Symbicort

[Jones48]

Has anybody ever experienced tooth sensitivity since being on Symbicort?

my teeth hurt when I put them together. Hopefully it will ease as I get used to it ?

[Loveducks]

Hi, it's really strange you have asked that, as I was thinking of searching on here or asking the question myself. I am having to take more regularly my Flutiform where I am trying to reduce my steroids and my teeth are really hurting and I feel positive it's down to the Flutiform. Do you use a chamber to inhale? I am trying different toothpastes at the moment to see if that helps and bought a specialised mouthwash, but at the moment nothing is helping, if I find something that does I will let you know.

Just as an after thought, have you been to the dentist to check for no underlying issues.

Whilst writing this, I just googled that inhaled steroids can cause problems with teeth, so we are not imagining it. It suggests to really rinse your mouth after, which I do, but maybe not enough as even the cold water is hurting me, so I might start rinsing with the specialised mouthwash and see how that goes. Hope you manage to sort it.

[Jones48 in reply to Loveducks]

It’s literally just the Symbicort that has made them hurt , aswell as cramp in legs . I’ve stopped taking and pain has gone . It was when I put my teeth together they felt strange.

I’m at a loss as to what pump to use . They all cause me such side affects so am taking clenil at moment but know it’s not strong enough.

[Poobah]

Some time ago, a retired dental nurse stated on the forum that as users of medication containing steroids, we should be using toothpaste and mouthwash that was higher in fluoride. Ideally our dentists should be advising or prescribing suitable dental hygiene products and when to use them. I use Densify toothpaste and have noticed things are much better. But some may need something stronger.

As for cramps, that could be low potassium and inhaler patient leaflets do highlight that some patients experience a change in potassium levels. Low potassium can cause cramping, muscle twitching or palpitations. A potassium rich diet is usually enough to sort things out, but the patient leaflets do recommend doctors monitoring their patient's potassium levels. I guess it depends on the seriousness of the side effects.

[JustBrowsingAgain]

Hi, I've had this with the steroid inhalers I've used (Seretide and Clenil), but I haven't used Symbicort. As Loveducks wrote, it seems to be an acknowledged side effect of these inhalers. The two things that have helped me are:

1. Switching to use a spacer with my inhaler, I use the Philips Optichamber one and it works really well.

2. Comprehensive gargling and swilling with water after using the inhaler.

I got leg cramps with Seretide, as well as some other side effects, the leg cramps seemed to ease over time for me, I hope it's the same for you.

Hope you can find a way to ease it, and all the best.