Skip to main content

Budesonide / formoterol User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Symbicort, Breyna

Budesonide / formoterol has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 228 reviews on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Budesonide / formoterol

  • Becj
  • January 14, 2011

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 Ventlin 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 breath. My child even noticed the difference."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
94 Report
  • Tish
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 19, 2019

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "In my first few days on this medication (Symibcort), 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!!"

Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Bill
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 13, 2018

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 to humanity."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Guest
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 24, 2015

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • Paul
  • October 31, 2010

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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. "

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
89 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • December 12, 2011

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • andyman
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 25, 2014

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I'm a 59 year old male with asthma that 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 is 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, now constantly. Not sure if this is related. I also have sinusitis so bad that I will be having a turbinate reduction soon. You will develop a thrush or hoarse throat if you don't gargle or rinse after use. I take 2 puffs in the morning and that usually does the trick."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
62 Report

More FAQ

  • kccos...
  • August 25, 2016

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 phsician knows this disease. They prescribe astma drugs. I searched on internet 13 cases reported so far. I am the 14th case. Stay away."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
51 Report
  • ASano
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 29, 2015

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Developed asthma 3 years ago when I was 50. Tried all kinds of controller medications. Switched to Symbacort 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."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Lou
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 13, 2018

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Although this improved my adult sons 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!!!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • JimZ
  • June 7, 2014

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Breat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 16, 2024

Breyna (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I'm 41, been on albuterol rescue inhaler every day of my life uncontrolled & I am leaving this review because the only 2 reviews for Breyna are negative. This is the first time in my life I have gone 3 whole days without the need to use an albuterol rescue inhaler. It started working within 10 minutes & the first 2 days I only took 2 puffs in the morning ONLY! For me, so far I LOVE Breyna & do not have any side effects. I will be monitoring my asthma & will update soon. Works perfectly for me!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • TriSa...
  • May 17, 2015

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
54 Report
  • Linda...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 13, 2013

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Comforting to read that others have muscle cramps when using Symbicort. I particularly am now getting cramp in my calf when stretching in bed and good to know this is probably the reason. I also get bleeding soooo easily on my arms now with any minor knock. Minor side effects I think though to be able to breath again and no use of Ventolin since starting on Symbicort 200."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
63 Report
  • Sabri...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 4, 2016

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "This stuff practically saved my childhood. I've had severe asthma all my life. I took my Ventese pump at lease 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 the 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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 8, 2013

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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)."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
61 Report
  • for...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 31, 2016

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Omg..what a terrible drug! I just recently asked to be changed back to Advair. My regular Dr wouldn't so I saw a colleague of his and she asked why I was put on it in the first place. I told her that I did not know why he changed me from Advair to Symbicort when I wasn't having any problems with it. She changed me to Advair. It is Monday and I just changed on Thursday and already I feel better. Asthma is still bothering me and I'm on prednisone but my mental outlook has drastically changed for the better. I felt like I was in a depressing fog that i couldn't get out of. Cant believe I was on this garbage drug for a year and a half. Coughing all the time.nothing much coming out.just constant coughing. Thank God im off this terrible drug"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Suzi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2014

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I've been on Advair for several years which worked great for maintenance of my ashtma-no side effects. Though, my health insurance changed and they don't cover Advair anymore. Dr 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."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Stan...
  • August 31, 2017

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 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 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."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • A user
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2019

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for COPD "I have probable COPD, not diagnosed yet, I have had mucus, wheezing, coughing, 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."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Nayomi
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 30, 2012

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 last time I went to the doctor, I mentioned how bad it had got and she put me on another asthma medication called Symbicort. It's saved my life, makes it SO much more easy 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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • JayDee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2018

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for COPD "I tried this a couple of times and it always made breathing worse. My lungs felt inflamed. I went from general shortness of breath to not being able to complete a sentence without running out of breath."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • BBano
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 9, 2020

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for COPD "Symbicort is the best inhaler. You receive immediate relief breathing and it relieves your breathing for extended period. The only problem is, the inhaler is very expensive. My doctor was giving me a free sample but they do not have anymore. I'm trying Pro Air but it is not as effective."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Angel...
  • August 15, 2017

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) 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 was 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 an 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 destroy the rest of my body."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • Golfe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 17, 2014

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I went to the Dr. on Wednesday for severe asthma and he put me on Symbicort along with a 10 day dose of Prednisone. I can tell you that Thursday I used my Ventolin inhaler only once where I had been using the Ventolin 10-12 times a day. I woke up Friday morning not wheezing. This is the first time I can ever remember not wheezing and short of breath in the morning. After 2 puffs of Symbicort Friday morning, I am clear as a bell this afternoon. This stuff is amazing and I feel read to start running again."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.