Symbicort Side Effects
Summary
Patients who are considering Symbicort for the treatment of asthma or lung disease should weigh the benefits of this drug against its potential side effects. Although many common Symbicort side effects, such as dry mouth or cough, are typically mild, others, such as difficult or painful speech, are more concerning.
Common Symbicort Side Effects
Some users may experience mild to moderate side effects while taking Symbicort. The following Symbicort side effects are considered common, though they do not usually require medical attention. If Symbicort side effects are persistent or bothersome, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest ways to minimize your discomfort.
- Dry or irritated mouth or throat
- Cough
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Nervousness
- Stuffy nose
- Vomiting
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Stomach pain
- Difficult or painful speech
- Thrush in mouth or throat
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Serious Symbicort Side Effects
Patients who are allergic to budesonide or formoterol may have an allergic reaction to Symbicort. It is important to tell your doctor about any medication allergies before taking Symbicort or other new drugs. Seek emergency medical attention if you think that you are having an allergic reaction to your medication. Symptoms that are indicative of a Symbicort allergic reaction include:
- Rash
- Severe dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue
- Sudden trouble breathing
Some patients may experience other serious side effects while taking Symbicort. Although these Symbicort side effects are uncommon, they do occasionally occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects that are associated with Symbicort use. Potentially dangerous Symbicort side effects include:
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Vision problems
- White spots or sores in your mouth
- Cold or infection that will not go away
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful urination
- Muscle aches
- Swelling of the face, lower legs, or ankles
- Muscle weakness
- Skin rash
Patients who have switched from oral corticosteroids to Symbicort and are tapering off of their oral asthma medications should alert their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increased difficulty breathing
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Tiredness
Sudden Side Effects
Some patients may experience sudden side effects immediately after using Symbicort. These side effects can include sudden and severe breathing or asthma problems. A rescue inhaler may be used to relieve the discomfort caused by these unexpected Symbicort side effects. After using your rescue inhaler, seek immediate medical attention and consult the prescribing doctor as soon as possible.
Symbicort and Other Medical Conditions
Symbicort is not a suitable medication for all asthma patients. Certain medical conditions may increase your risk of developing Symbicort side effects. Discussing your medical history with your doctor will help him or her determine whether Symbicort is the right treatment for you. Tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis, herpes, mental illness, tuberculosis, or kidney, liver or heart disease. Your doctor will also want to know if you have ever had high blood pressure, eye infections, seizures or ulcers.
Symbicort and the Immune System
Symbicort is an immunosuppressive medication, meaning that it suppresses the immune system. Patients who are taking immunosuppression drugs such as Symbicort are more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. It is especially important for Symbicort users to avoid people with chicken pox, flu or measles while taking Symbicort, as they can have serious, and even fatal, consequences for patients using corticosteroids. Symbicort users who are exposed to chicken pox, flu or measles should contact their doctor immediately to discuss preventative courses of treatment. In the event that chicken pox does develop, your doctor may choose to treat it with antiviral agents.
Symbicort can help patients prevent or control the wheezing and labored breathing associated with asthma and lung disease. However, some patients may be wary of using Symbicort due to the many potential side effects and drug interactions. Patients who have been prescribed Symbicort should trust their doctor’s judgment; he or she has weighed the benefits of the drug against its potential risks and determined that it is a necessary part of your asthma treatment plan. Having a discussion with your doctor or pharmacist about possible Symbicort side effects may help to alleviate your concerns.
