Symbicort and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• 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!!"

• 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."

• Gol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2014

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 ready to start running again."

• Gol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2014

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 ready to start running again."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 12s...
• May 29, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "Mine is seasonal asthma, and until Symbicort, I ended up in the ER several times a year (spring, summer, fall). That's when I take 2 puffs, 2 times a day, and have yet to have an attack. Winter, only 1 puff every other day. Sure, I have occasional wheezing, but that's why I have Ventolin. Looking back (10 plus years), I have to tell you - I'm really happy not to have to use Prednisone, possibly ever again."

• BAR...
• November 6, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "Symbicort prescribed, and I have taken as prescribed. I developed a severe sore throat, worsened breathing problems, wheezing, and a terrible cough. Upon reporting issues to the doctor, the medicine was immediately stopped. I am a retired teacher on a limited fixed income. I have received no response concerning reimbursement for any of the high cost of this medicine. If prescribed, be aware of the high cost and possible side effects."

• Fif...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "Dr. prescribed me this after Advair stopped being covered by my insurance. I’ve been using it for about 2-3 years now. For me, the Symbicort is more effective than any other control medicine I’ve used. I hardly ever have to use my rescue inhaler, and I used to use my Ventolin all the time. Now my Ventolin actually expires before I can use it. Symbicort is amazing!! Only con is if you stop using it for a few days, you really start to feel it - chest tightness, shortness of breath, etc. So it’s really important to keep up with your refills on this medication."

• NiN...
• August 26, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "I took this medication one time before I went to sleep. I woke up having an asthma attack! It felt like my chest was caving in, and I was drawing mucus from my lungs. Thank goodness I had a rescue inhaler. I won’t be taking Symbicort anymore."

• tmf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "I asked my pulmonary doctor if I could try Symbicort. She gave me a 2-week sample, and almost immediately, I started wheezing, and I saw no improvement and went back to my previous medication."