Budesonide+formoterol
About Budesonide+formoterol
Budesonide+formoterol is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). It helps prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness associated with asthma and COPD.
Budesonide+formoterol contains Budesonide and Formoterol. Budesonide reduces the swelling of the airways, and Formoterol works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Some people may experience fungal infection in the mouth, headache, sore throat, hoarse voice, upper respiratory tract infection, flu, cough, back pain, increased heart rate, and trembling. If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Budesonide+formoterol if you are allergic to any of its components. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Budesonide+formoterol. Keep your doctor informed about your medications and medical conditions to prevent any potential interactions.
Uses of Budesonide+formoterol
• Asthma management: Budesonide+formoterol is widely prescribed for asthma patients to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. It works by relaxing airway muscles, eases breathing and provides effective relief.
• COPD treatment: Budesonide+formoterol is highly effective in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition. It helps alleviate symptoms like breathlessness and wheezing, ensuring better respiratory function.
• Inflammation control: Budesonide+formoterol is effective in reducing swelling in the airways, which makes it easier for individuals with respiratory conditions to breathe.
• Emergency relief in severe respiratory conditions: Budesonide+formoterol provides quick relief during severe asthma or COPD attacks by opening airways, reducing swelling, and improving breathing.
Medicinal Benefits
- Budesonide+formoterol is a combination inhalation therapy that contains Budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and Formoterol (a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist).
- This combination offers both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator actions, providing comprehensive control over respiratory conditions such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Budesonide reduces airway inflammation, while Formoterol helps to relax the airway muscles, leading to improved airflow and reduced breathlessness.
- Budesonide+formoterol is used as a regular maintenance therapy for individuals with asthma where the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) is appropriate.
- It reduces airway inflammation and prevents bronchospasm, thereby minimising the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
- Helps maintain long-term asthma control, improves lung function, and enhances quality of life.
- Budesonide+formoterol is also indicated for the regular treatment of moderate to severe COPD in patients who experience frequent symptoms and have a history of exacerbation.
- Budesonide+formoterol decreases the rate and severity of COPD exacerbations and maintains day-to-day function.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Hold Budesonide+formoterol with the mouthpiece downwards. Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal the lips around it. Then, press down on the inhaler once to release the medication. Breathe in slowly and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly. Repeat the process until you have inhaled the number of puffs prescribed by the doctor.
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using Budesonide+formoterol to avoid fungal infections in the mouth and throat.
Storage
Side Effects of Budesonide+formoterol
- Fungal infection in the mouth
- Headache
- Sore throat, hoarse voice
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Flu, cough
- Back pain
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking or trembling
Drug Warnings
- Do not use Budesonide+formoterol if you are allergic to any of its components.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Budesonide+formoterol.
- Budesonide+formoterol is not recommended for children below 6 years of age.
- If your breathing worsens or you often wake up at night with asthma, experience chest tightness in the morning that lasts longer than usual, please consult a doctor immediately, as these might be signs indicating that your asthma is not controlled properly and requires an alternate or additional treatment.
- Regular monitoring of potassium levels is recommended while taking Budesonide+formoterol, as it may cause low potassium levels in the blood.
- Avoid contact with people who have infections or who are sick, as Budesonide+formoterol may weaken the immune system, causing infections to be easily contracted.
- If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), fits, immune system problems, chickenpox, measles, thyroid, lung, heart, liver or adrenal gland problems, inform your doctor before using Budesonide+formoterol.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Budesonide+formoterol may interact with bronchodilators (albuterol), steroids (prednisone), water pills (furosemide), pain killers (aspirin), antibiotic (azithromycin), antidepressant (duloxetine), heart-related medicines (metoprolol), antifungals (itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole), HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interaction: Budesonide+formoterol may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit or its juice with Budesonide+formoterol as it may lead to severe adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis (weak bones), fits, immune system problems, chickenpox, measles, thyroid, lung, heart, liver or adrenal gland problems, inform your doctor before taking Budesonide+formoterol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Budesonide+formoterol with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Budesonide+formoterol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThe safety of Budesonide+formoterol in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Budesonide+formoterol is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedBudesonide+formoterol usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionUse Budesonide+formoterol with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Budesonide+formoterol in patients with Kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
consult your doctorBudesonide+formoterol is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Budesonide+formoterol to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, and bottled lemon and lime juice as they may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Budesonide+formoterol and irritate the lungs, worsening breathing problems.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
- You are advised to rinse your mouth with water after each dose of Budesonide+formoterol because it not only removes the taste of medicine inhaled but also helps to avoid fungal infections (oral thrush) in the mouth and throat. After rinsing your mouth thoroughly, you may drink water, milk or any liquids.
- Avoid using more than 12 inhalations in a day and more than 6 inhalations at once.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, especially at night. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Budesonide+formoterol is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Yes, Budesonide+formoterol may cause fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush) as a common side effect. It is not necessary for everyone taking Budesonide+formoterol to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after using Budesonide+formoterol every time.
Budesonide+formoterol should be used with caution in osteoporosis (low bone density resulting in weak and brittle bones) patients, as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis before taking Budesonide+formoterol so that the dose may be adjusted or an alternate medicine may be prescribed.
No, you are not recommended to take ketoconazole or other antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole with Budesonide+formoterol as co-administration of these medicines may increase the absorption of Budesonide+formoterol into the bloodstream and increase the risk of adverse effects such as high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, muscle weakness, swelling, acne, skin thinning, cataracts, excessive growth of facial or body hair, stretch marks, high blood glucose levels, menstrual irregularities, loss of bone density, easy bruising and abnormal distribution of body fat, especially in the waist, back, neck and face, neck. However, please consult a doctor before using other medicines with Budesonide+formoterol.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Budesonide+formoterol as it may cause adverse effects such as a fast heartbeat, trembling or headache. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Budesonide+formoterol, please consult a doctor immediately.
You are not recommended to stop taking Budesonide+formoterol without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Budesonide+formoterol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Budesonide+formoterol, please consult your doctor.
Budesonide+formoterol does not relieve a sudden asthma attack. Therefore, it is advised to carry a rescue inhaler always to treat sudden asthma symptoms.
Throat irritation or pain, oral thrush (fungal infection), respiratory tract infections, low potassium level and sinusitis (sinus inflammation) are some of the common side effects of Budesonide+formoterol, which might occur in some patients.
In rare cases, Budesonide+formoterol may cause a low potassium level. So if you experience tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and constipation, contact a doctor for advice.
People with heart problems (including high blood pressure, chest pain, fast heartbeat, fits (seizures), thyroid problems, diabetes, immune system problems, weak bones or osteoporosis, eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts) and liver problems should consult a doctor before using Budesonide+formoterol.
Yes, Budesonide+formoterol is a combination of two drugs: Budesonide (a corticosteroid) and Formoterol (LABA—long-acting beta-agonists or bronchodilators).
No, taking more than the prescribed dose may not be more effective; it may raise the possibility of experiencing severe adverse reactions.
Rinse your mouth with water after each dose to help prevent infection. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.
Before taking the Budesonide+formoterol, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all the medications you are using. And inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You may start to feel better after a couple of weeks. But it can take a month or more to work fully.
It's possible that your immune system is not strong enough to receive a live vaccine while you're taking Budesonide+formoterol. If you need vaccinations, inform the healthcare professional that you're taking Budesonide+formoterol.
It depends on your health condition. As directed by your physician, you will need to use it for longer to keep symptoms under control.
The safety of Budesonide+formoterol in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Store it at room temperature and away from sunlight, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Please dispose of the inhaler three months after you remove it from the foil overwrap or when the dose indicator reads 0), whichever comes first.
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. Symptoms include wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night.
