Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may make your condition worse.

Inhaled fluticasone and salmeterol is used to prevent asthma attacks and treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet or patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.

When you use the Symbicort® inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it for 7 days or longer, or if the inhaler has been dropped, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first inhalation. Therefore, before using the inhaler, prime it by spraying the medicine 2 times into the air away from the face, and shaking it well for 5 seconds before each spray.

To use the Symbicort® inhaler:

  • Take the inhaler out of the moisture-protective foil pouch before you use it for the first time.
  • Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.
  • Prime the inhaler before use by shaking the inhaler well for 5 seconds and then releasing a test spray. Once again, shake the inhaler and release a second test spray.
  • Breathe out to the end of a normal breath (exhale). Do not breathe into the inhaler.
  • Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.
  • While pressing down firmly and fully on the grey top of the inhaler, breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
  • Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath for as long as you can up to 10 seconds before breathing out slowly. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs.
  • Release your finger from the grey top and then turn your head away from the inhaler. Breathe out slowly to the end of a normal breath. Do not breathe into the inhaler.
  • Shake the inhaler again for 5 seconds and take the second inhalation following exactly the same steps you used for the first inhalation.
  • Replace the mouthpiece cover after using the medicine.
  • Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose. This will help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.
  • Clean the inhaler every 7 days by wiping the mouthpiece with a dry cloth. Do not put the inhaler into water or try to take it apart. However, you must use a new inhaler with each refill of your medicine.

The dose counter at the top of the Symbicort® inhaler will turn yellow when the inhaler has 20 or fewer doses left. Throw the inhaler when it reaches 0, or if it has been 3 months since you last opened the foil pouch.

When you use the Symbicort Aerosphere® inhaler for the first time, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Therefore, before using the inhaler, prime it by spraying the medicine 4 times into the air away from the face, and shaking it well before each spray. If you have not used it for 7 days or longer or if you've dropped it, re-prime by spraying the medicine 2 times into the air away from the face, and shaking it well before each spray.

To use the Symbicort Aerosphere® inhaler:

  • This medicine comes in a sealed foil pouch. Do not open the foil pouch until you are ready to use a dose of this medicine.
  • Once opened, remove the inhaler from the pouch.
  • Take the cap off the mouthpiece. Check the mouthpiece to make sure it is clear.
  • Press the center of the dose indicator all the way down and release it. You may hear a soft click from the dose indicator as it counts down during use.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully and try to get as much air out of your lungs as possible. Put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in quickly and deeply until the canister stops moving in the actuator and a puff of medicine has been released.
  • Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, and then breathe out slowly through your nose.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after each dose. This will help prevent infection in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.
  • Clean the actuator at least once a week with warm water for 30 seconds. Shake off the excess water. Let the actuator air-dry overnight. Do not let the canister get wet.

The dose display window of the Symbicort Aerosphere® inhaler will turn red when the inhaler has 20 or fewer doses left. Throw the inhaler when it reaches 0, or if it has been 3 months since you last opened the foil pouch.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening. Each inhalation contains 80 or 160 micrograms (mcg) of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—Two puffs in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening. Each inhalation contains 80 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.
    • For treatment and prevention of worsening attacks of COPD:
      • Adults—Two puffs in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening. Each inhalation contains 160 micrograms (mcg) of budesonide and 4.8 mcg of formoterol.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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