AIRTEC FB 6MCG/200MCG CAP

# Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg is a **combination inhaled medicine** containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA). It is used in the management of **asthma and, in some formulations and patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)**. Budesonide helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, while formoterol relaxes airway muscles and helps keep the airways open. The exact indication and whether the inhaler is intended for maintenance treatment, reliever use, or both depend on the specific product and prescribing instructions. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps reduce inflammation in the airways * Helps relax and widen narrowed airways * Improves airflow and breathing * Helps reduce asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath * Helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations when used regularly as prescribed * Combines an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator in one inhaler * Provides both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects ## USES / INDICATIONS Budesonide + Formoterol may be prescribed for: * **Asthma** * Maintenance treatment of asthma in appropriate patients * Prevention of asthma symptoms and exacerbations * **COPD**, where the specific formulation is approved and prescribed for this indication The exact use depends on the inhaler formulation, strength, patient's age and local prescribing guidelines. ## HOW IT WORKS ### Budesonide Budesonide is an **inhaled corticosteroid**. It reduces inflammation, swelling and mucus production in the airways, helping make the airways less sensitive and reducing asthma symptoms over time. ### Formoterol Formoterol is a **long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)**. It relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways, causing the airways to widen and making it easier to breathe. The combination therefore provides **long-term anti-inflammatory control plus prolonged bronchodilation**. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The appropriate dose varies according to the patient's condition, age, severity of symptoms and the specific inhaler. For some budesonide/formoterol 200/6 mcg inhalers: * The usual maintenance regimen may involve **1–2 inhalations twice daily**, depending on the prescribed regimen. * Some asthma treatment plans use budesonide/formoterol as both maintenance and reliever therapy (MART/SMART), while other products are intended only for maintenance treatment. * Follow the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. * Do not change the number of inhalations or frequency without medical advice. * Use the inhaler regularly, even when you feel well, if prescribed as maintenance therapy. * Learn and follow the correct inhaler technique. * Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after maintenance doses to reduce the risk of oral fungal infection and hoarseness. **Important:** Not every budesonide/formoterol inhaler is approved for use as a reliever. Check the product label and your doctor's instructions before using it for sudden breathing symptoms. ### During an Asthma Attack If your prescribed inhaler is **not specifically approved or prescribed as a reliever**, it should not be relied upon for sudden severe breathing difficulty. Use your prescribed rescue/reliever medicine according to your asthma action plan. Seek urgent medical attention if breathing difficulty is severe or rapidly worsening. ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects include: * Headache * Tremor or shakiness * Palpitations * Throat irritation * Hoarseness or voice changes * Cough * Oral thrush (candidiasis) * Nausea * Muscle cramps * Increased heart rate * Difficulty sleeping Less common but potentially serious effects can include: * Paradoxical bronchospasm * Significant changes in heart rhythm * Low potassium levels * Increased blood glucose * Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions * Adrenal suppression with prolonged/high-dose corticosteroid exposure Seek immediate medical attention if breathing suddenly becomes worse immediately after inhalation or if severe allergic symptoms occur. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Use Budesonide + Formoterol exactly as prescribed. * Do not stop regular treatment suddenly without consulting your doctor. * Rinse your mouth after inhalation to reduce the risk of oral thrush. * Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms. * Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis or glaucoma. * Inform your doctor if you have or have previously had tuberculosis or other respiratory infections. * Tell your doctor about any untreated fungal, bacterial or viral infection. * Long-term corticosteroid treatment may affect bone health and adrenal function. * Children and adolescents using prolonged corticosteroid therapy may require monitoring of growth. * Avoid unnecessary exposure to people with contagious infections, particularly chickenpox or measles, if you have significant corticosteroid exposure. * Do not use additional LABA-containing medicines unless specifically advised by your doctor. * Keep track of your inhaler doses and replace the inhaler when required. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Budesonide/formoterol may interact with certain medicines, including: * **Other beta-agonists** — may increase cardiovascular or other beta-agonist-related effects. * **Beta-blockers** — may reduce the effect of formoterol and can potentially cause bronchospasm in susceptible patients. * **Diuretics** — may increase the risk of low potassium levels. * **Digoxin** — changes in potassium may increase the risk of cardiac effects. * **MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants** — may increase cardiovascular effects of formoterol. * **QT-prolonging medicines** — may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. * **Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors**, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and some HIV medicines — may increase systemic exposure to budesonide. * **Other corticosteroids** — may increase overall corticosteroid exposure. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep the inhaler in its original packaging when appropriate. * Protect from excessive heat and moisture. * Do not expose the inhaler to extreme temperatures. * Keep out of direct sunlight. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use an inhaler that is damaged or malfunctioning. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine.** Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg inhalers should generally be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Prescription requirements may vary according to local regulations. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe and genuine medicine use: * Purchase the inhaler from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the product name, strength, batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and inhaler are intact. * Check that the inhaler is properly labelled. * Do not purchase medicines from unauthorized or suspicious sources. * Do not use an inhaler with damaged packaging or an unusual appearance. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about the authenticity of the product. ## FAQ ### What is Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg used for? It is a combination inhaler used primarily for the management of **asthma** and, depending on the specific product, may also be used for COPD. Budesonide reduces airway inflammation while formoterol helps keep the airways open. ### Is Budesonide + Formoterol a steroid? It contains **budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid**. It also contains formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator. Budesonide is not the same type of steroid as anabolic steroids. ### What is the role of Formoterol 6 mcg? Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways, helping improve airflow and reduce symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness. ### What is the role of Budesonide 200 mcg? Budesonide reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. Regular use helps control asthma and reduce the risk of exacerbations. ### Is Budesonide + Formoterol a rescue inhaler? It depends on the **specific product and prescribed treatment plan**. Some budesonide/formoterol inhalers are approved for both maintenance and reliever therapy, while others are intended only for regular maintenance. Always follow your doctor's instructions and product labeling. ### Can Budesonide + Formoterol be used during an asthma attack? Only use it as a reliever during an acute asthma attack if your specific inhaler has been prescribed and approved for that purpose as part of your asthma action plan. Otherwise, use your prescribed rescue medicine and seek medical help if symptoms are severe. ### How often should Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg be used? The dosing schedule depends on the individual treatment plan and specific inhaler. It may be prescribed once or twice daily, with some regimens allowing additional doses for symptom relief. Do not change the dose without medical advice. ### Should I rinse my mouth after using Budesonide + Formoterol? Yes. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using maintenance doses. This helps reduce the risk of oral thrush and throat irritation. ### Can Budesonide + Formoterol cause oral thrush? Yes. Because budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid, oral fungal infection (thrush) can occur. Rinsing the mouth after inhalation and using the correct inhaler technique can help reduce the risk. ### Can Budesonide + Formoterol cause a fast heartbeat? Formoterol can sometimes cause palpitations or an increased heart rate. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are persistent, severe or associated with chest pain, dizziness or fainting. ### Can Budesonide + Formoterol be used for COPD? Some budesonide/formoterol products are approved for COPD, but the approved indications vary by product and country. Use it for COPD only when specifically prescribed. ### Can I stop Budesonide + Formoterol when I feel better? Do not stop your maintenance inhaler without consulting your doctor. Asthma inflammation can persist even when symptoms improve, and stopping treatment may increase the risk of worsening symptoms. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the dose when you remember unless it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose. Do not take an extra dose to compensate unless your prescribed treatment plan specifically allows it. ### Can Budesonide + Formoterol be used with other inhalers? It may be used with other inhalers when prescribed, but you should tell your doctor about all respiratory medicines you use. Avoid taking another LABA-containing inhaler unless specifically directed by your healthcare professional. ### Is Budesonide + Formoterol safe during pregnancy? If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before using this medicine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of controlling asthma against potential risks and select the most appropriate treatment. ### How should Budesonide + Formoterol be stored? Store the inhaler according to the manufacturer's instructions, protect it from excessive heat and moisture, keep it away from direct sunlight and keep it out of reach of children. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Budesonide 200 mcg + Formoterol 6 mcg should be used only according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional and the specific product label. Dosage, approved indications and whether the inhaler can be used as a reliever vary between products and patients. Do not start, stop or change treatment without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.