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SYMBICORT TURBUHALER – an ICS, LABA combination inhaler1

SYMBICORT TURBUHALER contains 2 active molecules (budesonide and formoterol) in 1 inhaler1*

INHALER = CONTROLLER medication + RELIEVER medication for moderate or severe asthma
INHALER = CONTROLLER medication + RELIEVER medication for moderate or severe asthma

SYMBICORT TURBUHALER can be used as an anti-inflammatory reliever plus maintenance therapy due to the rapid bronchodilator effect of formoterol and the anti-inflammatory effects of budesonide.

Budesonide and formoterol mechanism of action (MOA) and pharmacodynamics profile1

Budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate have different MOAs and show additive effects in terms of the reduction of asthma and COPD exacerbations.

Budesonide MOA*

Asthmatic airway with inflammation
Budesonide mechanism of action – reduction in inflammation
  • Budesonide is a potent synthetic ICS with strong topical and weak systemic effects.
  • When administered by inhalation at therapeutic doses, it has a direct, potent anti-inflammatory action within the lungs, resulting in reduced symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.
  • The anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic effects manifest as decreased bronchial obstruction in both early and late phase allergic reactions.
  • Budesonide has been shown to contribute to decreased airway reactivity to both direct and indirect challenge in hyperreactive patients.

Formoterol MOA*

Asthmatic airway with inflammation
Formoterol mechanism of action – airway relaxation and opening
  • Formoterol is a potent, selective and fast LABA.
  • Formoterol produces relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle in patients with reversible airway obstruction.
  • The bronchodilating effect sets in as rapidly as short-acting bronchodilators (salbutamol, terbutaline).
  • Formoterol provides dose-related benefits in pulmonary function and in bronchoprotective effects against methacholine, histamine, and AMP challenges.
  • This indicates a dose-related reduction in airways responsiveness to both direct and indirect stimuli and a greater protection against asthma triggers such as allergens and exercise.

In clinical trials:

 

  • Combination treatment with formoterol and budesonide improved symptoms and lung function, and reduced exacerbations in asthma and COPD.
  • The effect on lung function of SYMBICORT TURBUHALER in asthma was clinically equivalent to that of the free combination of budesonide and formoterol in separate inhalers in adults and exceeded that of budesonide alone in adults and adolescents.
  • There was no sign of attenuation of the anti-asthmatic effect over time.

*Clinical significance has not been established.

AMP: adenosine 5’-monophosphate; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; ICS: inhaled corticosteroid; LABA: long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist; MOA: mechanism of action.

Reference:

  • Symbicort® Turbuhaler® Product Monograph. AstraZeneca Canada Inc. February 8, 2021.
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