Symbicort User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Mike
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2023

For COPD "History of asthma as a toddler. Used Primatine Mist along with tobacco use from a teenager to approximately 40 years until it was removed from the shelves. The doctor prescribed albuterol as a replacement and I stopped smoking. Ten years later, the albuterol use was up to 3 times daily, using 2 puffs at a time. Tried Advair for a few months with little success, still using albuterol 2 or 3 times daily. Researched new inhalers and happened upon Symbicort. Requested a trial from my doctor and have been using it as prescribed for 5 years now. Initially, the new inhaler eliminated the need for albuterol. Last year I came down with Para Influenza III, which for me was a horrific lower respiratory condition, lasting over 2 months. Thought Covid had finally found me but never tested positive. Still having to take albuterol about 3 times in a 24-hour period, along with Symbicort. Current symptoms would seem to mimic a Covid long hauler. Finally regaining stamina and using less albuterol."

• Alan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "Took Symbicort for a month. Didn’t help the asthma and I got the following side effects: feeling sick all the time, muscle/joint pain, difficulty in concentrating. The price is one of the reasons we need Medicare for All. (Doctor gave me a free sample.)"

• Jaat
• July 22, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I had asthma since childhood and always had troubles with it growing up doing sports. I had been using the quick relief inhaler and was a very bad option but I was always doing some kind of sports and I was strong. 6/7 years back I switched to Symbicort. Please note, when I started this inhaler I was a sports freak and Symbicort let me attain high levels of fitness. After 2 years I could do good workouts without taking any inhaler. Eventually, I could quit this inhaler for 2 years when I moved abroad in clean environment. However, due to my unhealthy lifestyle I had to start this inhaler 2 years back again. Now I am 28 & I take symbicort on a regular basis. I do understand this inhaler has side effects (primarily bcoz it has steroids) but exercise and sports keeps them at minimum and makes you feel fitter, healthier. "

• S8123
• 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."

• Bondg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 15, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "I went on Symbicort a few years ago due to insurance issues. Previously I was taking Advair. I finally returned to Advair 3 days ago and I haven’t had to use my rescue inhaler once! With Symbicort, I found myself using my rescue inhaler throughout the day and in the middle of the night which interrupted my sleep. (My asthma was NOT under control with Symbicort) Now I’ve been able to take full deep breaths and have been sleeping through the night like a baby thanks to Advair. Awesome."

• Misael...
• May 12, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "I'm kinda surprised at some of the negative reviews too. I've had asthma all my life and this miracle drug put asthma in its place (not active). I get asthma from allergies and cardio exercises. Was given a sample by a doctor I used to work for because I kept using my ProAir every 30min throughout the day. After that sample of Symbicort, my life changed forever. I don't know what it is about this drug, but it only takes 2 puffs and BAM, my asthma isn't a problem until next year. Can't live without it. Its amazing stuff right here. I live by this drug (unfortunately) but fortunate that it gives me freedom from asthma for almost a full year. Problem free"

• Book...
• September 12, 2015

For Asthma, Maintenance "This is the first preventative drug I have used that offers both short term relief to my athsma, I have used it whilst suffering an attack and the symptoms were alleviated quickly, and long term prevention. I can be quite slack in renewing my script and my athsma, and all its nasty side affects usually come back with a vengeance within a month. I'm on a high dose and I take four puffs daily, two times in the morning and again and night. I have never had trouble sleeping whilst using Symbicort. I can't recommend this medication enough, I have to take it for the rest of my life, the drug is so unobtrusive so the thought of this doesn't worry me."

• MBP
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 13, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "Generally, I have done quite well on this medicine when used in combination therapy. Lately, however I have developed a raspy voice and increased asthma symptoms. This may be unrelated to Symbicort and I will be seeing a physician shortly to address."

• Debbie
• 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."

• Robbed...
• 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 bad 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."

• Symba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "Long story short, I was prescribed this drug and ended up coughing from March through July! Serious hard coughing which caused bladder incontinence and anxiety. I WOULD NEVER TELL ANYONE TO USE THIS, EVER!!"

• Goose
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2020

For COPD "Been using it for a month, no bells or whistles. Does what its supposed to I guess, I take two other inhalers as well. I see people on here saying they pay $250 for this??? Where's this at? I'm on the East coast of Canada with no insurance so pay out of pocket. 120 doses $110... I switched from Zenhale to the Symbicort..... good luck,stay safe."

• Ahapp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2017

For COPD "It helps some but in the large picture, not much. I can walk to the back of my house 40 feet without having to stop to catch my breath, but still breathing heavily. Prior, I had to stop every 15 feet or so to catch my breath. Improvement? Yes. Better? No."

• dancier
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2016

For COPD "worked really good but the side effects were unmanageable. Rinsed, gargled as instructed but developed thrush and swallowing was very painful. Discontinued use but took over 6 months to get over side effects. Now on Advair and am so scared of this happening again that I take right before a meal so that food will clean the esophagus of the medication. Hope new drugs being tested will result in a drug as good as Symbicort but without the side effects! Are there any patches or injections available as I have severe Gerd and pills and inhalers cause me extreme pain."

• gingin
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2018

For COPD "Used this ONE time and was in the hospital an hr later. Went into A-Fib. Been on Breo, Adavair, Arnuity. Was told I (yes I, not the doctor) should look for a NON stimulant med. Do they make one? Searching still."

• Trohy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 14, 2016

For COPD, Maintenance "7 years ago..had a P E ..immediately diagnosed with COPD first med was SYMBICORT and then added SPIRIVA.... Still on SYMBICORT, but now combined with TUDORZA Amazing results in a month... SYMBICORT thins the skin and I bruise very easily...that would be my only issue..."

• JORA
• July 31, 2008

For Asthma, Maintenance "I knew within 1 hour my breathing felt less constricted. After 2-3 days there was a marked decrease in mucous production and best of all after 1 week I was able to climb an entire flight of stairs without resting. Great results"

• noodles
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "ok I could not afford this medicine, so I signed up for free or reduced price on their site, I filled application out and doctor sent in info as well. 3 weeks turned into a month then a month was turning into 2 months. I had called them and ask what the problem was they said everything I sent in was fine, she said she was getting it in order to be reviewed and she would call me back next day, I said are you sure she said "yes I promise I'll call you back next day" . I never heard from them. She never called back, many time I spent up to 6 hrs just waiting on the phone to talk to some one. Next day same thing, over and over again I would call wait up to 5 to 6 hrs for some one to call back ,never got a return call, I believe they just want your info, cause I can't find any other reason ,"

• Meano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have minor asthma on one side of chest. After having covid that side of my chest really tightened up. Inflammation went down slowly week to week and was using albuterol everyday. Saw my allergy & asthma doctor for something that's not a rescue inhaler and that might speed up the healing. He put my on low dose symbicort with the basic instructions of 2 puffs at night before bed and in the AM. Well one puff was more than I could stand. Yeah it opened up my chest more and has stayed open but the side effects are awful. Side effects: slight nausea, increased heart rate, couldn't sleep and just a general ill feeling."

• Colonel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 2, 2012

For Asthma, Maintenance "I took Symbicort 200/6 for 6 years and although it's an effective asthma preventative I suffered an increased number of chest infections and couldn't tolerate temperatures above 30c/86f, this intolerance subsided within a few days of stopping."

• 1happ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2018

For COPD, Maintenance "before starting symbicort my lung function was 43%, 2 weeks into using symbicort my lung function went up to 74%, a true blessing. The only side affect I had was thrush. I found that eating keifers yogurt with probiotics did the trick, my throat is fine. Symbicort is amazing."

• 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."

• Gramma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

For Asthma, Maintenance "Given Symbicort inhaler after Urgent care sent me to hospital for severe asthma. Symbicort took forever (2 1/2 weeks) to help, and then, only slightly. Back started aching 3rd day I was on it. Just figured, at first, it was from trying to sleep in hospital bed. Head ached, too, though. Joints started aching soon after. Two weeks later, Symbicort seemed to help enough to maybe use the ProAir, or nebulizer, a couple times less during the day. But, still needing it, at times. Back/joints/ headache continued after all other meds from hospital discharge finished. Plus, short of breath a lot, with achiness in upper chest a week or so ago. Stopped Symbicort Sunday night. Now Wednesday, and already feeling better."

• Adellio
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2017

For Asthma, Maintenance "Worked fine for awhile, been having horrible calf and foot cramps that wake me up out of a dead sleep screaming! I have had thrush about 10 tImes in the past 2yrs. Can't handle hot conditions for any length of time & I'm an Optician and it causes me blurred vision at times so I have taken my self off this medication, the side affects are NOT worth the benefits of this medication"

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2018

For Asthma, Maintenance "I'm a 40 yr old woman, and have had asthma my entire life. My Dr's have tried numerous meds over the years to control my asthma. I've tried 3 times over a number of years to use this drug. It worked great when it came to controlling my asthma, but every time I've tried to continue on it, I have ++ spotting (constantly), about a week after being on it. I have regular periods and have never spotted between, except while on this drug. My Dr thinks I'm crazy when I explain this side effect. But, I know my body, and I know it's the Symbicort! As soon as I go off the drug, it goes away. Symbicort controlled my asthma, but after 3 tries, I just can't tolerate this side effect."