What is Symbicort?
Symbicort is used to treat asthma and COPD. You can get it as either a Turbohaler or a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). With a Turbohaler, the medicine is released automatically when you breathe in. An MDI, on the other hand, needs you to press a button to release the medicine.
Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains two ingredients: a preventer called budesonide, which is a type of steroid, and a reliever known as formoterol fumarate.
You'll use it regularly to lower your risk of asthma attacks, and you can also take extra doses if you experience asthma symptoms. This makes it a good choice for those who currently use both preventer and reliever inhalers separately.
How does Symbicort work?
Asthma is a condition where your airways get inflamed. They become narrower and swollen, and might produce more mucus than usual. This can make it hard to breathe and might cause coughing and shortness of breath.
Lung diseases that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult can lead to COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough.
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. Budesonide is a steroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, which can lead to fewer symptoms and asthma attacks.
Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps to relax the muscles in your airways, easing 'bronchoconstriction' and allowing air to move more freely in and out of your lungs.
What doses of Symbicort are there?
Symbicort Turbohaler comes in three different strengths: 100/6, 200/6, and 400/12. Symbicort MDI is available in two strengths: 100/3 and 200/6.
The large number indicates the dose of budesonide in micrograms, while the small number shows the dose of formoterol fumarate in micrograms.
The difference in these doses lies in how much medicine is given with each inhalation and the level of relief it offers. The dose you take and how often you use it each day depends on how well your asthma is managed and your symptoms. Usually, you might take 1 or 2 inhalations a day, but sometimes your prescriber may increase this to 4.

- Symbicort is a long-acting bronchodilator used to help prevent breathing problems.
- It helps manage and ease asthma symptoms.
- It's used every day, with additional puffs for quick relief when needed.

Symbicort isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know when using it.
Here's all the official information about it. If there's anything you're unsure about, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Symbicort MDI | Symbicort Turbohaler
Useful Links:
- Symbicort MDI: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11855/pil
- Symbicort Turbohaler: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1326.pdf

Q: How is Symbicort different from other asthma treatments?
Asthma inhalers come in two types: preventers and relievers. Preventer inhalers are used daily to help manage asthma symptoms. Reliever inhalers are used as needed when symptoms arise.
Symbicort is a combination inhaler. You use it regularly, much like a preventer inhaler, but you can also take extra doses if you need quick relief from asthma symptoms.
It has been proven to effectively lower the risk of asthma complications. A clinical study found that Symbicort decreased the chance of hospitalisation by 28%.
Q: Is Symbicort similar to any other treatments?
There are other combination inhalers with the same active ingredients, but they're produced by different manufacturers, such as Duoresp and Fubomix.
There are also other combination inhalers with a slightly different corticosteroid, such as Seretide and Combisal.
It might take a bit of time to find the best option for you. However, after you've answered some questions about your health, our clinicians can suggest a variety of treatments for you to consider.
Q: Which version and dose of Symbicort should I use?
It really comes down to what you feel most comfortable with, and your inhaler technique plays a role as well. Some people find a Turbohaler easier to use, while others prefer the control they have over the dosage with an MDI.
After we've had a chat, our team can guide you on the right dose to take.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Symbicort?
Asthma medicines typically require a prescription, and Symbicort is no exception. This ensures that the prescriber can confirm it's safe for you to use.

Symbicort
Your Turbohaler comes with an indicator which tells you how many inhalations are left. When it’s full it may be marked to 30, 60 or 120. The dose indicators have intervals of 10 for the 60 and 120 inhalers and 15 for the 30 inhalers. If you accidentally load the Turbohaler more than once before a dose, you will receive only one inhalation, but the indicator will show loaded doses.
How long does it take Symbicort to work?
You should notice an improvement in your asthma symptoms within 1-3 minutes after inhaling. However, it might take up to two weeks of using Symbicort regularly to experience the full benefits.
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Symbicort?
If you miss taking your Symbicort at the usual time, there's no need to worry. Just take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. If that's the case, simply skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule.
Never take an extra dose to compensate for a missed one. If you think you've taken too much and are feeling unwell, seek medical help straight away.
Always follow the treatment instructions given by our clinician.