Description
Symbicort is a medication that combines two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works to reduce inflammation within the body, while formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps relax the muscles in the airways, ultimately enhancing the ease of breathing. This medication is prescribed to manage and prevent asthma symptoms in individuals who are at least 6 years old, including both adults and children.
Symbicort is also employed to manage the symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is crucial to note that this medication should not be utilized to treat sudden asthma or bronchospasm attacks. In the case of asthma, Symbicort is typically prescribed when the condition is severe or when other long-term asthma medications have not provided effective control. Your healthcare provider might advise discontinuing this medication once your asthma is well-managed. It’s important to understand that while formoterol on its own may increase the risk of death in individuals with asthma, this risk is not elevated when budesonide and formoterol are used together in a combination product like Symbicort.
