How long can you be on symbicort
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Long-Term Use of Symbicort: Safety and Efficacy
Introduction to Symbicort for Asthma Management
Symbicort, a combination of budesonide and formoterol, is widely used for managing asthma. It combines an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Understanding the duration for which Symbicort can be safely used is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
Short-Term Efficacy and Safety
In a study comparing adjustable and fixed dosing of Symbicort, patients were initially treated for a 4-week run-in period followed by a 12-week randomized phase. The study found that both dosing regimens were well tolerated and effective in maintaining or improving asthma control in 85-86% of patients. Notably, 94% of patients experienced no treatment failures, indicating a high level of efficacy and safety over this short-term period1.
One-Year Safety and Efficacy
A more extended study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Symbicort over a one-year period. This study compared the use of Symbicort in a single inhaler to the use of budesonide and formoterol via separate inhalers. The results demonstrated that Symbicort was as safe and effective as the separate inhalers over the long term. Importantly, fewer patients withdrew from the study when using Symbicort, suggesting better adherence to treatment. The incidence and severity of adverse events were low and similar between the groups, with no significant changes in laboratory measurements, vital signs, or ECGs2.
Conclusion
Symbicort has been shown to be both safe and effective for long-term use in managing asthma. Short-term studies indicate high efficacy and safety over a 16-week period, while long-term studies support its use for up to one year with similar safety and efficacy profiles. These findings suggest that patients can use Symbicort for extended periods under medical supervision, ensuring effective asthma control and adherence to treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Adjustable and fixed dosing with budesonide/ formoterol via a single inhaler in asthma patients: the ASSURE study.
Adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler provides effective asthma control at reduced medication doses, with no treatment failures.
RCT
Large Human TrialOne-year safety and efficacy of budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler (Symbicort Turbuhaler) for the treatment of asthma.
Budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler is as safe and effective for long-term asthma treatment as budesonide plus formoterol via separate inhalers, with fewer withdrawals potentially reflecting better adherence to treatment.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Highly CitedBUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL IN A SINGLE INHALER (SYMBICORT®) REDUCES HEALTHCARE COSTS COMPARED WITH SEPARATE INHALERS IN THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA OVER 12 MONTHS
Budesonide/formoterol treatment from a single inhaler significantly reduces healthcare costs compared to separate inhalers, while maintaining at least as good asthma control.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Rigorous JournalTreatment of Persistent Asthma With Symbicort® (Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalation Aerosol): An Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting β2-Adrenergic Agonist in One Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler
Symbicort is an effective and well-tolerated inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist combination for treating persistent asthma in patients aged 12 and older.
Systematic ReviewObservation on the effect of SMART in treatment of moderate to severe asthma in children
Symbicort is an effective and safe treatment for children with moderate to severe asthma, improving lung function and symptom control.
Non-RCTBudesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy versus conventional best practice.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy improves asthma control and reduces exacerbations compared to conventional best practice.
Meta-AnalysisComparing asthma treatment in elderly versus younger patients.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy (1 2 or 2 2) is effective, well-tolerated, and practical for both elderly and younger asthmatic patients.
RCTLarge Human Trial[Medication of the month. The combination of budesonide 160 micrograms/formoterol 4.5 micrograms (Symbicort TH)].
Symbicort TH effectively improves asthma control, reduces symptoms, and reduces exacerbations, making it a simple and efficient treatment for asthmatics.
Comparing clinical efficacy of Symbicort versus Pulmicort in reducing asthma symptom and improving its control
Symbicort 160/4.5 mg/inhalation has higher efficacy in reducing asthma symptoms and improving asthma control compared to low doses and Pulmicort.
RCTRigorous JournalA smarter way to manage asthma with a combination of a long-acting β2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid
Symbicort SMART effectively manages asthma with a single inhaler, reducing exacerbations and requiring less corticosteroids, making it a more effective and simpler approach for patients.
Rigorous Journal