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Symbicort Turbuhaler-vs-Advair Diskus

Symbicort Turbuhaler medication
Symbicort Turbuhaler
This combination product contains two medications: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids.

Available form

Powder

Dosage

6+100mcg6+200mcg

Manufacturer

Astrazeneca

Advair Diskus medication
Advair Diskus
Advair Diskus contains two active ingredients that are used to treat Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (COPD). The two active ingredients are salmeterol and fluticasone.

Available form

Inhaler, Powder

Dosage

25+250mcg25+125mcg50+500mcg50+250mcg50+100mcg

Manufacturer

Glaxosmithkline

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Dosage

Symbicort Turbuhaler®

Dosage

For asthma treatment, budesonide - formoterol can be used for maintenance therapy or for maintenance plus reliever therapy.

The starting dose of budesonide - formoterol is based on control of your symptoms. After asthma symptoms are controlled, your doctor will adjust your dose to the lowest regular dose that prevents asthma symptoms.

Symbicort Turbuhaler is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth, using the device that contains the medications (Turbuhaler®). Your health care professional should show you how to use the device. If you are not sure about how to use the device, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

For maintenance therapy, the recommended dose for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age is 100 µg to 400 µg of budesonide, which is equivalent to 1 to 2 inhalations (or puffs) of Symbicort® 100 or Symbicort® 200, 1 or 2 times daily. If you need fast relief from asthma symptoms, use your fast-acting "reliever" (or "rescue") medication such as formoterol, terbutaline, or salbutamol. The maximum recommended daily maintenance dose is 4 inhalations. When asthma is worsening, the dose can temporarily be increased to a maximum of 4 inhalations twice daily.

With the higher-strength product, Symbicort® Forte, a 400 µg dose is achieved with 1 puff, which may be inhaled 1 or 2 times a day. The maximum daily dose of this product is 2 puffs (800 µg) inhaled twice daily.

For maintenance and reliever therapy, the recommended dose for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 inhalations 2 times daily or 2 inhalations once daily. If you need fast relief from asthma symptoms, use 1 additional inhalation as needed and repeat after a few minutes (to a maximum of 6 inhalations) if symptoms persist. The maximum recommended total daily dose is 8 inhalations. Symbicort® Forte should not be used as a reliever medication.

When used as COPD therapy, the recommended dose is 400 µg of budesonide (2 inhalations of Symbicort® 200 or 1 inhalation of Symbicort® Forte), inhaled 2 times daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 800 µg of budesonide.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

When used regularly, Symbicort Turbuhaler can reduce the number and severity of episodes of difficulty breathing. Regular daily use is important for its effectiveness.

Budesonide - formoterol turbuhaler should be used regularly, even when you are not experiencing any symptoms.

It is important to use Symbicort Turbuhaler exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Symbicort Turbuhaler at room temperature with the cover on tight, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Advair Diskus®

Dosage

The usual recommended dose for adults and children 4 years of age and older is one inhalation of the appropriate strength (as recommended by your doctor) twice daily.

Gargle with water after each use to prevent hoarseness and thrush of the mouth and throat.

Read the package insert or speak with your pharmacist forinstructions on using the dispenser properly.

To make sure the medication remains effective, it is very important to use it regularly twice a day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even when you are not experiencing symptoms of asthma or COPD. To prevent side effects, do not use Advair Diskus more often than prescribed.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Advair Diskus at room temperature, in a dry place, and keep it out of the reach of children. Keep the device closed when not in use.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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When a new medication is first introduced, only one company makes it. They hold a patent, so they're the only ones allowed to produce and sell it. These brand-name drugs are usually more expensive because there's no competition yet. After a while, that patent expires, and other companies can start making their own versions, known as generic drugs. Generics are great because they cost less but must still meet strict Health Canada standards. They have exactly the same active ingredients as the original medication, although some non-active ingredients can vary slightly. Overall, generic medications offer the same quality and effectiveness as brand-name options but at a lower cost. For more information, check out Health Canada’s page on generic drug alternatives.
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