Budesonide / formoterol User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Dar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 13, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with allergy-related asthma when I was four years old. I've been on several maintenance medicines, but never thought they did much. I was hospitalized when I was 15 with asthmatic bronchitis, and my doctor decided to put me on Symbicort, which was finally allowed in the US at the time. Since then, my asthma has turned around 180 degrees, and I haven't had any major issues. I've taken two puffs twice a day for the past 7 years, and it's truly a lifesaver. It even opens my airway within 5 minutes of taking it."

• Won...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "Been using Symbicort for 2 months, having previously been on Respigen. Immediately, the drug improved my asthma, however, within 2 weeks of using the drug, I started to develop frequent bouts of bad anxiety, stomach nausea, and diarrhea, which resulted in gastritis! My body feels a lot weaker, and I’ve developed aches and pains in my joints. I am now off the drug and have instead been using my Respigen inhaler again, which is working, but I have been using it quite often due to withdrawal symptoms (flu-like) coming off the Symbicort inhaler. Having experienced it for myself, I believe this drug is dangerous and should be taken with care and caution!"

• Lat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 16, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was not responding well to other asthma meds, so my doctor put me on Symbicort one year ago. In that year, I have lost 2' in height, have a stomach ulcer, and hurt all over, but the good news is I am breathing again. One would wonder, though, if it's worth the side effects. In my humble opinion, yes, it is. Nothing worse than not being able to breathe and wondering if the prednisone you just took will help. Symbicort has its flaws, but then all COPD and asthma meds have their side effects."

• Der...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2022

For COPD "It helped the COPD, but the side effects are dreadful. I was on it for 8 years, started when I was 40. Gradually, I gained 50 lbs, had muscle cramps, skin conditions, peripheral neuropathy, bloating, and GI issues. I thought I was just “getting old,” but it was all the Symbicort. Now I use my DuoNeb 2-3 times a day. My breathing is still a struggle, but it’s better than the side effects."

• Dod...
• August 13, 2020

For COPD "I have insurance with AARP & United Health. After paying $195 a year for medical, I pay $47 for Symbicort. I have no monthly premium. Otherwise, I would be paying over $350 for it. Try different insurances. I found mine very affordable. I have not had to pay any office visits or blood tests."

• MBP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 13, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "Generally, I have done quite well on this medicine when used in combination therapy. Lately, however, I have developed a raspy voice and increased asthma symptoms. This may be unrelated to Symbicort, and I will be seeing a physician shortly to address."

• Mis...
• May 12, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "I'm kind of surprised at some of the negative reviews too. I've had asthma all my life, and this miracle drug put asthma in its place (not active). I get asthma from allergies and cardio exercises. Was given a sample by a doctor I used to work for because I kept using my ProAir every 30 minutes throughout the day. After that sample of Symbicort, my life changed forever. I don't know what it is about this drug, but it only takes 2 puffs and BAM, my asthma isn't a problem until next year. Can't live without it. It's amazing stuff right here. I live by this drug (unfortunately), but fortunate that it gives me freedom from asthma for almost a full year. Problem free."

• Ker...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2025

For Asthma, Maintenance "I wanted to leave a positive review here because this inhaler has bad reviews for some reason, and I’ve had a really positive experience. I tried many different inhalers before ending up with this one, and it’s been working great for me. It starts working pretty quickly (within the first 15 min or so), and my symptoms are far more minimal than on any other inhaler I’ve tried. I do use a spacer to optimize the medication’s delivery, and I highly recommend doing that for this medication (or any metered dose inhaler). My doctor also said that budesonide, of all the steroids, has the most promising research for safety among women trying to conceive or who are pregnant (an added plus for me, then, that this drug is working well for me and is covered by insurance because it’s generic). It has the same LABA as Dulera (another inhaler), which also worked really well for me, but wasn’t covered due to being name brand. I’m really happy with this medication."

• Deb...
• March 10, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been taking this for about a year now. I developed pneumonia and pleurisy a little over a year ago. Was on a prednisone for months, and we all know the side effects of that. After a combo of Qvar and Symbicort, I started just taking the Symbicort. Symbicort, at first, seemed to be the only inhaler that worked for me and didn’t give me any side effects. From reading all the comments, I think I have had every side effect mentioned! Blurry vision, stomach problems, feet cramps often, horrible anxiety, racing heart, sleep problems, back pain, chest feeling like on fire, dizziness, shortness of breath, now knee pain, you name it. I didn’t immediately connect it with the Symbicort but have been more seriously thinking that direction lately, especially hearing everyone else’s experience here. It would all have to be related when I have never had any issues like this before, I think it is linked to long-term use."

• 1ha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2018

For COPD, Maintenance "Before starting Symbicort, my lung function was 43%. Two weeks into using Symbicort, my lung function went up to 74%, a true blessing. The only side effect I had was thrush. I found that eating kefir yogurt with probiotics did the trick, my throat is fine. Symbicort is amazing."

• Bon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 15, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "I went on Symbicort a few years ago due to insurance issues. Previously, I was taking Advair. I finally returned to Advair 3 days ago, and I haven’t had to use my rescue inhaler once! With Symbicort, I found myself using my rescue inhaler throughout the day and in the middle of the night, which interrupted my sleep. (My asthma was NOT under control with Symbicort.) Now I’ve been able to take full, deep breaths and have been sleeping through the night like a baby, thanks to Advair. Awesome."

• Set...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 1, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "The drug itself is very effective. The manufacturers need to fix the meter that reads how many doses are remaining. I spent a month thinking my asthma had become steroid resistant because the thing read I had 40 or so doses left when I was empty. I had missed work multiple times not having an effective way to control my asthma."

• S81...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "I tried to go on this twice, several months apart. Both times made my asthma much worse within 2 days of starting. The second time was so bad I had to go to the ER. I experienced wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. It was scary to feel like I couldn't suck in air, and my breathing was so shallow. This is very dangerous, and this drug needs more research."

• Boo...
• September 12, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "This is the first preventative drug I have used that offers both short-term relief to my asthma. I have used it while suffering an attack, and the symptoms were alleviated quickly, and long-term prevention. I can be quite slack in renewing my script and my asthma, and all its nasty side effects usually come back with a vengeance within a month. I'm on a high dose, and I take four puffs daily, two times in the morning and again at night. I have never had trouble sleeping while using Symbicort. I can't recommend this medication enough, I have to take it for the rest of my life. The drug is so unobtrusive that the thought of this doesn't worry me."

• Tro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 14, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "7 years ago... had a PE... immediately diagnosed with COPD. First med was SYMBICORT and then added SPIRIVA... Still on SYMBICORT, but now combined with TUDORZA. Amazing results in a month... SYMBICORT thins the skin and I bruise very easily... that would be my only issue..."

• Jaa...
• July 22, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I had asthma since childhood and always had troubles with it growing up doing sports. I had been using the quick relief inhaler and it was a very bad option, but I was always doing some kind of sports, and I was strong. Six or seven years back, I switched to Symbicort. Please note, when I started this inhaler, I was a sports freak, and Symbicort let me attain high levels of fitness. After two years, I could do good workouts without taking any inhaler. Eventually, I could quit this inhaler for two years when I moved abroad in a clean environment. However, due to my unhealthy lifestyle, I had to start this inhaler two years back again. Now I am 28, and I take Symbicort on a regular basis. I do understand this inhaler has side effects (primarily because it has steroids), but exercise and sports keep them at a minimum and make you feel fitter and healthier."

• Ala...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "Took Symbicort for a month. Didn’t help the asthma, and I got the following side effects: feeling sick all the time, muscle/joint pain, difficulty in concentrating. The price is one of the reasons we need Medicare for All. (Doctor gave me a free sample.)"

• Col...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 2, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "I took Symbicort 200/6 for 6 years, and although it's an effective asthma preventative, I suffered an increased number of chest infections and couldn't tolerate temperatures above 30°C/86°F. This intolerance subsided within a few days of stopping."

• gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2018

For COPD "Used this one time and was in the hospital an hour later. Went into A-Fib. Been on Breo, Advair, Arnuity. Was told I (yes I, not the doctor) should look for a non-stimulant med. Do they make one? Searching still."

• JOR...
• July 31, 2008

For Asthma, Maintenance "I knew within 1 hour my breathing felt less constricted. After 2-3 days, there was a marked decrease in mucous production, and best of all, after 1 week, I was able to climb an entire flight of stairs without resting. Great results."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "Given Symbicort inhaler after urgent care sent me to the hospital for severe asthma. Symbicort took forever (2 1/2 weeks) to help, and then, only slightly. Back started aching the 3rd day I was on it. Just figured, at first, it was from trying to sleep in the hospital bed. Head ached, too, though. Joints started aching soon after. Two weeks later, Symbicort seemed to help enough to maybe use the ProAir or nebulizer a couple times less during the day. But still needing it at times. Back/joints/headache continued after all other meds from the hospital discharge finished. Plus, short of breath a lot, with achiness in the upper chest a week or so ago. Stopped Symbicort Sunday night. Now Wednesday, and already feeling better."

• Wes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "When I first got Symbicort 200/6 for adult onset asthma, it was amazing for the first year after several other inhalers that didn't help. Now I have been sick for 3 weeks, all tests from the hospital came back fine for everything, so I've come to the conclusion it's my medication, especially as the sickness is worse a while after using my inhaler. I feel like I can't breathe, I am coughing more, I have red cheeks, black under eyes, shaking, tachycardia, thick phlegm, adrenaline surges, bad rhinitis, joint and muscle aches, very hard to sleep, weakness, bruising, tiredness to the point I'm nearly falling asleep multiple times a day. I can't walk upstairs without nearly passing out. Chest pain. I feel the most ill I've ever felt, I've no appetite. To make things worse, my doctor won't take it seriously."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been on Symbicort 160/4.5, 2 doses twice a day for ten days now. I am actually breathing worse than before I got the Symbicort. I have never heard myself wheeze so badly until the past few days. The thrush is awful. I actually had pieces of my throat come up when I cough. And they were falling off the roof of my mouth. After two days of gargling with salt water, that cleared up and I gargle every time I use the inhaler now. Sinuses only getting mucus-ier. Short of breath and coughing. Headaches are not welcome, and my last complaint is a deal breaker. I just cannot continue this drug because it is causing me to have vaginal bleeding. I NEVER have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, and to have that suddenly occur and see it has happened to other ladies, I will discontinue this drug. Unacceptable."

• Aha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2017

For COPD "It helps some, but in the large picture, not much. I can walk to the back of my house, 40 feet, without having to stop to catch my breath, but still breathing heavily. Prior, I had to stop every 15 feet or so to catch my breath. Improvement? Yes. Better? No."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2011

For Asthma, Maintenance "As I got older, my asthma got worse, and eventually, my doctor gave me Symbicort. I absolutely loved it, and I would totally recommend it. I only had to use it once a day, and I was able to go about my day with no shortness of breath. I was finally confident enough to engage in a lot of activities without the fear of struggling. The only problem I had with this medication was that if I missed a dose, I found that I would have a full-blown asthma attack. I don't know if anyone else has had that problem."