Symbicort: What It Is and How to Use It Safely

Symbicort is a prescription inhaler that mixes budesonide (an inhaled steroid) with formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator). The steroid lowers airway inflammation and formoterol relaxes muscles in the airways. That combo helps control daily symptoms of asthma and COPD and can improve breathing over time.

Use Symbicort exactly as your doctor prescribes. It’s meant for maintenance treatment — not as a one-off rescue inhaler for sudden attacks. Keep a fast-acting rescue inhaler (like albuterol) on hand. If you get sudden breathlessness that doesn’t respond, seek medical help.

Practical inhaler tips

Small technique changes make a big difference. Before each puff, shake the inhaler, breathe out, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press down and inhale slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for about 5–10 seconds, then breathe out. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using Symbicort to lower the chance of oral thrush and hoarseness. Learn to count or use a dose counter so you don’t run out unexpectedly.

What to watch for

Common side effects include throat irritation, hoarseness, mild tremor, headache, and faster heartbeat. Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth) can happen — that’s why rinsing matters. Long-term steroid use may affect bone density or cause changes in blood sugar for some people; your doctor will weigh benefits and risks.

If you notice severe chest pain, marked increase in heart rate, severe shaking, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing), stop and get urgent care. Also tell your doctor if your asthma worsens while on Symbicort. Using a long-acting bronchodilator without a steroid raises risks in asthma, so never use formoterol products alone unless instructed by a specialist.

Discuss other medicines with your provider — certain beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and drugs that affect the heart can interact. If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare team about risks and alternatives.

Buying Symbicort: you need a prescription. Use a licensed pharmacy and avoid unverified online sellers. Check pharmacy accreditation, look for clear contact info, and never share medical details with suspicious sites.

Alternatives include other combination inhalers such as Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) or Dulera (mometasone/formoterol), or a separate inhaled steroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator. Which option fits you depends on symptom pattern, side effects, and cost — ask your clinician.

Quick answers: No, Symbicort isn’t for sudden rescue use. You may notice bronchodilator effects quickly, but inflammation control can take days to weeks. If your symptoms change or you’re unsure how to use the inhaler, call your clinic. Good technique and regular follow-up keep Symbicort working the way it should.