Symbicort is the brand name for budesonide, a steroid used to reduce inflammation. Symbicort also contains formoterol, according to Drugs.com, which is a long-lasting bronchodilator. The combination of these two medications relieves ailments like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing the inflammation and tension of the muscles near the airways to improve breathing. Symbicort is taken as an inhaler to administer the medication directly to the lungs. As with any medication, Symbicort has the risk of side effects.
Most Common Side Effects
According to eMedTV.com, the most commonly occurring side effects impact between 5.4 and 11.3 percent of Symbicort users. The most common effects include headaches, sore throat, nasal irritation or drainage, upper respiratory tract infection, pain in the throat, stomach upset, bronchitis or sinus infection. Some users may also experience thrush, or an oral infection of yeast, states eMedTV.com.
Common Side Effects
Other common side effects may occur in 1 to 5 percent of patients, reports eMedTV.com. Such effects can include pain in the back, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the voice, muscle spasms, dizziness or migraines. Some users may get a urinary tract infection. Flu-like symptoms can also be attributed to Symbicort, and include sore throat, fever, chills, body aches and general ill feelings.
Serious Side Effects
Any patient who experiences an increase in breathing problems with the use of Symbicort should contact a medical care provider right away. It is possible for Symbicort to increase the risk of agitation, aggression, anxiety or restlessness in users, states eMedTV.com. Drugs.com states that some users can be allergic to the drug and experience trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, swelling of the face, swelling of the mouth or hives. Other unusual side effects include blurred vision, pain in the eyes or seeing halos around lights, states Drugs.com.
Complications
Drugs.com also warns of changes in heart rate, blood pressure or blood sugar. Patients with existing cardiac, diabetes or blood pressure issues may not be good candidates for Symbicort and should inform their doctor of any pre-existing conditions. The use of this drug can elevate the symptoms of these health problems and make it difficult to manage the existing conditions.
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