Welcome to the group, Tell. My insurance seems to prefer Advair one year & Symbicort the next so I take whichever they pay best for. My worst side effect from either has been thrush (yeast infection in the mouth).

That said, I also take prednisone daily and depending on the dose it makes me a bit crazy. Either weepy or manic. And it has caused me to gain a lot of weight.

I do suffer from extreme hot flashes, which I attribute to steriod-induced hyperglycemia a/k/a diabetes. Getting control over your blood sugar can be a challenge, but I feel better when it holds steady.

I know others here struggle with weight loss, so will let them speak on that. I would like to tell you, though, to see your doctor.They are a good source for support on dealing with side effects. And if yours does not help, change doctors!

Welcome, tillerc. Many of us within this group take Symbicort. The downside is that our bodily compositions are unique enough that reactions e.g. side-effects differ. My reaction to COPD is weight loss - no appetite! (My weight loss may have a relationship to Symbicort - haven't given that much thought since Symbicort helps my breathing so I just accept that.)

Were you just recently diagnosed? Having good communications with your doctor is important especially since "one size does NOT fit all." How long have you been taking Symbicort? Could be alternatives for you that can reduce the reactions you're having.

After being in this group for a few years - I've learned that it's okay to have a list of concerns for your doctor. Trial and error (and patience) brings some relief.

Take care....

Thank you all for your answers. I have suffered with asthma , bronchitis, pneumonia, allergies all my life. I have steadly been getting worse over the last few years. My o2 has been at 88 on several occations. My grandma, dad, ,mom all suffered from what they called emphysema then, now known as COPD. They all are not with us any more. COPD can be genetic and ATT Deficency Test can determine that. All of mine passed with Cancer related disease. Does anyone have a family history? Has Cancer been the end result? Hard questions I know. But I am now on Albuteral, Symbicort, Oxygen etc. I have good days and really bad ones. Not much seems to help. I just keep moving forward and am thankful for the things I can do.

Yes, we are all different in how medication affects us.I was using Symbicort as an inhaler and was gaining weight. I'm now using a nebulizer for the meds in Symbicort- Budesonide and Formorterol.
No more weight gain-holding steady mostly.