Symbicort

What you should know before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

Studies on this medicine have been done only in children over 12 years of age and adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of budesonide and formoterol combination with children in other age groups. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children 11 years old and below; however, this medicine may cause growth problems in children. Ask your child's doctor about this if you have any concerns.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of budesonide and formoterol combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients with heart problems may require special caution when receiving this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Bupropion

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bone problems (eg, osteoporosis) or
• Diabetes mellitus or
• Heart problems or
• Heart rhythm problems or
• High blood pressure or
• Immune system problem or
• Seizure disorder or
• Thyroid problems.

• Eye problems (eg, cataract or glaucoma)—Condition may worsen. Regular eye examination should be done.

• Infection (eg, tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles, or herpes infection of the eye)—This medicine can reduce the body's ability to fight off the disease or may cause the condition to start up again.

• Liver problems—May cause an increased amount of this medicine in your blood.