From the Guidelines
A prescription for generic Symbicort typically includes budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate, which is available as an inhalation aerosol, with a strength of 80/4.5 mcg or 160/4.5 mcg per actuation, and instructions to take 2 inhalations twice daily. The prescription would also specify the quantity of the inhaler, typically one inhaler containing 120 actuations 1. The prescription might include instructions like "Shake well before use" and "Rinse mouth after use to prevent thrush" 1. Generic Symbicort may be prescribed under its generic name or as AirDuo RespiClick, which is a similar combination medication. The prescription would be written on a standard prescription pad or sent electronically to your pharmacy, including your personal information, the prescriber's information and signature, and any refill information. Some key points to consider when prescribing generic Symbicort include:
- The importance of proper inhaler technique to ensure effective delivery of the medication 1
- The need to monitor patients for potential side effects, such as oral thrush, and to provide instructions for preventing these side effects 1
- The availability of different strengths and formulations of generic Symbicort, and the need to select the appropriate one for each patient based on their individual needs and medical history 1
- The importance of regular follow-up appointments to monitor patients' response to treatment and to adjust the prescription as needed 1
From the Research
Description of Symbicort
- Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist, in a single inhaler 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The combination of budesonide and formoterol in Symbicort provides a fast onset of effect and a long duration of effect, allowing for twice-daily or once-daily dosing 2, 3.
- Symbicort is available in different strengths, including 160/9-640/18 microg/day 3 and 80/4.5-320/9 microg twice daily 5.
Generic Symbicort
- A generic version of Symbicort would contain the same active ingredients, budesonide and formoterol, in the same strengths and formulation as the brand-name version 5.
- The generic version would be expected to have the same efficacy and safety profile as the brand-name version, as demonstrated by studies comparing the two 3, 5.
Prescription for Generic Symbicort
- A prescription for generic Symbicort would typically include the strength and dosage instructions, such as "budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 microg x 2 inhalations twice daily" 5.
- The prescription may also include instructions for use, such as "inhale 2 puffs twice daily" and "shake well before use" 5.
- The generic version of Symbicort may be prescribed for the same indications as the brand-name version, including the long-term maintenance treatment of persistent asthma in patients 12 years of age and older 5.