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Buy Symbicort Turbuhaler or Generic Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate Online

A prescription is required for this item.
GENERIC ALTERNATIVE LISTING - Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
80/4.5mcg (120 doses x 1)
80/4.5mcg (120 doses x 2)
160/4.5mcg (120 doses x 1)
160/4.5mcg (120 doses x 2)
BRAND LISTING - Symbicort Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate)
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
80/4.5mcg (120 doses x 1)
80/4.5mcg (120 doses x 2)
160/4.5mcg (60 doses x 1)
160/4.5mcg (60 doses x 2)
160/4.5mcg (60 doses x 3)
400/12mcg (60 doses x 1)
Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Apr 16, 2020)

See our Symbicort FAQs below regarding the differences between the inhaler and the turbuhaler and how to use a turbuhaler.

What is Symbicort Turbuhaler?

Symbicort Turbuhaler is an inhaled corticosteroid that assists in the treatment of airway diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A Symbicort inhaler is prescribed for the purposes of asthma control or the management of another inflammatory airway disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. See the FAQ section below for the difference between the Symbicort Inhaler (aerosol) and the Symbicort Turbuhaler (dry inhalation powder).

Symbicort Turbuhaler contains an inhalable, dry powder that consists of a mixture of lactose and two active ingredients: Budesonide (a corticosteroid) and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate (a long-acting bronchodilator). Together, these medicines represent a combination therapy for both the acute relief and long-term maintenance of airway diseases. Budesonide works to reduce and prevent inflammation in the airways, while Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate relaxes muscles in the airways, which helps widen them and makes it easier for air to make its way into the lungs. When people use the Symbicort inhaler, these two mechanisms help them breathe more easily. Effects typically kick in within one to three minutes and can last for upwards of 12 hours.

Drugs similar to Symbicort include:

Conditions treated by a Symbicort Turbuhaler

What is Symbicort used for? As noted above, Symbicort Turbuhaler is prescribed to people who suffer from airway diseases such as asthma or COPD. COPD is a broad term that includes several lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Emphysema occurs when tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged, which can make it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is marked by inflammation of the breathing tubes (aka airways) inside the lungs. Asthma is also characterized by inflammation in the airways; this inflammation may be triggered by a range of factors including air pollution, dust mites, smoke, and stress.

No matter the source of airway inflammation, the end result is that swelling in the airways can make it harder to breathe. Symbicort Turbuhaler facilitates the passage of air into the lungs by reducing inflammation in the airways and relaxing muscles in the airways.

People with asthma can be prescribed a Symbicort Turbuhaler in one of two ways: They may use Symbicort Turbuhaler as their sole asthma inhaler (which represents a more convenient treatment option), or they may be prescribed both a Symbicort Turbuhaler and a more acute reliever inhaler for major asthma triggers or flare-ups.

While Symbicort may reduce the symptoms of airway diseases, it cannot cure or prevent these health conditions.

What to know before taking Symbicort

  • Physician

    Let your doctor know if you have allergies to Budesonide, Formoterol, lactose, or any other drug or substance. Also inform your doctor of any existing health conditions (especially heart or thyroid issues) or medications you take. Other medicines may interact with Symbicort.

  • Checklist

    Carefully follow the instructions for using the inhaler, which will be included in a leaflet along with your prescription. It is normal to not taste the powder when using the inhaler. It is important to learn how to use Symbicort properly. So long as you followed the instructions, you can trust that you have properly inhaled the dose.

  • Prescription container and pills

    Your doctor will advise you as to the proper Symbicort dosage for your condition. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Plan to take the prescribed maintenance dosage even if you're not experiencing symptoms at the time. If you miss a dose, simply take the next dose at the appropriate time. (Do not double up your doses.) Do not take more than prescribed, as this can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

  • Water flowing from tap

    After using a Symbicort inhaler, rinse out your mouth with water (and then spit the water into a sink) to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

  • Baby stroller

    Unless instructed to do so by a doctor, avoid using Symbicort Turbuhaler while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Inhaler and clock

    Do not use a Symbicort inhaler after it has passed its expiration date, as it may not work properly after expiration.

  • Prescription and prescription container

    Continue to visit your doctor regularly so he or she can monitor your airway condition and adjust your Symbicort dosage as necessary.

Possible Symbicort side effects

As with any prescription medication, there are potential side effects of Symbicort. Some of the more common side effects include:

  • Coughing
    Coughing
  • Heartbeat
    Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Headaches
    Headaches
  • Hoarseness
    Hoarseness
  • Trembling
    Trembling
  • Oral thrush
    Oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth and/or throat)

Less common side effects include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling restless or anxious
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea (which may be accompanied by diarrhea and/or vomiting)
  • Thirst
  • Weight gain

Rare side effects include:

  • Chest pain
  • Depression
  • Facial swelling
  • Itching
  • High blood sugar
  • Skin rashes or bruising

If you experience these or any other side effects, be sure to promptly consult your doctor.

Symbicort FAQs

Do you need a prescription to use a Symbicort Turbuhaler?

Symbicort Turbuhaler and Symbicort generic options are only available with a prescription from a physician. Once you've received a prescription with dosage instructions, you can purchase Symbicort or Symbicort alternatives online at NorthwestPharmacy.com.

What is the proper Symbicort dosage?

The right Symbicort dosage varies from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. That said, as a general rule Symbicort 160/4.5 or Symbicort 80/4.5 is often administered as two inhalations, twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening, or approximately 12 hours apart).

Symbicort 80/4.5 may be appropriate for people with asthma (if this dosage proves inadequate, then asthma patients may be switched to Symbicort 160/4.5), whereas people with COPD are almost exclusively prescribed Symbicort 160/4.5.

The 80/4.5mcg turbuhaler will be supplied as 100/6mcg; however, the delivered dose is 80/4.5mcg. The 160/4.5mcg turbuhaler will be supplied as 200/6mcg; however, the delivered dose is 160/4.5mcg.

What is the difference between Symbicort Inhaler, Symbicort Turbuhaler and generic Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate?

Brand Symbicort is sold as an aerosol inhaler in the USA but it is sold as a turbuhaler outside the USA and will be supplied as a turbuhaler when you buy it through NorthWestPharmacy.com. Symbicort Turbuhaler is a turbuhaler, which is a conical inhaler containing a dry inhalation powder rather than an aerosol. People load the turbuhaler, place their mouth around the pointed tip, and inhale. If you have never used a turbuhaler, click here for directions. For a video demonstration on how to use a turbuhaler, click here. If you have any questions, please call us and ask to speak with one of our pharmacists. In contrast, the generic is supplied as a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), which is an L-shaped, pressurized inhaler and, unlike the Symbicort Turbuhaler, is an aerosol and not a dry inhalation powder. People place their mouth around the bottom of the "L" and then deploy a dose by pressing down on the top of the "L."

What is the proper way to store a Symbicort Turbuhaler?

Make sure to store Symbicort and all other medications out of the reach of children. Store Symbicort in a dry place and out of direct sunlight. Make sure the inhaler is not exposed to temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.