoms, and help prevent night-time awakenings. Fewer flares may mean fewer urgent visits. A single device with two medicines can simplify daily routines. The dose counter and familiar metered-dose format may support adherence for many users.

Side Effects and Safety

• Throat irritation or hoarseness
• Cough or upper respiratory symptoms
• Headache
• Oral thrush (rinse and spit after use)
• Tremor or palpitations
• Rare paradoxical bronchospasm right after inhalation

Serious risks can include adrenal suppression with high exposures, worsening infections, or effects on bone or eyes with long-term corticosteroid use. Beta-agonists may cause heart-related symptoms in susceptible patients. In COPD, inhaled steroids may be associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Seek urgent care for signs of allergic reactions or severe breathing difficulty. Review our guide on Symbicort Side Effects and the cautionary notes in Symbicort Key Risks.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as certain azoles or antivirals, can increase budesonide exposure. Avoid combining with other long-acting beta-agonists. Non-selective beta-blockers may reduce effectiveness. Use caution with diuretics or other medicines that lower potassium. MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may enhance cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists. People with glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or seizure disorders should discuss monitoring needs with a prescriber. Always review all medicines, including over-the-counter products, before starting therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Some patients notice easier breathing shortly after a dose due to the bronchodilator component. Inflammation control builds with regular use, so steady benefit may progress over days to weeks. Keep a symptom diary and share patterns with a clinician. Using the device at the same times daily supports consistent control. Check technique at follow-up visits, especially after any device change. For community insights, see our feature for awareness on World Asthma Day.

Compare With Alternatives

Other maintenance options include ICS/LABA combinations and LAMA/LABA therapies. A common alternative is Advair Hfa Inhaler, which pairs fluticasone with salmeterol. For COPD patients who need a different class, Anoro Ellipta Inhaler offers a LAMA/LABA combination without a steroid. Discuss choices with a healthcare professional, noting device type, dosing schedule, and tolerance. Patients sometimes ask about Symbicort equivalent options if a prescriber recommends a switch; the right substitute depends on diagnosis and response. For perspective articles, see Which Inhaler.

Pricing and Access

We present transparent options to help compare inhaler therapy with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. Many shoppers check Budesonide Formoterol price to understand potential savings across brands and generics. You can review current offers, see refill options, and choose the quantity that fits your plan. Some customers also compare Generic Symbicort price when discussing alternatives with a prescriber. For occasional promotions, visit our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength and market. If a particular presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative from the same or a different class. We do not quote restock dates. Your order is filled through licensed partners after prescription verification.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include patients whose symptoms require daily controller therapy with both an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator. Those with only intermittent symptoms may need a different plan. People with recent severe exacerbations, chronic infections, or significant cardiovascular disease should review risks closely with a clinician.

Cost-saving ideas: ask about multi-month fills to reduce per-inhalation costs, use refill reminders, and align follow-up visits with refill timing. If switching devices, revisit technique to avoid waste. Keep rescue medication current to prevent unnecessary urgent visits that increase overall costs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Controller goals: how will progress be measured over time?
• Device technique: any adjustments to improve delivery?
• Action plan: what to do during worsening symptoms?
• Monitoring: eye, bone, or infection checks needed?
• Medicine list: any interactions with my current therapies?
• Step-up or step-down: when to reassess the regimen?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Prescribing InformationFDA DailyMed LabelHealth Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Add to cart for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is informational and does not replace professional medical advice.