Combination medications combine a preventer with a symptom controller in one device. They are usually prescribed when taking a preventer alone has not controlled asthma symptoms. They are taken once or twice each day, usually morning and night.
Side effects are the same as taking the medications separately. Possible local side effects include shaking hands, fast heartbeat, headaches, sore throat, hoarse voice and/or oral thrush.
Systemic side effects (caused through bloodstream absorption of the medication) are rare, but may include cataracts, glaucoma, skin bruising, adrenal suppression, growth suppression and/or osteoporosis.
Seretide
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Seretide
50µg Puffer
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Seretide
125µg Puffer
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Seretide
100µg Accuhaler
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Seretide
250µg Accuhaler
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Also available in 250µg Puffer and 500µg Accuhaler
Seretide is a combination medication containing an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long acting reliever or symptom controller (salmeterol). It is available in a puffer or an accuhaler for adults and children 4 years and over. Different strengths of medication are in slightly different coloured containers.
Symbicort
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Symbicort
200/6µg Turbuhaler
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Also available in 100/6 and 400/12µg Turbuhalers
Symbicort is a combination medication containing an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long acting reliever or symptom controller (eformoterol). It is available only in a turbuhaler and is used for adults and children over 12 years old.
The two lower dose inhalers can also be used for relief of symptoms in the Symbicort SMART (Symbicort Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) treatment plan. Your doctor will advise you if this is a suitable treatment for you.