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Drug Interactions between Alvesco and Symbicort

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Minor

budesonide formoterol

Applies to: Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) and Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.

References

  1. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare "Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html" (2008):
View all 4 references

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Minor

formoterol ciclesonide

Applies to: Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) and Alvesco (ciclesonide)

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.

References

  1. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare "Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html" (2008):
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

budesonide food

Applies to: Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations and systemic effects of orally administered budesonide. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. According to the manufacturer, the systemic exposure of oral budesonide approximately doubles after extensive intake of grapefruit juice.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving budesonide should avoid the regular consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent undue increases in plasma budesonide levels and systemic effects.

References

  1. "Product Information. Entocort (budesonide)." AstraZeneca Pharma Inc (2001):

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Cortisones

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'cortisones' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'cortisones' category:

  • Alvesco (ciclesonide)
  • Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer