According to the medical professionals at Drugs.com, Symbicort is used to treat asthma as well as a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains a combination of budesonide (a steroid which helps reduce inflammation of the airways) and formoterol (a bronchodilator which improves a patient's ability to breathe by relaxing the muscles of the airway). Before taking Symbicort, you need to familiarize yourself with its side effects; doing so enables you to receive the best treatment possible.
Common Side Effects
According to eMedTv.com, 5 to 11 percent of patients taking Symbicort report the following side effects, making them the most common side effects of this drug. They include headaches; the onset of upper respiratory infections, such as a cold, sinus infections, a sore throat and runny nose; the development of thrush (yeast infection of the mouth); and developing bronchitis.
Additional Common Side Effects
In addition to the above-mentioned side effects, 1 to 5 percent of patients report the following as common side effects of Symbicort. They include flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, the chills and fever; nasal congestion; bouts of diarrhea; muscle spasms; dizziness; back pain; nausea; vomiting; voice changes; the onset of a urinary tract infection; and migraines.
Serious Side Effects
Report the following to your doctor, as he may either adjust or discontinue your prescription of Symbicort. These side effects include a worsening of your breathing problems, rapid heartbeat, high blood sugar levels (diabetes), depression, development of irregular heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, aggression, anxiety or restless.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
The experts at Drugs.com recommend seeking emergency medical attention if you suffer from any of the following: swelling of your lips, throat, face or tongue; the onset of hives; the development of an unexplained rash; extreme itching; or difficulty breathing or swallowing. These are all indicators of an allergic reaction.
Signs of an Overdose
If you take too much Symbicort, you may overdose; the following signs are all indications of this. They include a reddened nose, problems breathing, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, tremors (uncontrollable shaking), a fast or pounding heartbeat, extreme nervousness, insomnia, chest pain, fainting or seizures.
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