Symbicort

Precautions to keep in mind

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

Although this medicine decreases the number of asthma episodes, it may increase the chances of a severe asthma episode when they do occur. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns that you have.

You should not use this medicine if your asthma attack has already started or if you already have a severe asthma attack. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine (eg; a short-acting inhaler) for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack. Call your doctor immediately for instructions.

Talk to your doctor or get medical care right away if :

• Your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 1 week or if they become worse.
• Your short-acting inhaler does not seem to be working as well as usual and you need to use it more often (eg; you use 1 whole canister of your short-acting inhaler in 8 weeks' time, or you need to use 4 or more inhalations of your short-acting inhaler for 2 or more days in a row).
• You have a significant decrease in your peak flow when measured as directed by your doctor.

Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine and that you may need additional medicine during times of emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.

You may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles.