Budesonide/formoterol is a combination prescription medication used to improve lung function and treat symptoms of asthma (coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath). It is also used to treat air flow blockage in patients with certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is generally prescribed for patients who are struggling to manage their asthma with their current medication or who have severe asthma and require multiple medications to manage it.

Budesonide/formoterol is available under the brand name Symbicort. It comes in the form of an aerosol liquid which is inhaled by mouth using an inhaler.

Budesonide/formoterol is used to treat symptoms of asthma (coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath) and improve lung function. It is also used to treat air flow blockage in patients with certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It is important to note that budesonide/formoterol will not stop an asthma attack once it has started; in the event of an asthma attack, patients should utilize a short-acting beta agonist inhaler such as albuterol instead.

Budesonide/formoterol combination works by combining the effects of budesonide and formoterol to relieve air flow blockage in patients with asthma or COPD.

Budesonide, which is in the class of medications known as corticosteroids, works by preventing certain lung cells and breathing passage cells from causing inflammation that can result in asthma attacks.

Formoterol, which is in a class of medications known as bronchodilators, works by relaxing some of the airway muscles in your lungs. This helps with increased airflow and prevents asthma symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about how budesonide/formoterol works, as well as its risks and benefits.

The most common side effects of budesonide/formoterol include:

• headache
  
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  
• dry mouth
  
• muscle cramps
  
• nausea
  
• vomiting
  
• diarrhea
  
• extreme tiredness
  
• dizziness
  
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  
• stuffed or runny nose
  
• sore throat
  

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking budesonide/formoterol:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
  
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
  
• hives
  
• rash
  
• itching
  
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  
• chest pain
  
• fainting
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects. Call your health care provider if symptoms are persistent or severe.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with budesonide/formoterol. Budesonide/formoterol can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects or life-threatening allergic reactions. Drug interactions can occur with certain antibiotics, antirheumatics, antidepressants, antivirals and beta-blockers among others.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Budesonide/formoterol comes as an aerosol liquid that is inhaled by mouth using a special inhaler. It is typically inhaled 2 times in the morning and 2 times in the evening, but the exact dosage will vary depending on the age of the patient, their diagnosis, and their body weight. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your budesonide/formoterol dosage without consulting your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication combination, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Budesonide/formoterol is currently only available via prescription. This means a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not budesonide/formoterol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for budesonide/formoterol to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.