Budesonide / formoterol User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I’ve had asthma for most of my life and tried many different medications. This one has been one of the worst. I tried both the Turbohaler and the Rapihaler over a period of 3-4 months and found both gave me headaches, muscle aches, nausea, a loud heartbeat, broken sleep, increased anxiety, and some depression. I’ve had success with Pulmicort, so I imagine that it’s the formoterol that is the issue. There is also a contradiction for Symbicort and some antidepressants, so be careful. I won’t be using this again in the future."

• Ham...
• July 30, 2018

For COPD "Symbicort is good, but the company is doing bad with patients by giving them an 80% discount pass, which is costlier than the actual open market price. For example, I am buying Symbicort at $241 on CVS. The company is giving Symbicort a value after an 80% discount of $309.53. Why are they deceiving innocent patients? If $309.53 is the 80% discounted price, it means the actual price is $1,547.65, while I have bought it 4 times at $241 at CVS. It looks like they are getting hidden benefits from some organization by showing that they have given millions of dollars in discounts to COPD patients. If you do not publish it as it is, I will go to other methods. They are answerable."

• Bec...
• January 14, 2011

For COPD, Maintenance "This is the greatest thing that's happened in my life in the last year. I used to have to use my Ventolin inhaler 3-4 times a day. I have not used it since I started Symbicort! My last doctor wouldn't even let me try it. Glad I changed doctors. I can go up and down stairs without stopping, trying to breathe. My child even noticed the difference."

• Tis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "In my first few days on this medication (Symbicort), I had trouble breathing, especially at night, my throat seemed to tighten, so I used my Ventolin inhaler more often. I woke up and could hardly open my hands or bend my knees, my joints were very stiff. I felt as though I was dying on this medication. I stopped immediately!!"

• Bil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2018

For COPD, Maintenance "This medication helps me, but the cost of this medication is ridiculous. I do not qualify for free prescriptions nor Medicaid. I cannot afford insurance and have a family to feed. The cheapest coupon I was able to find was $277.00. Tell me what average American family can actually afford that a month plus other meds? Pharmaceutical companies and AstraZeneca are making billions of dollars, all the while people are needlessly suffering due to the cost of your medication. That is what I call a crime against humanity."

• Gue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "Please don't be afraid to try this medication. I suffer from overthinking, and when I read these reviews, I was afraid of the side effects. I moved into an apartment that I did not know was blowing dust out of the air vents and was sick over a long period of time, developing bouts of wheezing. My lung function was at 70%, and I finally went to the doctor, who prescribed Symbicort. I put off taking this longer than I should have. I used the 160/4.5 at 2 puffs a day for about a week. I upped it to 4 puffs a day for another week. I closed it out with 2 puffs a day for a few more days. The wheezing and chest tightness are gone. I sleep better. I can get a full breath. I feel like me again. This has saved my life, and I had ZERO side effects."

• Pau...
• October 31, 2010

For COPD, Maintenance "Had tried Advair and one other inhaler and didn't do anything. Was using albuterol when needed (2-3 times a day). Doctor put me on Symbicort and had immediate relief. Only take 2 puffs in the morning and set for the day. No side effects yet (4 weeks). Hopefully it will continue to work on my COPD."

• Mic...
• September 24, 2020

For COPD "I was given Symbicort on June 15, 2020. On June 17, 2020, I lost my voice completely. I can only whisper softly. It's now September 24, 2020, and I still have no voice. All due to a doctor who prescribed it for a misdiagnosis of COPD. Now what do I do??? They tell me it's been so long with no voice I might not ever get it back. Is it lawyer time, or what????"

• and...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 25, 2014

For Asthma, Maintenance "I'm a 59-year-old male with asthma who has been on this medicine for 12 years. I've tried them all, and this seems to work the best for me. A few concerns I have since starting this are cramps in my calves and hands. You need to take vitamin supplements, i.e., calcium and magnesium. I've developed tinnitus or ringing in the ear, which is now constant. I'm not sure if this is related. I also have sinusitis so bad that I will be having a turbinate reduction soon. You may develop thrush or a hoarse throat if you don't gargle or rinse after use. I take 2 puffs in the morning, and that usually does the trick."

• Anonymous
• December 12, 2011

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have used many different types of inhalers for asthma control. Symbicort seems to work well, but may cause significant personality modification (nervous, angry at small things, anxiety over small things) and muscle/bone aching that is significant, especially if any work is done, even small things."

• ASa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 29, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "Developed asthma 3 years ago when I was 50. Tried all kinds of controller medications. Switched to Symbicort after about a year and things have been great ever since. Yes, I have had some minor side effects, occasional agitation and some muscle cramps, but I run 5k 3 times a week without any difficulties (well, I am 53, so some difficulties). I am very happy with this medication. I hope that all asthmatics find their ideal medication. Difficulties with breathing can be so scary. Work with your doctor, educate yourself on all the different meds available, and find the right one for you. You can be happy and live the life you were meant to."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "Although this improved my adult son's breathing, the side effects were hideous and dangerous. They include weight loss, back pain, blurred vision, sadness, and depression. I never would have believed that an asthma drug could cause such a severe reaction. Doctors should be warning patients about these side effects, and it should also be printed on the box. The depression issue was chronic and happened in a short time. So BEWARE!!!"

• Jim...
• June 7, 2014

For Asthma, Maintenance "My son has been taking Symbicort 200/6 for 4 years, and it has worked well. He started feeling fatigued about a year ago and has been diagnosed in the last week with adrenal suppression/shutdown, which is a noted possible reaction. If any users feel fatigued or have difficulty fighting infections, I would suggest getting cortisol tested promptly."

• Sab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "This stuff practically saved my childhood. I've had severe asthma all my life. I took my Ventolin pump at least 10 times a day. I struggled to walk even the smallest distances without my chest feeling tight. I had many visits to the hospital-3 occasions going as far as Intensive Care. I was prescribed Symbicort 160, and my life has changed completely. I experience no side effects whatsoever. I've been on it for about 6 years. I'm currently 19 years old."

• Tri...
• May 17, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "Symbicort has completely changed my life. I'm 23 and have been living with severe asthma my entire life. I was using my rescue inhaler 5+ times a day and unable to even climb the steps to my apartment without chest pain and wheezing. I'd tried other medications such as Advair and Singulair, but saw no change in symptoms. Finally, after being completely fed up with being so young, yet unable to go for a walk in the park or stand within 10 feet of an animal, I talked to my doctor and was prescribed Symbicort. After two weeks, taking 4 puffs a day, it's almost like I don't have asthma anymore. Now, I take one puff every few weeks for maintenance. I can sleep through an entire night, my thinking is much more clear, and I couldn't be happier."

• Sta...
• August 31, 2017

For COPD, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with asthma and COPD and was given Symbicort. First, I lost my voice, then I would get constant leg cramps at night, then I started to lose weight. I went to see my new doctor, by the way, my previous doctor sent me to have my throat examined for any problems, and all came out OK. My new doctor asked me, 'Who told you you got COPD?' My previous doctor. She asked did I have a lung test, and I said no. Then, she told me to quit Symbicort, get a chest X-ray, a full lung test, and a complete blood scan, which came back normal. Now it's been over a week since I stopped Symbicort, and I am breathing normal, don't cough, got my appetite back, and don't use my rescue inhaler, which I seldom used. Get a complete lung test before taking Symbicort."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2013

For Asthma, Maintenance "It's comforting to read that others have muscle cramps when using Symbicort. I particularly am now getting cramps in my calf when stretching in bed, and it's good to know this is probably the reason. I also bleed so easily on my arms now with any minor knock. Minor side effects I think, though, to be able to breathe again and no use of Ventolin since starting on Symbicort 200."

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2013

For COPD, Maintenance "Experienced some dizziness at first, then felt a nervousness or anxiety feeling inside for several hours after the dosage. First time using this medication, and need more time on it to be sure of these problems. Was taking Advair previously with no effects (except better breathing ability)."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2014

For Asthma, Maintenance "I've been on Advair for several years, which worked great for the maintenance of my asthma-no side effects. Though, my health insurance changed, and they don't cover Advair anymore. The doctor put me on Symbicort. After the first two weeks, I've developed side effects of nervousness, light-headedness, and the most distressing-ringing in the ears. Now I'm going on a month on Symbicort, and still the ringing persists. Lung function is great. I've never needed my rescue inhaler on Symbicort or Advair either. Now in the process of trying to get my insurance company to pay for Advair, which I prefer in the first place."

• A u...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For COPD "I have probable COPD, not diagnosed yet. I have had mucus, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness for a year and a half. Prescribed Flovent, antibiotics, Nasonex, Pulmicort for sinusitis. Finally, the docs decided to look at the lungs and prescribed Symbicort a few weeks ago. I have had a significant improvement - a lot less coughing and less chest tightness with the Symbicort."

• Ang...
• August 15, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "Symbicort worked for about a year. Then one day as I got to work, I could not see very well from my left eye. I went to the eye doctor only to be told that my retina had fluid in it. After answering all the questions, the conclusion was that the steroids in the medication were affecting my vision. Moreover, my wrist joint and back started to hurt often. My family physician recommended other drugs, but I decided to stop all my medications and go on a whole food diet. I must say it has been six weeks, and I don't need the inhaler, my joint pains are gone, and my vision is getting back to normal. It was a blessing to have the drug, but I felt that I made a pact with the devil since it almost destroyed the rest of my body."

• Nay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "I've always had mild asthma, but about 6 months ago, it got really bad and I was using my Ventolin like every 2 hours. Especially at night, I'd wake up almost every hour and need to have a puff of Ventolin. It was bad, I know, but I kept putting up with it. But the last time I went to the doctor, I mentioned how bad it had gotten, and she put me on another asthma medication called Symbicort. It's saved my life, makes it so much easier to manage. Now I never use Ventolin at all, and I only have two puffs of this Symbicort at night... it's amazing. It's made my life so much easier."

• kcc...
• August 25, 2016

For COPD "I have used it one night and one day. Four inhales total. At first night. It causes laryngospasm. I almost choked. This horror is still with me two months passed. Even on day I had spasms. Mostly start with a cough. I am afraid if there is no cure for this. All my life changed. None of physician knows this disease. They prescribe asthma drugs. I searched on the internet 13 cases reported so far. I am the 14th case. Stay away."

• see...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "I've started taking it when I had an asthma exacerbation the last two months. Usually, when I have a flare-up, it will go away within 2 to 3 weeks. I was worried because it's almost a month already and I haven't been feeling well. Symptoms are fatigue, chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath, rapid heart palpitations, throat irritation, phlegm, reflux? I went to the doctor and he told me it was acid reflux. I still continue to use this drug together with PPI, but I don't see any improvement. I've done my research about the side effects. It may control my asthma, but the side effects are much worse. I'm getting off this drug immediately."

• Mos...
• May 27, 2014

For Asthma, Maintenance "While this medicine seems to work well, it does have side effects. For me, it is very easy bruising. I also had two cases of broken blood vessels. The really scary part, however, is trying to stop. Do not go cold turkey. I am now trying to ease off and am having anxiety attacks for hours."