Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) inhaler available online 

If you are suffering from Asthma or COPD, Symbicort can help. Get a new prescription or refill of a Symbicort inhaler from a board-certified doctor today.*

Book an appointment

Once or twice daily maintenance

Asthma & COPD symptom prevention

Quick relief with Symbicort

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.

About Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) inhaler prescription

Symbicort is considered a metered-dose inhaler, which functions by combining two effective asthma treatments into a single product. Like any IC / LABA drug, this medication can only be used to prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms. It is ineffective against a sudden onset of symptoms because it will not provide immediate relief like an emergency inhaler. Symbicort is a maintenance treatment that comes in the form of a metered dose inhaler.

Some conditions that Symbicort is known to treat include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. Symbicort is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Budesonide / Formoterol. 

Symbicort is only prescribed as a medical device that comes in the form of a metered-dose inhaler. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Symbicort, be sure to complete the entire course of the metered-dose inhaler unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.

If you don’t complete your prescription of Symbicort 160 4.5 or another dose, the IC / LABA combination of drugs may not fully treat your COPD or asthma symptoms. 

Symbicort inhaler uses

There are two FDA-approved uses for Symbicort, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

  • Asthma

    Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs and upper airways. The condition affects over 25 million individuals in the United States alone. Many of the individuals who suffer from asthma are children. This is a chronic disease that people generally deal with for an entire lifetime, but certain medications can help to ease the symptoms a patient experiences. 

    The FDA has approved both Symbicort and a newly developed generic version of the drug for the treatment of asthma. These drugs are appropriate for use in patients at least 12 years of age. Symbicort's primary purpose in treating asthma is to act as a preventative method. Regular use of the inhaler can help to provide a significant reduction in the risk of experiencing asthma-related symptoms. It is, however, not an emergency inhaler and does not replace the need for one. Regular use of these inhaled medications may help to reduce the risk of severe asthma-related events and hospitalization.

  • COPD

    COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is another condition that affects the respiratory system. The term itself can refer to a series of different diseases, with some being more severe than others. These diseases generally cause problems with a patient’s ability to breathe correctly, often due to a blockage in the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. 

    The use of Symbicort for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has also been approved. The medication will not provide a cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but rather a solution to help reduce symptoms associated with the condition. The preventative solution may also help to reduce the severity of symptoms in cases where the patient has a flare-up of COPD complications. 

Symbicort inhaler side effects

  • The side effects associated with taking Symbicort are typically mild. Most Symbicort side effects are associated with the respiratory system and the throat. Some side effects, such as stomach discomfort, affect the gastrointestinal tract. Symbicort has some common side effects. They may include:


    There are cases where Symbicort causes blood pressure levels to increase. The increase is usually insignificant but can become a more serious concern in some patients. It is essential to monitor for changes in your blood pressure levels if you have been diagnosed with hypertension. 

    Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

    • Worsening symptoms: There are rare cases where the use of Symbicort causes a sudden and immediate worsening of breathing symptoms following the inhaler. This can be a potentially life-threatening side-effect, as it can cause the person to reach a point where they cannot breathe. In this particular event, asthma clinical trials show the individual should first reach toward their emergency fast relief inhaler, then ensure they contact their healthcare provider for further instructions. The medication may also produce severe bronchospasm in this case.

    • Allergic reaction: It is pretty rare to find allergic reactions to the active chemicals in the inhaler, but there have been reports of these occurrences before. If a person is allergic to the ingredients that the medical uses, they may experience a severe allergic reaction. This can lead to itching, rashes, sudden breathing difficulties, severe dizziness, and swelling in certain body parts. Immediate medical assistance is required in these cases. 

    • Fungal infections: Some people also develop a fungal infection in their mouth when they use Symbicort. In addition to the mouth, there have also been cases where infections develop in other parts of the respiratory system while the person uses the inhaler. While these infections are often mild, they can become more serious, especially if untreated. Upper respiratory tract infections can lead to complications, such as chronic bronchitis.

    • Immune system side effects: It is also possible for the inhaler to cause problems with immunity, especially with long-term use of the inhaler. This is primarily due to using a corticosteroid in the formulation of the medicine. When it reduces immunity, the patient may experience chronic or recurrent infections. Signs of infections in the body may include nausea, chills, pain, vomiting, body aches, a fever, and constant tiredness. This may cause a further increase in the risk of an upper respiratory tract infection and issues like chronic bronchitis. In addition to chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infection, the patient may experience lower respiratory tract infections when their immune system is affected.

    • Hyperglycemia: Some reports about the use of Symbicort have also been found. In this case, blood glucose levels can significantly increase. This can impact the sensitivity cells have toward insulin in the body, resulting in longer-term complications. 


    You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms.

    Your doctor may take you off Symbicort 160 4.5 mcg or another dose you take if you develop a recurrent upper respiratory tract infection or chronic bronchitis. A thorough analysis of asthma or other patients treated with Symbicort can help healthcare providers identify susceptible patients. There are multiple risk factors that the provider can consider, as well as research from controlled clinical trials.

    Use of Symbicort in pediatric and adolescent patients under age 12 is not advised because it can cause a more severe level of side effects if these pediatric patients are too young since the drug depends on corticosteroids in its formulation. There have also been reports of stunted or slow growth in children who have used Symbicort as part of their asthma treatment strategy.

How to take Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) inhaler

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Symbicort prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Symbicort can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once or twice per day. This will usually include one inhalation in the morning and another at night. The doses are usually 12 hours apart to ensure Symbicort works effectively. 

Patients need to realize that this is not a quick relief or emergency inhaler to treat acute symptoms. It should not be used in cases where the patient experiences a sudden onset of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms, as the inhaler is unlikely to provide fast enough relief for these problems. This can cause asthma-related severe events as a complication.

Instead, asthma clinical trials advise patients to keep their quick-relief inhaler with them, even if they use Symbicort. This is also important for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This particular drug helps reduce the frequency and severity of these flare-ups and symptoms that patients may experience.

What to avoid while using the Symbicort inhaler

Some drug interactions with Symbicort can lead to dangerous complications. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

It is essential to avoid the use of any other drugs that contain LABA as an active ingredient when taking Symbicort, including another metered dose inhaler. Take a complete list of medications you currently take to your healthcare provider. A thorough analysis can reveal if any other drugs you now use contain LABA. Also, keep this in mind when you get a prescription for other drugs in the future. The combination of other drugs that also have this chemical can cause a significant increase in the risks and complications associated with LABA usage. 

Research also shows that Symbicort should be separate from regular consumption of grapefruit and juices containing grapefruit as an ingredient. This may cause specific interactions in the body, which could cause excessive budesonide levels in the blood system. 

You should not take Symbicort if you have chronic bronchitis. Apart from chronic bronchitis, patients with an upper respiratory tract infection should also be careful.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Symbicort.

It is generally not advised to consume alcohol while on a drug that contains budesonide. The combination of these two chemicals has been shown to cause side effects and interactions like dizziness in the patient. 

Alternatives to Symbicort medication

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator or asthma or COPD medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

  • Allergies to formoterol

    Suppose the patient has an allergy to Formoterol, which is one of the active ingredients in this medication. In that case, the healthcare provider may suggest using an inhaler that only uses Budesonide, a corticosteroid type that Symbicort also uses. The doctor may also recommend an inhaler that uses other types of corticosteroids. 

    Flovent HFA

    Ventolin (Albuterol)

    Pulmicort Flexhaler

    Alvesco (ciclesonide)

    Asmanex Twisthaler

    Xopenex (Levalbuterol) Spiriva® inhaler

Symbicort inhaler FAQs

  • How much does Symbicort cost?

    Since Symbicort is generally a long-term treatment option, the patient must realize they will have monthly expenses when prescribed this inhaler. The inhaler comes in different strength options, depending on the specific condition being treated and the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Each of these elements will play a role in determining the cost and the particular pharmacy where the patient hands in their prescription.

  • How long should you wait in between puffs of Symbicort?

    You should take up to two puffs in a row when using Symbicort. You will usually take two puffs, prescribed twice daily. It is essential to avoid taking both puffs directly after each other. Take the first puff with a deep breath, then breathe out. Wait a few seconds, then take the second puff. This helps to ensure the chemicals in the Symbicort inhaler are correctly absorbed by your lungs.

  • How long does Symbicort take to work fully?

    Since Symbicort is not a fast relief system, it does not work immediately like an emergency inhaler. Some patients experience a slight relief in asthma symptoms around 15 minutes after using the inhaler. It usually takes around two weeks for the full effects to become present. 

  • What time of day should you take Symbicort?

    Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best time of the day to use the inhaler. In most cases, you will take your first dose in the morning and the next dose in the evening. 

  • How many puffs of Symbicort can I take in a day?

    Your healthcare provider decides the specific number of puffs and frequency of using the Symbicort. Talk to your doctor if you are still determining the maximum number of puffs you can use daily. For most people, it is essential to only take up to four puffs in a single one-day period. It would help if you kept a 12-hour window between the doses you administer. 

  • How can I refill my Symbicort prescription?

    Refilling your prescription may require picking it up from a local pharmacy. There are also online prescription filling services that you can consider. 

  • Who should not take Symbicort?

    People who already use a medication with corticosteroids or LABA should avoid using Symbicort. It is also essential to prevent this particular treatment if you have problems with your immune system. 

  • What happens if I miss a dose of Symbicort?

    Take the dose the moment you remember, but keep your doses around 12 hours apart. This can help to ensure there is not an excessive accumulation of the active ingredients in your lungs and blood circulatory system. 

  • What happens if I take too much Symbicort?

    When you take too many puffs of the Symbicort inhaler, you may experience worse symptoms associated with the active compounds that make up this medicine. 

3 simple steps to request your Symbicort inhaler today 

Step 1: Book an appointment

Step 1

Book a Symbicort prescription request appointment.

Book a same-day appointment from anywhere

Step 2: Visit with a doctor on your smartphone

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Symbicort prescription. 

Talk with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3: pick up at local pharmacy

Step 3

Pick up your Symbicort inhaler.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Symbicort inhaler pricing details

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your Symbicort prescription inhaler, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.