Symbicort Turbuhaler Adverse Reactions

Since Symbicort contains both budesonide and formoterol, the same pattern of undesirable effects as reported for these substances may occur. No increased incidence of adverse reactions has been seen following concurrent administration of the two compounds. The most common drug related adverse reactions are pharmacologically predictable side-effects of β₂ adrenoceptor agonist therapy, such as tremor and palpitations. These tend to be mild and usually disappear within a few days of treatment.
Adverse reactions, which have been associated with budesonide or formoterol, are given as follows, listed by system organ class (SOC) and frequency. Frequency are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100) to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1000) and very rare <1/10 000). (See Table 3.)

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Candida infection in the oropharynx is due to drug deposition. Advising the patient to rinse the mouth out with water after each maintenance dose will minimise the risk. Oropharyngeal Candida infection usually responds to topical anti-fungal treatment without the need to discontinue the inhaled corticosteroid. If oropharyngeal thrush occurs, patients should also rinse their mouth with water after the as-needed inhalations.
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur very rarely, affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people, with an immediate increase in wheezing and shortness of breath after dosing. Paradoxical bronchospasm responds to a rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator and should be treated straightaway. Symbicort should be discontinued immediately, the patient should be assessed and an alternative therapy instituted if necessary (see Precautions).
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract and glaucoma. Increased susceptibility to infections and impairment of the ability to adapt to stress may also occur. Effects are probably dependent on dose, exposure time, concomitant and previous steroid exposure and individual sensitivity.
Treatment with β₂ adrenoceptor agonists may result in an increase in blood levels of insulin, free fatty acids, glycerol and ketone bodies.
Paediatric population: It is recommended that the height of children receiving prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is regularly monitored (see Precautions).