Symbicort Turbuhaler

Before taking this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It must not be used as the primary treatment for a severe asthma attack or an acute asthma or COPD episode requiring intensive treatment. Do not start it when asthma or COPD is rapidly worsening, or use it to treat sudden symptoms. Do not combine it with another long-acting beta2-agonist, as this can cause an overdose. Tell your prescriber if you have tuberculosis or another infection, including herpes simplex affecting the eye. This medicine may worsen infections, and chickenpox or measles can be particularly serious in susceptible people. People with COPD have an increased risk of pneumonia. Extra caution or monitoring is needed if you have heart or circulation problems, nervous system or seizure disorders, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, ketoacidosis, liver impairment, reduced bone density, glaucoma or cataracts. Treatment may affect adrenal function, lower potassium or raise blood sugar. Children’s growth should be monitored. Tell your prescriber if you take oral corticosteroids or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir. Switching from oral corticosteroids requires medical supervision because of the risk of impaired adrenal function. Fungal infections of the mouth and throat can occur. Rinse your mouth with water after inhalation and spit it out. If breathing suddenly worsens immediately after use, stop using the medicine and seek medical attention.