Budesonide with formoterol

This inhaler combines a steroid preventer (budesonide) with a long-acting reliever (formoterol). It is used for asthma and COPD, and some people use it as both their preventer and their reliever.

Type of medicine

Combination inhaler (steroid and long-acting reliever)

Also known as

Symbicort, DuoResp Spiromax, WockAIR, Fobumix

Comes as

inhalers

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Asthma, as a regular preventer, or as an anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) or maintenance and reliever therapy (MART)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Budesonide with formoterol is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Budesonide reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways. Formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways for up to 12 hours, and starts working within minutes, so it can also relieve symptoms quickly.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Budesonide with formoterol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

hoarse voice or sore throat
oral thrush
headache
shaking or trembling
a pounding or fast heartbeat

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

wheezing or breathlessness that gets worse straight after using the inhaler
a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
muscle cramps or weakness, which can be a sign of low potassium

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Your asthma action plan should say exactly how to use it, especially if it is also your reliever.
If you need more than your maximum number of puffs in a day, get medical help.
Rinse your mouth after use.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.