Pulmicort vs Symbicort

[golden-retriever]

I’m wondering under what scenarios a doctor might prescribe Pulmicort, instead of Symbicort or Seretide, as a preventer medicine. - thanks.

[twinkly29]

Symbicort is a combination inhaler containing a steroid, budesonide, and a long-acting bronchodilator, formoterol.

Pulmicort is the same steroid as Symbicort, budesonide, but that's it.

Seretide is like Symbicort in that it's a combo inhaler but has a different steroid, fluticasone, and different LABA, salmeterol.

Some people can't take or don't need the LABA, so might just have the steroid bit. Different combinations of steroid and LABA work best for different people. Some people, like me, have both Symbicort and Pulmicort because respiratory consultant wanted my inhaled steroid element maximised.

Don't know if that helps?!

[golden-retriever in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks Twinkly for replying. So if asthma is both inflammation and broncho-constriction, why would my doctor give me a medicine like Pulmicort that only takes care of the inflammation and not Symbicort that takes care of both?

Previously I was on Seretide 500 and the only reason I changed was because it really messed me up.

Anyhow, I didn’t realise until after I got home and found it curious. My doctor is great friends with me, but I’m not seeing him for another three weeks.

[twinkly29 in reply to golden-retriever]

Some people can't tolerate the long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) element so maybe that was it?

Is your asthma controlled on the meds you're taking? If not, there will be other things available that are not a LABA. Or a different one to formoterol. But some people struggle with them all.

[golden-retriever in reply to twinkly29]

Yes, maybe it was the LABA.

Seretide 500 worked quite well after the first three weeks, but my symptoms began breaking through again and I ended up with a swollen throat and no voice. My throat and voice returned to normal very soon after stopping.

I’ve only been on Pulmicort (800mcg per day), for three days which I assume isn’t long enough to receive the full effect.

I don’t think my asthma is under control. I was diagnosed with asthma about six months ago after being sick. My asthma has got worse and worse during that time. Every time we are happy it’s under control, it gets worse again. Anyhow, I’m seeing a consultant soon.

Thank you so much Twinkly. You sparkle.

[golden-retriever in reply to twinkly29]

It’s a long time later, but I came across my post and thought I would update it.

It didn’t take long for me to have a bad asthma attack without the LABA. I’m now on Budesonide/Salmeterol which has been working well for me.

[twinkly29 in reply to golden-retriever]

Ah glad you found out what you needed and it's working!

[golden-retriever in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks twinkly.