Symbicort 80/4.5: Inhalation Aerosol

SYMBICORT 80/4.
2791103
(budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (80 or 160 mcg) and formoterol (4.5 mcg) as an
inhalation aerosol (3)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CONTRAINDICATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inhalation Aerosol
SYMBICORT 160/4.5
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Inhalation Aerosol
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use SYMBICORT safely and effectively. See full
prescribing information for SYMBICORT.
SYMBICORT 80/4.5 (budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg) Inhalation Aerosol
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 (budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg) Inhalation Aerosol
FOR ORAL INHALATION

Initial US Approval: 2006
WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH (See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.)
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as formoterol one of the active ingredients in
SYMBICORT, increase the risk of asthma-related death. A placebo-controlled study with another LABA
(salmeterol) showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving salmeterol. This finding
with salmeterol is considered a class effect of LABA, including formoterol. Currently available data are
inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma
control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data from
controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in
pediatric and adolescent patients. (5.1)
When treating patients with asthma, prescribe SYMBICORT only for patients not adequately controlled
on a long-term asthma-control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or whose disease severity
clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once asthma
control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g.
discontinue SYMBICORT) if possible without loss of asthma control, and maintain the patient on a longterm asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use SYMBICORT for patients
whose asthma is adequately controlled on low or medium dose inhaled corticosteroids. (1.1, 5.1)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - RECENT MAJOR CHANGES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Boxed Warning

Indications and Usage, Treatment of Asthma (1.1)
Dosage and Administration, Asthma (2.1)
Warnings and Precautions, Asthma-Related Death (5.1)
May 2010
May 2010
May 2010
May 2010
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For oral inhalation only.

Treatment of asthma in patients 12 years: 2 inhalations twice daily of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or 160/4.5.
Starting dosage is based on asthma severity. (2.1)
Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD: 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 twice daily (2.2)
Asthma-related death: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists increase the risk. Prescribe only for
recommended patient populations. (5.1)
Deterioration of disease and acute episodes: Do not initiate in acutely deteriorating asthma or to treat acute
symptoms. (5.2)
Use with additional long-acting beta2-agonist: Do not use in combination because of risk of overdose. (5.3)
Localized infections: Candida albicans infection of the mouth and throat may occur. Monitor patients periodically for signs of adverse effects on the oral cavity. Advise patients to rinse the mouth following inhalation. (5.4)
Pneumonia: Increased risk in patients with COPD. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonia
and other potential lung infections. (5.5)
Immunosuppression: Potential worsening of infections (e.g., existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or
parasitic infection; or ocular herpes simplex). Use with caution in patients with these infections. More serious
or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients. (5.6)
Transferring patients from systemic corticosteroids: Risk of impaired adrenal function when transferring from
oral steroids. Taper patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to SYMBICORT. (5.7)
Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression: May occur with very high dosages or at the regular dosage in
susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, discontinue SYMBICORT slowly. (5.8)
Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Risk of increased systemic corticosteroid effects.
Exercise caution when used with SYMBICORT. (5.9)
Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue SYMBICORT and institute alternative therapy if paradoxical
bronchospasm occurs. (5.10)
Patients with cardiovascular or central nervous system disorders: Use with caution because of beta-adrenergic stimulation. (5.12)
Decreases in bone mineral density: Assess bone mineral density initially and periodically thereafter. (5.13)
Effects on growth: Monitor growth of pediatric patients. (5.14)
Glaucoma and cataracts: Close monitoring is warranted. (5.15)
Metabolic effects: Be alert to eosinophilic conditions, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. (5.16, 5.18)
Coexisting conditions: Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes
mellitus, and ketoacidosis. (5.17)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ADVERSE REACTIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Most common adverse reactions (incidence 3%) are:

Asthma: nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharygolaryngeal pain, sinusitis,
influenza, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and oral candidiasis. (6.1)
COPD: nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections. (6.2)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - INDICATIONS AND USAGE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SYMBICORT is a combination product containing a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist
indicated for:
Treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older. (1.1)
Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. (1.2)
Important limitations:
Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. (1.1, 1.2)
Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures. (4)
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT (4)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DRUG INTERACTIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Use with caution. May cause increased systemic
corticosteroid effects.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: Use with extreme caution. May potentiate effect
of formoterol on vascular system. (7.2)
Beta-blockers: Use with caution. May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe
bronchospasm. (7.3)
Diuretics: Use with caution. Electrocardiographic changes and/or hypokalemia associated with
nonpotassium-sparing diuretics may worsen with concomitant beta-agonists. (7.4)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hepatic impairment: Monitor patients for signs of increased drug exposure. (8)
--------SEE 17 FOR PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION AND MEDICATION GUIDE--------Revised 05/2012
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS
WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH

1
INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Treatment of Asthma
1.2 Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Asthma
2.2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
CONTRAINDICATIONS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Asthma-Related Death
5.2 Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes
5.3 Excessive use of SYMBICORT
and Use with Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
5.4 Local Effects
5.5 Pneumonia and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
5.6 Immunosuppression
5.7 Transferring Patients
from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
5.8 Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression
5.9 Drug Interactions With Strong
Cyctochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors
5.10 Paradoxical Bronchospasm

and Upper Airway Symptoms
5.11 Immediate Hypersensivity Reactions
5.12 Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Effects
5.13 Reduction in Bone Mineral Density
5.14 Effect on Growth
5.15 Glaucoma and Cataracts
5.16 Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome
5.17 Coexisting Conditions
5.18 Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia
ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Asthma
6.2 Clinical Trials Experience in Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease
6.3 Postmarketing Experience
DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4
7.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
and Tricyclic Antidepressants
7.3 Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents
7.4 Diuretics
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
8.2 Labor and Delivery
8.3 Nursing Mothers
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use
8.6 Hepatic Impairment
8.7 Renal Impairment
OVERDOSAGE
DESCRIPTION
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Asthma
HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
17.2 Not for Acute Symptoms
17.3 Do Not Use Additional Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
17.4 Risks Associated With Corticosteroid Therapy
17.5 Risks Associated With Beta-Agonist Therapy
17.6 Medication Guide
Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.
SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as formoterol one of the active
ingredients in SYMBICORT, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large
placebo-controlled U.S. study that compared the safety of another long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (salmeterol) or placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase
in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving salmeterol. This finding with salmeterol is
considered a class effect of the LABA, including formoterol. Currently available data are
inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other longterm asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA.
Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthmarelated hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating
patients with asthma, SYMBICORT should only be used for patients not adequately
controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or
whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at
regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue SYMBICORT) if possible without
loss of asthma control and maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication,
such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use SYMBICORT for patients whose asthma is
adequately controlled on low or medium dose inhaled corticosteroids [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.1)].
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1.1 Treatment of Asthma

SYMBICORT is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, such as formoterol one of the active ingredients in
SYMBICORT, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Available data from controlled clinical
trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and
adolescent patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Therefore, when treating patients
with asthma, SYMBICORT should only be used for patients not adequately controlled on a longterm asthma-control medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid or whose disease severity
clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once
asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down
therapy (e.g. discontinue SYMBICORT) if possible without loss of asthma control, and maintain
the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use
SYMBICORT for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low or medium dose inhaled
corticosteroids.
Important Limitations of Use:
SYMBICORT is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
1.2 Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is indicated for the twice daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in
patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and
emphysema. SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is the only approved dosage for the treatment of airflow
obstruction in COPD.
Important Limitations of Use: SYMBICORT is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

SYMBICORT should be administered twice daily every day by the orally inhaled route only. After
inhalation, the patient should rinse the mouth with water without swallowing [see Patient
Counseling Information (17.4)].
Prime SYMBICORT before using for the first time by releasing two test sprays into the air away from
the face, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray. In cases where the inhaler has not been used
for more than 7 days or when it has been dropped, prime the inhaler again by shaking well before
each spray and releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face.
More frequent administration or a higher number of inhalations (more than 2 inhalations twice
daily) of the prescribed strength of SYMBICORT is not recommended as some patients are more
likely to experience adverse effects with higher doses of formoterol. Patients using SYMBICORT
should not use additional long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason [see Warnings and
Precautions (5.3, 5.12)].
2.1 Asthma
If asthma symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist
should be taken for immediate relief.
Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older: For patients 12 years of age and older, the
dosage is 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart).
The recommended starting dosages for SYMBICORT for patients 12 years of age and older are
based upon patients' asthma severity.
The maximum recommended dosage is SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg twice daily.
Improvement in asthma control following inhaled administration of SYMBICORT can occur within
15 minutes of beginning treatment, although maximum benefit may not be achieved for 2 weeks or
longer after beginning treatment. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and
degree of symptom relief.
For patients who do not respond adequately to the starting dose after 1-2 weeks of therapy with
SYMBICORT 80/4.5, replacement with SYMBICORT 160/4.5 may provide additional asthma control.
If a previously effective dosage regimen of SYMBICORT fails to provide adequate control of asthma,
the therapeutic regimen should be re-evaluated and additional therapeutic options, (e.g., replacing
the lower strength of SYMBICORT with the higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, or initiating oral corticosteroids) should be considered.

For patients with COPD the recommended dose is SYMBICORT 160/4.5, two inhalations twice daily.
If shortness of breath occurs in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist
should be taken for immediate relief.
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

SYMBICORT is available as a metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (80 or
160 mcg) and formoterol (4.5 mcg) as an inhalation aerosol in the following two strengths: 80/4.5
and 160/4.5. Each dosage strength contains 60 or 120 actuations per/canister. Each strength of
SYMBICORT is supplied with a red plastic actuator with a gray dust cap.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The use of SYMBICORT is contraindicated in the following conditions:
Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where
intensive measures are required.
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, such as formoterol, one of the active ingredients in
SYMBICORT, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Currently available data are inadequate
to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma
control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data
from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Therefore, when treating patients with asthma,
SYMBICORT should only be used for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthmacontrol medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid or whose disease severity clearly
warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA. Once asthma
control is achieved and maintained, assess the patient at regular intervals and step down
therapy (e.g. discontinue SYMBICORT) if possible without loss of asthma control, and maintain
the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not
use SYMBICORT for patients whose asthma is adequately controlled on low or medium dose
inhaled corticosteroids.
A 28-week, placebo controlled US study comparing the safety of salmeterol with placebo, each
added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving
salmeterol (13/13,176 in patients treated with salmeterol vs 3/13,179 in patients treated with
placebo; RR 4.37, 95% CI 1.25, 15.34). This finding with salmeterol is considered a class effect of
the LABA, including formoterol, one of the active ingredients in SYMBICORT. No study adequate to
determine whether the rate of asthma-related death is increased with SYMBICORT has been
conducted.
Clinical studies with formoterol suggested a higher incidence of serious asthma exacerbations in
patients who received formoterol than in those who received placebo. The sizes of these studies
were not adequate to precisely quantify the differences in serious asthma exacerbation rates
between treatment groups.
5.2 Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes
SYMBICORT should not be initiated in patients during rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of asthma or COPD. SYMBICORT has not been studied in patients with acutely
deteriorating asthma or COPD. The initiation of SYMBICORT in this setting is not appropriate.
Increasing use of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists is a marker of deteriorating asthma. In this
situation, the patient requires immediate re-evaluation with reassessment of the treatment regimen,
giving special consideration to the possible need for replacing the current strength of SYMBICORT
with a higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, or initiating systemic corticosteroids. Patients should not use more than 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening) of
SYMBICORT.
SYMBICORT should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the
treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not
SYMBICORT, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath. When
prescribing SYMBICORT, the physician must also provide the patient with an inhaled, short-acting
beta2-agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily
(morning and evening) use of SYMBICORT.
When beginning treatment with SYMBICORT, patients who have been taking oral or inhaled, shortacting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., 4 times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the
regular use of these drugs.
5.3 Excessive Use of SYMBICORT and Use with Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
As with other inhaled drugs containing beta2-adrenergic agents, SYMBICORT should not be used
more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other
medications containing long-acting beta2-agonists, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant
cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled
sympathomimetic drugs. Patients using SYMBICORT should not use an additional long-acting
beta2-agonist (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol tartrate) for any reason,
including prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) or the treatment of asthma or COPD.
5.4 Local Effects
In clinical studies, the development of localized infections of the mouth and pharynx with Candida
albicans has occurred in patients treated with SYMBICORT. When such an infection develops, it
should be treated with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral antifungal) therapy while treatment
with SYMBICORT continues, but at times therapy with SYMBICORT may need to be interrupted.
Patients should rinse the mouth after inhalation of SYMBICORT.
5.5 Pneumonia and Other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Physicians should remain vigilant for the possible development of pneumonia in patients with
COPD as the clinical features of pneumonia and exacerbations frequently overlap. Lower respiratory
tract infections, including pneumonia, have been reported following the inhaled administration of
corticosteroids.
In a 6 month study of 1,704 patients with COPD, there was a higher incidence of lung infections other
than pneumonia (e.g., bronchitis, viral lower respiratory tract infections, etc.) in patients receiving
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 (7.6%) than in those receiving SYMBICORT 80/4.5 (3.2%), formoterol 4.5 mcg
(4.6%) or placebo (3.3%). Pneumonia did not occur with greater incidence in the SYMBICORT
160/4.5 group (1.1 %) compared with placebo (1.3%). In a 12-month study of 1,964 patients with
COPD, there was also a higher incidence of lung infections other than pneumonia in patients receiving
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 (8.1%) than in those receiving SYMBICORT 80/4.5 (6.9%), formoterol 4.5 mcg
(7.1%) or placebo (6.2%). Similar to the 6 month study, pneumonia did not occur with greater
incidence in the SYMBICORT 160/4.5 group (4.0%) compared with placebo (5.0%).
5.6 Immunosuppression
Patients who are on drugs that suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infection than
healthy individuals. Chicken pox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal
course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have
not had these diseases or been properly immunized, particular care should be taken to avoid
exposure. How the dose, route, and duration of corticosteroid administration affects the risk of
developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or
prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed, therapy with varicella zoster
immune globulin (VZIG) or pooled intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), as appropriate, may be
indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG)
may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing
information.) If chicken pox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. The
immune responsiveness to varicella vaccine was evaluated in pediatric patients with asthma ages
12 months to 8 years with budesonide inhalation suspension.
An open-label, nonrandomized clinical study examined the immune responsiveness to varicella
vaccine in 243 asthma patients 12 months to 8 years of age who were treated with budesonide
inhalation suspension 0.25 mg to 1 mg daily (n=151) or noncorticosteroid asthma therapy (n=92)
(i.e., beta2-agonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists, cromones). The percentage of patients
developing a seroprotective antibody titer of 5.0 (gpELISA value) in response to the vaccination
was similar in patients treated with budesonide inhalation suspension (85%), compared to patients
treated with noncorticosteroid asthma therapy (90%). No patient treated with budesonide inhalation
suspension developed chicken pox as a result of vaccination.
Inhaled corticosteroids should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent
tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract; untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or
parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.
5.7 Transferring Patients From Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Particular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from systemically active corticosteroids to inhaled corticosteroids because deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in
patients with asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less systemically
available inhaled corticosteroids. After withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids, a number of
months are required for recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function.
Patients who have been previously maintained on 20 mg or more per day of prednisone (or its
equivalent) may be most susceptible, particularly when their systemic corticosteroids have been
almost completely withdrawn. During this period of HPA suppression, patients may exhibit signs
and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when exposed to trauma, surgery, or infection (particularly
gastroenteritis) or other conditions associated with severe electrolyte loss. Although SYMBICORT
may provide control of asthma symptoms during these episodes, in recommended doses it
supplies less than normal physiological amounts of glucocorticoid systemically and does NOT
provide the mineralocorticoid activity that is necessary for coping with these emergencies.
During periods of stress or a severe asthma attack, patients who have been withdrawn from
systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses)
immediately and to contact their physicians for further instruction. These patients should also be
instructed to carry a warning card indicating that they may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.
Patients requiring oral corticosteroids should be weaned slowly from systemic corticosteroid use
after transferring to SYMBICORT. Prednisone reduction can be accomplished by reducing the daily
prednisone dose by 2.5 mg on a weekly basis during therapy with SYMBICORT. Lung function
(mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] or morning peak expiratory flow [PEF], betaagonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral
corticosteroids. In addition to monitoring asthma signs and symptoms, patients should be
observed for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, lassitude, weakness,
nausea and vomiting, and hypotension.
Transfer of patients from systemic corticosteroid therapy to inhaled corticosteroids or SYMBICORT
may unmask conditions previously suppressed by the systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g.,
rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions). Some patients may experience
symptoms of systemically active corticosteroid withdrawal (e.g., joint and/or muscular pain,
lassitude, depression) despite maintenance or even improvement of respiratory function.
5.8 Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression
Budesonide, a component of SYMBICORT, will often help control asthma symptoms with less
suppression of HPA function than therapeutically equivalent oral doses of prednisone. Since budesonide is absorbed into the circulation and can be systemically active at higher doses, the beneficial
effects of SYMBICORT in minimizing HPA dysfunction may be expected only when recommended
dosages are not exceeded and individual patients are titrated to the lowest effective dose.
Because of the possibility of systemic absorption of inhaled corticosteroids, patients treated with
SYMBICORT should be observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects.
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
5.16
Particular care should be taken in observing patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for
evidence of inadequate adrenal response.
It is possible that systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression
(including adrenal crisis) may appear in a small number of patients, particularly when budesonide
is administered at higher than recommended doses over prolonged periods of time. If such effects
occur, the dosage of SYMBICORT should be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures
for reducing systemic corticosteroids and for management of asthma symptoms.
Drug Interactions With Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors
Caution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of SYMBICORT with
ketoconazole, and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin,
indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin) because adverse effects
related to increased systemic exposure to budesonide may occur [see Drug Interactions (7.1),
Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Paradoxical Bronchospasm and Upper Airway Symptoms
As with other inhaled medications, SYMBICORT can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which
may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with SYMBICORT, it
should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator, SYMBICORT should be
discontinued immediately, and alternative therapy should be instituted.
Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of SYMBICORT, as demonstrated by cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm.
Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Effects
Excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation has been associated with seizures, angina, hypertension or
hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats/min, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache,
tremor, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia [see Overdosage (10)].
Therefore, SYMBICORT, like all products containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with
caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac
arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Formoterol, a component of SYMBICORT, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect
in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such
effects are uncommon after administration of formoterol at recommended doses, if they occur, the
drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce ECG
changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment
depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Fatalities have been reported in
association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs.
Reduction in Bone Mineral Density
Decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed with long-term administration of
products containing inhaled corticosteroids. The clinical significance of small changes in BMD with
regard to long-term consequences such as fracture is unknown. Patients with major risk factors for
decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of osteoporosis,
post menopausal status, tobacco use, advanced age, poor nutrition, or chronic use of drugs that
can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated
with established standards of care. Since patients with COPD often have multiple risk factors for
reduced BMD, assessment of BMD is recommended prior to initiating SYMBICORT and periodically
thereafter. If significant reductions in BMD are seen and SYMBICORT is still considered medically
important for that patient's COPD therapy, use of medication to treat or prevent osteoporosis should
be strongly considered.
Effects of treatment with SYMBICORT 160/4.5, SYMBICORT 80/4.5, formoterol 4.5, or placebo on
BMD was evaluated in a subset of 326 patients (females and males 41 to 88 years of age) with
COPD in the 12-month study. BMD evaluations of the hip and lumbar spine regions were conducted
at baseline and 52 weeks using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. Mean changes in
BMD from baseline to end of treatment were small (mean changes ranged from -0.01 - 0.01 g/cm2).
ANCOVA results for total spine and total hip BMD based on the end of treatment time point showed
that all geometric LS Mean ratios for the pairwise treatment group comparisons were close to 1,
indicating that overall, bone mineral density for total hip and total spine regions for the 12 month
time point were stable over the entire treatment period.
Effect on Growth
Orally inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to
pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients receiving SYMBICORT routinely (e.g.,
via stadiometry). To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including
SYMBICORT, titrate each patient's dose to the lowest dosage that effectively controls his/her
symptoms [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Glaucoma and Cataracts
Glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients with
asthma and COPD following the long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids, including
budesonide, a component of SYMBICORT. Therefore, close monitoring is warranted in patients with
a change in vision or with history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts.
Effects of treatment with SYMBICORT 160/4.5, SYMBICORT 80/4.5, formoterol 4.5, or placebo on
development of cataracts or glaucoma were evaluated in a subset of 461 patients with COPD in the
12-month study. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted at baseline, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks.
There were 26 subjects (6%) with an increase in posterior subcapsular score from baseline to
maximum value (>0.7) during the randomized treatment period. Changes in posterior subcapsular
scores of >0.7 from baseline to treatment maximum occurred in 11 patients (9.0%) in the
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 group, 4 patients (3.8%) in the SYMBICORT 80/4.5 group, 5 patients (4.2%)
in the formoterol group, and 6 patients (5.2%) in the placebo group.
Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome
In rare cases, patients on inhaled corticosteroids may present with systemic eosinophilic
conditions. Some of these patients have clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss

syndrome, a condition that is often treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy. These events
usually, but not always, have been associated with the reduction and/or withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy following the introduction of inhaled corticosteroids. Physicians should be alert
to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or
neuropathy presenting in their patients. A causal relationship between budesonide and these
underlying conditions has not been established.
5.17 Coexisting Conditions
SYMBICORT, like all medications containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution
in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive
to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-adrenoceptor agonist albuterol, when
administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes mellitus and
ketoacidosis.
5.18 Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia
Beta-adrenergic agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients,
possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular
effects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient,
not requiring supplementation. Clinically significant changes in blood glucose and/or serum
potassium were seen infrequently during clinical studies with SYMBICORT at recommended doses.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, such as formoterol one of the active ingredients in

SYMBICORT, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Currently available data are inadequate
to determine whether concurrent use of inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma
control drugs mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available data
from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. Data from a large placebo-controlled US study that
compared the safety of another long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (salmeterol) or placebo
added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in patients receiving
salmeterol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Systemic and inhaled corticosteroid use may result in the following:
- Candida albicans infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections in patients with COPD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
- Growth effects in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]
- Glaucoma and cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)]
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates
observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of
another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Asthma
Patients 12 years and older
The overall safety data in adults and adolescents are based upon 10 active- and placebo-controlled
clinical trials in which 3393 patients ages 12 years and older (2052 females and 1341 males) with
asthma of varying severity were treated with SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 mcg taken two
inhalations once or twice daily for 12 to 52 weeks. In these trials, the patients on SYMBICORT had
a mean age of 38 years and were predominantly Caucasian (82%).
The incidence of common adverse events in Table 1 below is based upon pooled data from three
12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies in which 401 adult and adolescent
patients (148 males and 253 females) age 12 years and older were treated with two inhalations of
SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or SYMBICORT 160/4.5 twice daily. The SYMBICORT group was composed of
mostly Caucasian (84%) patients with a mean age of 38 years, and a mean percent predicted FEV1
at baseline of 76 and 68 for the 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg treatment groups, respectively.
Control arms for comparison included two inhalations of budesonide HFA metered dose inhaler
(MDI) 80 or 160 mcg, formoterol dry powder inhaler (DPI) 4.5 mcg, or placebo (MDI and DPI) twice
daily. Table 1 includes all adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 3% in any one
SYMBICORT group and more commonly than in the placebo group with twice-daily dosing. In
considering these data, the increased average duration of patient exposure for SYMBICORT patients
should be taken into account, as incidences are not adjusted for an imbalance of treatment duration.
Table 1 Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of 3% and more commonly than placebo in
the SYMBICORT groups: pooled data from three 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical asthma trials in patients 12 years and older
Treatment*
SYMBICORT
Budesonide
Formoterol Placebo
Adverse Event
80/4.5 mcg 160/4.5 mcg 80 mcg
160 mcg
4.5 mcg
N = 277
N =124
N =121
N = 109
N = 237
N = 400
%
%
%
%
%
%
Nasopharyngitis
10.5
9.7
14.0
11.0
10.1
9.0
Headache
6.5
11.3
11.6
12.8
8.9
6.5
Upper respiratory tract
infection
7.6
10.5
8.3
9.2
7.6
7.8
Pharyngolaryngeal pain
6.1
8.9
5.0
7.3
3.0
4.8
Sinusitis
5.8
4.8
5.8
2.8
6.3
4.8
Influenza
3.2
2.4
6.6
0.9
3.0
1.3
Back pain
3.2
1.6
2.5
5.5
2.1
0.8
Nasal congestion
2.5
3.2
2.5
3.7
1.3
1.0
Stomach discomfort
1.1
6.5
2.5
4.6
1.3
1.8
Vomiting
1.4
3.2
0.8
2.8
1.7
1.0
Oral Candidiasis
1.4
3.2
0
0
0
0.8
Average Duration of
Exposure (days)
77.7
73.8
77.0
71.4
62.4
55.9
* All treatments were administered as two inhalations twice daily.
Long-term safety - asthma clinical trials in patients 12 years and older

Long-term safety studies in adolescent and adult patients 12 years of age and older, treated for up
to 1 year at doses up to 1280/36 mcg/day (640/18 mcg twice daily), revealed neither clinically
important changes in the incidence nor new types of adverse events emerging after longer periods
of treatment. Similarly, no significant or unexpected patterns of abnormalities were observed for up
to 1 year in safety measures including chemistry, hematology, ECG, Holter monitor, and HPA-axis
assessments.
6.2 Clinical Trials Experience in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The incidence of common adverse events in Table 2 below is based upon pooled data from two
double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (6 and 12 months in duration) in which 771 adult
COPD patients (496 males and 275 females) 40 years of age and older were treated with
SYMBICORT 160/4.5, two inhalations twice daily. Of these patients 651 were treated for 6 months
and 366 were treated for 12 months. The SYMBICORT group was composed of mostly Caucasian
(93%) patients with a mean age of 63 years, and a mean percent predicted FEV1 at baseline of 33%.
Control arms for comparison included two inhalations of budesonide HFA (MDI) 160 mcg,
formoterol (DPI) 4.5 mcg or placebo (MDI and DPI) twice daily. Table 2 includes all adverse events
that occurred at an incidence of 3% in the SYMBICORT group and more commonly than in the
placebo group. In considering these data, the increased average duration of patient exposure to
SYMBICORT should be taken into account, as incidences are not adjusted for an imbalance of
treatment duration.
Table 2 Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of 3% and more commonly than placebo
in the SYMBICORT group: pooled data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
COPD trials
Treatment*
SYMBICORT
Budesonide
Formoterol
Placebo
160/4.5 mcg
160 mcg
4.5 mcg
N = 771
N = 275
N = 779
N = 781
Adverse Event
%
%
%
%
Nasopharyngitis
7.3
3.3
5.8
4.9
Oral candidiasis
6.0
4.4
1.2
1.8
Bronchitis
5.4
4.7
4.5
3.5
Sinusitis
3.5
1.5
3.1
1.8
Upper respiratory tract 3.5
1.8
3.6
2.7
infection viral
Average Duration of
Exposure (days)
255.2
157.1
240.3
223.7
* All treatments were administered as two inhalations twice daily.
Lung infections other than pneumonia (mostly bronchitis) occurred in a greater percentage of
subjects treated with SYMBICORT 160/4.5 compared with placebo (7.9% vs. 5.1%, respectively).
There were no clinically important or unexpected patterns of abnormalities observed for up to 1 year
in chemistry, haematology, ECG, ECG (Holter) monitoring, HPA-axis, bone mineral density and
ophthalmology assessments.
6.3 Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of SYMBICORT.
Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always
possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Some of these adverse reactions may also have been observed in clinical studies with SYMBICORT.
Cardiac disorders: angina pectoris, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, atrial
fibrillation, extrasystoles, palpitations
Endocrine disorders: hypercorticism, growth velocity reduction in pediatric patients
Eye disorders: cataract, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure
Gastrointestinal disorders: oropharyngeal candidiasis, nausea
Immune system disorders: immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylactic
reaction, angioedema, bronchospasm, urticaria, exanthema, dermatitis, pruritus
Metabolic and nutrition disorders: hyperglycemia, hypokalemia
Musculoskeletal, connective tissue, and bone disorders: muscle cramps
Nervous system disorders: tremor, dizziness
Psychiatric disorders: behavior disturbances, sleep disturbances, nervousness, agitation,
depression, restlessness
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders: dysphonia, cough, throat irritation
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: skin bruising
Vascular disorders: hypotension, hypertension
DRUG INTERACTIONS
In clinical studies, concurrent administration of SYMBICORT and other drugs, such as short-acting
beta2-agonists, intranasal corticosteroids, and antihistamines/decongestants has not resulted in an
increased frequency of adverse reactions. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed
with SYMBICORT.
7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P4503A4
The main route of metabolism of corticosteroids, including budesonide, a component of
SYMBICORT, is via cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4). After oral administration of
ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, the mean plasma concentration of orally administered
budesonide increased. Concomitant administration of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of, and
increase the systemic exposure to, budesonide. Caution should be exercised when considering the
coadministration of SYMBICORT with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4
inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir,
saquinavir, telithromycin) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
7.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants

SYMBICORT should be administered with caution to patients being treated with monoamine
oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents,
because the action of formoterol, a component of SYMBICORT, on the vascular system may be
potentiated by these agents. In clinical trials with SYMBICORT, a limited number of COPD
and asthma patients received tricyclic antidepressants, and, therefore, no clinically meaningful
conclusions on adverse events can be made.
7.3 Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents
Beta-blockers (including eye drops) may not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such
as formoterol, a component of SYMBICORT, but may produce severe bronchospasm in patients
with asthma. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers.
However, under certain circumstances, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of betaadrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers
could be considered, although they should be administered with caution.
7.4 Diuretics
The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of nonpotassiumsparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists,
especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical
significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of SYMBICORT
with nonpotassium-sparing diuretics.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SYMBICORT in pregnant women. SYMBICORT
was teratogenic and embryocidal in rats. Budesonide alone was teratogenic and embryocidal in rats
and rabbits, but not in humans at therapeutic doses. Formoterol fumarate alone was teratogenic in
rats and rabbits. Formoterol fumarate was also embryocidal, increased pup loss at birth and during
lactation, and decreased pup weight in rats. SYMBICORT should be used during pregnancy only if
the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
SYMBICORT
In a reproduction study in rats, budesonide combined with formoterol fumarate by the inhalation
route at doses approximately 1/7 and 1/3, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis produced umbilical hernia. No teratogenic or embryocidal effects
were detected with budesonide combined with formoterol fumarate by the inhalation route at doses
approximately 1/32 and 1/16, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Budesonide
Studies of pregnant women have not shown that inhaled budesonide increases the risk of
abnormalities when administered during pregnancy. The results from a large population-based
prospective cohort epidemiological study reviewing data from three Swedish registries covering
approximately 99% of the pregnancies from 1995-1997 (ie, Swedish Medical Birth Registry;
Registry of Congenital Malformations; Child Cardiology Registry) indicate no increased risk for
congenital malformations from the use of inhaled budesonide during early pregnancy. Congenital
malformations were studied in 2014 infants born to mothers reporting the use of inhaled
budesonide for asthma in early pregnancy (usually 10-12 weeks after the last menstrual period), the
period when most major organ malformations occur. The rate of recorded congenital malformations
was similar compared to the general population rate (3.8% vs 3.5%, respectively). In addition, after
exposure to inhaled budesonide, the number of infants born with orofacial clefts was similar to the
expected number in the normal population (4 children vs 3.3, respectively).
These same data were utilized in a second study bringing the total to 2534 infants whose mothers
were exposed to inhaled budesonide. In this study, the rate of congenital malformations among
infants whose mothers were exposed to inhaled budesonide during early pregnancy was not
different from the rate for all newborn babies during the same period (3.6%).
Budesonide produced fetal loss, decreased pup weight, and skeletal abnormalities at subcutaneous
doses in rabbits less than the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2
basis and in rats at doses approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis. In another study in rats, no teratogenic or embryocidal effects
were seen at inhalation doses up to 3 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
dose on a mcg/m2 basis.
Experience with oral corticosteroids since their introduction in pharmacologic as opposed to physiologic doses suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroids than
humans.
Formoterol
Formoterol fumarate has been shown to be teratogenic, embryocidal, to increase pup loss at birth
and during lactation, and to decrease pup weights in rats when given at oral doses 1400 times and
greater the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis. Umbilical
hernia was observed in rat fetuses at oral doses 1400 times and greater the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis. Brachygnathia was observed in rat
fetuses at an oral dose 7000 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a
mcg/m2 basis. Pregnancy was prolonged at an oral dose 7000 times the maximum recommended
human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis. In another study in rats, no teratogenic effects
were seen at inhalation doses up to 500 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
Subcapsular cysts on the liver were observed in rabbit fetuses at an oral dose 54,000 times the
maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis. No teratogenic effects
were observed at oral doses up to 3200 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
Nonteratogenic Effects
Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants born of mothers receiving corticosteroids during pregnancy.
Such infants should be carefully observed.
Labor and Delivery
There are no well-controlled human studies that have investigated the effects of SYMBICORT on
preterm labor or labor at term. Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine
contractility, use of SYMBICORT for management of asthma during labor should be restricted to
those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Nursing Mothers
Since there are no data from controlled trials on the use of SYMBICORT by nursing mothers, a
decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue SYMBICORT, taking into
account the importance of SYMBICORT to the mother.
Budesonide, like other corticosteroids, is secreted in human milk. Data with budesonide delivered
via dry powder inhaler indicates that the total daily oral dose of budesonide available in breast milk
to the infant is approximately 0.3% to 1% of the dose inhaled by the mother [see Clinical
Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics (12.3)]. For SYMBICORT, the dose of budesonide available to
the infant in breast milk, as a percentage of the maternal dose, would be expected to be similar.
In reproductive studies in rats, formoterol was excreted in the milk. It is not known whether
formoterol is excreted in human milk.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of SYMBICORT in asthma patients 12 years of age and older have been
established in studies up to 12 months. In the two 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled US
pivotal studies 25 patients 12 to 17 years of age were treated with SYMBICORT twice daily [see
Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Efficacy results in this age group were similar to those observed in
patients 18 years and older. There were no obvious differences in the type or frequency of adverse
events reported in this age group compared with patients 18 years of age and older.
The safety and effectiveness of SYMBICORT in asthma patients 6 to <12 years of age has not been
established.
Overall 1447 asthma patients 6 to <12 years of age participated in placebo- and active-controlled
SYMBICORT studies. Of these 1447 patients, 539 received SYMBICORT twice daily. The overall
safety profile of these patients was similar to that observed in patients 12 years of age who also
received SYMBICORT twice daily in studies of similar design.
Controlled clinical studies have shown that orally inhaled corticosteroids including budesonide, a
component of SYMBICORT, may cause a reduction in growth velocity in pediatric patients. This
effect has been observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA-axis suppression,
suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in
pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA-axis function. The long-term effect of this
reduction in growth velocity associated with orally inhaled corticosteroids, including the impact on
final height are unknown. The potential for catch-up growth following discontinuation of
treatment with orally inhaled corticosteroids has not been adequately studied.
In a study of asthmatic children 5-12 years of age, those treated with budesonide DPI 200 mcg
twice daily (n=311) had a 1.1 centimeter reduction in growth compared with those receiving
placebo (n=418) at the end of one year; the difference between these two treatment groups did not
increase further over three years of additional treatment. By the end of 4 years, children treated with
budesonide DPI and children treated with placebo had similar growth velocities. Conclusions drawn
from this study may be confounded by the unequal use of corticosteroids in the treatment groups
and inclusion of data from patients attaining puberty during the course of the study.
The growth of pediatric patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids, including SYMBICORT,
should be monitored. If a child or adolescent on any corticosteroid appears to have growth
suppression, the possibility that he/she is particularly sensitive to this effect should be considered.
The potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against the clinical benefits
obtained. To minimize the systemic effects of orally inhaled corticosteroids, including SYMBICORT,
each patient should be titrated to the lowest strength that effectively controls his/her asthma [see
Dosage and Administration (2)].
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of patients in asthma clinical studies treated with SYMBICORT twice daily,
149 were 65 years of age or older, of whom 25 were 75 years of age or older.
In the COPD studies of 6 to 12 months duration, 349 patients treated with SYMBICORT 160/4.5
twice daily were 65 years old and above and of those, 73 patients were 75 years of age and older.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger
patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between
the elderly and younger patients.
As with other products containing beta2-agonists, special caution should be observed when using
SYMBICORT in geriatric patients who have concomitant cardiovascular disease that could be
adversely affected by beta2-agonists.
Based on available data for SYMBICORT or its active components, no adjustment of dosage of
SYMBICORT in geriatric patients is warranted.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using SYMBICORT have not been conducted in patients with
hepatic impairment. However, since both budesonide and formoterol fumarate are predominantly
cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of
budesonide and formoterol fumarate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be
closely monitored.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using SYMBICORT have not been conducted in patients with renal
impairment.
10
OVERDOSAGE
SYMBICORT
SYMBICORT contains both budesonide and formoterol; therefore, the risks associated with
overdosage for the individual components described below apply to SYMBICORT. In pharmacokinetic studies, single doses of 960/54 mcg (12 actuations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5) and
1280/36 mcg (8 actuations of 160/4.5), were administered to patients with COPD. A total of
1920/54 mcg (12 actuations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5) was administered as a single dose to both
healthy subjects and patients with asthma. In a long-term active-controlled safety study in asthma
patients, SYMBICORT 160/4.5 was administered for up to 12 months at doses up to twice the
highest recommended daily dose. There were no clinically significant adverse reactions observed in
any of these studies.
Clinical signs in dogs that received a single inhalation dose of SYMBICORT (a combination of
budesonide and formoterol) in a dry powder included tremor, mucosal redness, nasal catarrh,
redness of intact skin, abdominal respiration, vomiting, and salivation; in the rat, the only clinical
sign observed was increased respiratory rate in the first hour after dosing. No deaths occurred in
rats given a combination of budesonide and formoterol at acute inhalation doses of 97 and 3 mg/kg,
respectively (approximately 1200 and 1350 times the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). No deaths occurred in dogs given a combination of budesonide
and formoterol at the acute inhalation doses of 732 and 22 mcg/kg, respectively (approximately
30 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose of budesonide and formoterol
on a mcg/m2 basis).
Budesonide
The potential for acute toxic effects following overdose of budesonide is low. If used at excessive
doses for prolonged periods, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism may occur
[see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. Budesonide at five times the highest recommended dose
(3200 mcg daily) administered to humans for 6 weeks caused a significant reduction (27%) in
the plasma cortisol response to a 6-hour infusion of ACTH compared with placebo (+1%). The
corresponding effect of 10 mg prednisone daily was a 35% reduction in the plasma cortisol
response to ACTH.
In mice, the minimal inhalation lethal dose was 100 mg/kg (approximately 600 times the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). In rats, there were no deaths
following the administration of an inhalation dose of 68 mg/kg (approximately 900 times the
maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). The minimal oral lethal
dose in mice was 200 mg/kg (approximately 1300 times the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis) and less than 100 mg/kg in rats (approximately 1300 times the
maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Formoterol
An overdose of formoterol would likely lead to an exaggeration of effects that are typical for
beta2-agonists: seizures, angina, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular
tachyarrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness,
sleep disturbances, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia. As with all sympathomimetic
medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse of formoterol. No
clinically significant adverse reactions were seen when formoterol was delivered to adult patients
with acute bronchoconstriction at a dose of 90 mcg/day over 3 hours or to stable asthmatics 3
times a day at a total dose of 54 mcg/day for 3 days.
Treatment of formoterol overdosage consists of discontinuation of the medication together with
institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can
produce bronchospasm. There is insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for
overdosage of formoterol. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of overdosage.
No deaths were seen in mice given formoterol at an inhalation dose of 276 mg/kg (more than
62,200 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). In rats,
the minimum lethal inhalation dose was 40 mg/kg (approximately 18,000 times the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). No deaths were seen in mice that
received an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg (more than 450,000 times the maximum recommended
human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). Maximum nonlethal oral doses were 252 mg/kg
in young rats and 1500 mg/kg in adult rats (approximately 114,000 times and 675,000 times the
maximum recommended human inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
11
DESCRIPTION
SYMBICORT 80/4.5 and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 each contain micronized budesonide and micronized
formoterol fumarate dihydrate for oral inhalation only.
Each SYMBICORT 80/4.5 and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 canister is formulated as a hydrofluoroalkane
(HFA 227; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane)-propelled pressurized metered dose inhaler
containing either 60 or 120 actuations [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3) and How
Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. After priming, each actuation meters either 91/5.1 mcg or
181/5.1 mcg from the valve and delivers either 80/4.5 mcg, or 160/4.5 mcg (budesonide
micronized/formoterol fumarate dihydrate micronized) from the actuator. The actual amount of
drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between
actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system. SYMBICORT also contains
povidone K25 USP as a suspending agent and polyethylene glycol 1000 NF as a lubricant.
SYMBICORT should be primed before using for the first time by releasing two test sprays into the
air away from the face, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray. In cases where the inhaler has
not been used for more than 7 days or when it has been dropped, prime the inhaler again by shaking
well for 5 seconds before each spray and releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face.
One active component of SYMBICORT is budesonide, a corticosteroid designated chemically
as (RS)-11, 16, 17,21-Tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with
butyraldehyde. Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The empirical
formula of budesonide is C25H34O6 and its molecular weight is 430.5. Its structural formula is:
6
CH2OH
C=O
O
C
CH3
HO
O
H
CH2CH2CH3
H
CH3
and
CH2CH2CH3
C
Budesonide is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder which is practically insoluble in

water and in heptane, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and freely soluble in chloroform. Its partition
coefficient between octanol and water at pH 7.4 is 1.6 x 103.
The other active component of SYMBICORT is formoterol fumarate dihydrate, a selective
beta2-agonist designated chemically as (R*,R*)-()-N-[2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[[2-(4methoxyphenyl)1-methylethyl]amino-ethyl]phenyl]formamide, (E)-2-butendioate(2:1), dihydrate.
The empirical formula of formoterol is C42H56N4O14 and its molecular weight is 840.9. Its structural
formula is:
HO
OCH3
COOH
HOOC
*
N
H
N
H
OH
2 H2O
2
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a powder which is slightly soluble in water. Its octanol-water
partition coefficient at pH 7.4 is 2.6. The pKa of formoterol fumarate dihydrate at 25C is 7.9 for the
phenolic group and 9.2 for the amino group.
12
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action

SYMBICORT
SYMBICORT contains both budesonide and formoterol; therefore, the mechanisms of action
described below for the individual components apply to SYMBICORT. These drugs represent two
classes of medications (a synthetic corticosteroid and a long-acting selective beta2-adrenoceptor
agonist) that have different effects on clinical, physiological, and inflammatory indices of Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.
Budesonide
Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that exhibits potent glucocorticoid activity
and weak mineralocorticoid activity. In standard in vitro and animal models, budesonide has
approximately a 200-fold higher affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor and a 1000-fold higher
topical anti-inflammatory potency than cortisol (rat croton oil ear edema assay). As a measure of
systemic activity, budesonide is 40 times more potent than cortisol when administered subcutaneously and 25 times more potent when administered orally in the rat thymus involution assay.
In glucocorticoid receptor affinity studies, the 22R form of budesonide was two times as active as
the 22S epimer. In vitro studies indicated that the two forms of budesonide do not interconvert.
Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of COPD and asthma. Corticosteroids
have a wide range of inhibitory activities against multiple cell types (eg, mast cells, eosinophils,
neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (eg, histamine, eicosanoids,
leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in allergic and nonallergic-mediated inflammation. These
anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy in COPD and asthma.
Studies in asthmatic patients have shown a favorable ratio between topical anti-inflammatory
activity and systemic corticosteroid effects over a wide range of doses of budesonide. This
is explained by a combination of a relatively high local anti-inflammatory effect, extensive
first pass hepatic degradation of orally absorbed drug (85%-95%), and the low potency of
formed metabolites.
Formoterol
Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic agonist (beta2-agonist) with a
rapid onset of action. Inhaled formoterol fumarate acts locally in the lung as a bronchodilator.
In vitro studies have shown that formoterol has more than 200-fold greater agonist activity at
beta2-receptors than at beta1-receptors. The in vitro binding selectivity to beta2- over beta1-adrenoceptors is higher for formoterol than for albuterol (5 times), whereas salmeterol has a higher
(3 times) beta2-selectivity ratio than formoterol.
Although beta2-receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle
and beta1-receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-receptors in the
human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function
of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective
beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including formoterol, are at least
in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the
conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic
AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of
release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
In vitro tests show that formoterol is an inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as
histamine and leukotrienes, from the human lung. Formoterol also inhibits histamine-induced
plasma albumin extravasation in anesthetized guinea pigs and inhibits allergen-induced eosinophil
influx in dogs with airway hyper-responsiveness. The relevance of these in vitro and animal findings
to humans is unknown.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
Asthma
Cardiovascular effects: In a single-dose cross-over study involving 201 patients with persistent
asthma, single-dose treatments of 4.5, 9, and 18 mcg of formoterol in combination with 320 mcg
of budesonide delivered via SYMBICORT were compared to budesonide 320 mcg alone. Dose-

ordered improvements in FEV1 were demonstrated when compared with budesonide. ECGs and
blood samples for glucose and potassium were obtained postdose. For SYMBICORT, small mean
increases in serum glucose and decreases in serum potassium (+0.44 mmol/L and -0.18 mmol/L at
the highest dose, respectively) were observed with increasing doses of formoterol, compared to
budesonide. In ECGs, SYMBICORT produced small dose-related mean increases in heart rate
(approximately 3 bpm at the highest dose), and QTc intervals (3-6 msec) compared to budesonide
alone. No subject had a QT or QTc value 500 msec.
In the United States, five 12-week, active- and placebo-controlled studies evaluated 2152 patients
aged 12 years and older with asthma. Systemic pharmacodynamic effects of formoterol (heart/
pulse rate, blood pressure, QTc interval, potassium, and glucose) were similar in patients treated
with SYMBICORT, compared with patients treated with formoterol dry inhalation powder 4.5 mcg,
two inhalations twice daily. No patient had a QT or QTc value 500 msec during treatment.
In three placebo-controlled studies in adolescents and adults with asthma, aged 12 years and older,
a total of 1232 patients (553 patients in the SYMBICORT group) had evaluable continuous 24-hour
electrocardiographic monitoring. Overall, there were no important differences in the occurrence of
ventricular or supraventricular ectopy and no evidence of increased risk for clinically significant
dysrhythmia in the SYMBICORT group compared to placebo.
HPA axis effects: Overall, no clinically important effects on HPA axis, as measured by 24-hour
urinary cortisol, were observed for SYMBICORT treated adult or adolescent patients at doses up to
640/18 mcg/day compared to budesonide.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
Cardiovascular effects: In 2 clinical studies, 6 months and 12 months in duration including 3668
COPD patients, no clinically important differences were seen in pulse rate, blood pressure,
potassium, and glucose between SYMBICORT, the individual components of SYMBICORT, and
placebo. [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
ECGs recorded at multiple clinic visits on treatment in both studies showed no clinically important
differences for heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, heart rate, signs of cardiac ischemia or
arrhythmias between SYMBICORT 160/4.5 the monoproducts and placebo, all administered as two
inhalations twice daily. Based on ECGs, 6 patients treated with SYMBICORT 160/4.5, 6 patients
treated with formoterol 4.5, and 6 patients in the placebo group experienced atrial fibrillation or
flutter that was not present at baseline. There were no cases of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia
in the SYMBICORT 160/4.5, formoterol 4.5, or placebo groups.
In the 12-month study, 520 patients had evaluable continuous 24-hour ECG (Holter) monitoring
prior to the first dose and after approximately 1 and 4 months on treatment. No clinically important
differences in ventricular or supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular or supraventricular ectopic
beats, or heart rate were observed among the groups treated with SYMBICORT 160/4.5, formoterol
or placebo taken as two inhalations twice daily. Based on ECG (Holter) monitoring, one patient
on SYMBICORT 160/4.5, no patients on formoterol 4.5, and three patients in the placebo group
experienced atrial fibrillation or flutter that was not present at baseline.
HPA axis effects: Twenty-four hour urinary cortisol measurements were collected in a pooled subset
(n=616) of patients from two COPD studies. The data indicated approximately 30% lower mean
24-hour urinary free cortisol values following chronic administration (>6 months) of SYMBICORT
relative to placebo. SYMBICORT appeared to exhibit comparable cortisol suppression to
budesonide 160 mcg alone or coadministration of budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg.
For patients treated with SYMBICORT or placebo for up to 12 months, the percentage of patients
who shifted from normal to low for this measure were generally comparable.
Other Budesonide Products
To confirm that systemic absorption is not a significant factor in the clinical efficacy of inhaled
budesonide, a clinical study in patients with asthma was performed comparing 400 mcg
budesonide administered via a pressurized metered dose inhaler with a tube spacer to 1400 mcg of
oral budesonide and placebo. The study demonstrated the efficacy of inhaled budesonide but not
orally ingested budesonide, despite comparable systemic levels. Thus, the therapeutic effect of
conventional doses of orally inhaled budesonide are largely explained by its direct action on the
respiratory tract.
Inhaled budesonide has been shown to decrease airway reactivity to various challenge models,
including histamine, methacholine, sodium metabisulfite, and adenosine monophosphate in
patients with hyperreactive airways. The clinical relevance of these models is not certain.
Pretreatment with inhaled budesonide, 1600 mcg daily (800 mcg twice daily) for 2 weeks reduced
the acute (early-phase reaction) and delayed (late-phase reaction) decrease in FEV1 following
inhaled allergen challenge.
The systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids are related to the systemic exposure to such drugs.
Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that in both adults and children with asthma the
systemic exposure to budesonide is lower with SYMBICORT compared with inhaled budesonide
administered at the same delivered dose via a dry powder inhaler [see Clinical Pharmacology,
Pharmacokinetics, SYMBICORT (12.3)]. Therefore, the systemic effects (HPA axis and growth) of
budesonide delivered from SYMBICORT would be expected to be no greater than what is reported
for inhaled budesonide when administered at comparable doses via the dry powder inhaler [see Use
in Specific Populations, Pediatric Use (8.4)].
HPA Axis Effects: The effects of inhaled budesonide administered via a dry powder inhaler on the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were studied in 905 adults and 404 pediatric patients
with asthma. For most patients, the ability to increase cortisol production in response to stress, as
assessed by cosyntropin (ACTH) stimulation test, remained intact with budesonide treatment at
recommended doses. For adult patients treated with 100, 200, 400, or 800 mcg twice daily for
12 weeks, 4%, 2%, 6%, and 13%, respectively, had an abnormal stimulated cortisol response (peak
cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL assessed by liquid chromatography following short-cosyntropin test) as
compared to 8% of patients treated with placebo. Similar results were obtained in pediatric patients.
In another study in adults, doses of 400, 800, and 1600 mcg of inhaled budesonide twice daily for
6 weeks were examined; 1600 mcg twice daily (twice the maximum recommended dose) resulted
in a 27% reduction in stimulated cortisol (6-hour ACTH infusion) while 10-mg prednisone resulted
in a 35% reduction. In this study, no patient on budesonide at doses of 400 and 800 mcg twice daily
met the criterion for an abnormal stimulated-cortisol response (peak cortisol <14.5 mcg/dL
assessed by liquid chromatography) following ACTH infusion. An open-label, long-term follow-up
of 1133 patients for up to 52 weeks confirmed the minimal effect on the HPA axis (both basal- and
stimulated-plasma cortisol) of budesonide when administered at recommended doses. In patients
who had previously been oral-steroiddependent, use of budesonide in recommended doses was
associated with higher stimulated-cortisol response compared to baseline following 1 year of
therapy.
Other Formoterol Products
While the pharmacodynamic effect is via stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, excessive
activation of these receptors commonly leads to skeletal muscle tremor and cramps, insomnia,
tachycardia, decreases in plasma potassium, and increases in plasma glucose. Inhaled formoterol,
like other beta2-adrenergic agonist drugs, can produce dose-related cardiovascular effects
and effects on blood glucose and/or serum potassium [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. For
SYMBICORT, these effects are detailed in the Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacodynamics,
SYMBICORT (12.2) section.
Use of long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist drugs can result in tolerance to bronchoprotective and
bronchodilatory effects.
Rebound bronchial hyperresponsiveness after cessation of chronic long-acting beta-agonist
therapy has not been observed.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
SYMBICORT
Absorption: Budesonide: Healthy Subjects: Orally inhaled budesonide is rapidly absorbed in the
lungs and peak concentration is typically reached within 20 minutes. After oral administration of
budesonide peak plasma concentration was achieved in about 1 to 2 hours and the absolute
systemic availability was 6%-13% due to extensive first pass metabolism. In contrast, most of the
budesonide delivered to the lungs was systemically absorbed. In healthy subjects, 34% of the
metered dose was deposited in the lung (as assessed by plasma concentration method and using a
budesonide-containing dry powder inhaler) with an absolute systemic availability of 39% of the
metered dose.
Following administration of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two or four inhalations twice daily) for
5 days in healthy subjects, plasma concentration of budesonide generally increased in proportion to
dose. The accumulation index for the group that received two inhalations twice daily was 1.32 for
budesonide.
Asthma Patients: In a single-dose study, higher than recommended doses of SYMBICORT
(12 inhalations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg) were administered to patients with moderate asthma.
Peak budesonide plasma concentration of 4.5 nmol/L occurred at 20 minutes following dosing.
This study demonstrated that the total systemic exposure to budesonide from SYMBICORT was
approximately 30% lower than from inhaled budesonide via a dry powder inhaler (DPI) at the same
delivered dose. Following administration of SYMBICORT, the half-life of the budesonide component
was 4.7 hours.
In a repeat dose study, the highest recommended dose of SYMBICORT (160/4.5 mcg, two
inhalations twice daily) was administered to patients with moderate asthma and healthy subjects for
1 week. Peak budesonide plasma concentration of 1.2 nmol/L occurred at 21 minutes in asthma
patients. Peak budesonide plasma concentration was 27% lower in asthma patients compared to
that in healthy subjects. However, the total systemic exposure of budesonide was comparable to
that in asthma patients.
Peak steady-state plasma concentrations of budesonide administered by DPI in adults with asthma
averaged 0.6 and 1.6 nmol/L at doses of 180 mcg and 360 mcg twice daily, respectively. In
asthmatic patients, budesonide showed a linear increase in AUC and Cmax with increasing dose after
both single and repeated dosing of inhaled budesonide.
COPD Patients: In a single-dose study, 12 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg (total dose
960/54 mcg) were administered to patients with COPD. Mean budesonide peak plasma
concentration of 3.3 nmol/L occurred at 30 minutes following dosing. Budesonide systemic
exposure was comparable between SYMBICORT pMDI and coadministration of budesonide via a
metered-dose inhaler and formoterol via a dry powder inhaler (budesonide 960 mcg and formoterol
54 mcg). In the same study, an open-label group of moderate asthma patients also received the
same higher dose of SYMBICORT. For budesonide, COPD patients exhibited 12% greater AUC and
10% lower Cmax compared to asthma patients.
In the 6 month pivotal clinical study, steady-state pharmacokinetic data of budesonide was
obtained in a subset of COPD patients with treatment arms of SYMBICORT pMDI 160/4.5 mcg,
SYMBICORT pMDI 80/4.5 mcg, budesonide 160 mcg, budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg
given together, all administered as two inhalations twice daily. Budesonide systemic exposure
(AUC and Cmax) increased proportionally with doses from 80 mcg to 160 mcg and was
generally similar between the 3 treatment groups receiving the same dose of budesonide
(SYMBICORT pMDI 160/4.5 mcg, budesonide 160 mcg, budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol
4.5 mcg administered together).
Formoterol:
Inhaled formoterol is rapidly absorbed; peak plasma concentrations are typically reached at the first
plasma sampling time, within 5-10 minutes after dosing. As with many drug products for oral
inhalation, it is likely that the majority of the inhaled formoterol delivered is swallowed and then
absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Healthy Subjects: Following administration of SYMBICORT (160/4.5 mcg, two or four inhalations
twice daily) for 5 days in healthy subjects, plasma concentration of formoterol generally increased
in proportion to dose. The accumulation index for the group that received two inhalations twice
daily was 1.77 for formoterol.

Asthma patients: In a single-dose study, higher than recommended doses of SYMBICORT
(12 inhalations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg) were administered to patients with moderate asthma.
Peak plasma concentration for formoterol of 136 pmol occurred at 10 minutes following dosing.
Approximately 8% of the delivered dose of formoterol was recovered in the urine as unchanged
drug.
In a repeat dose study, the highest recommended dose of SYMBICORT (160/4.5 mcg, two
inhalations twice daily) was administered to patients with moderate asthma and healthy subjects for
1 week. Peak formoterol plasma concentration of 28 pmol/L occurred at 10 minutes in asthma
patients. Peak formoterol plasma concentration was about 42% lower in asthma patients compared
to that in healthy subjects. However, the total systemic exposure of formoterol was comparable to
that in asthma patients.
COPD patients: Following single-dose administration of 12 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5, mean
peak formoterol plasma concentration of 167 pmol/L was rapidly achieved at 15 minutes after
dosing. Formoterol exposure was slightly greater (~16-18%) from SYMBICORT pMDI compared to
coadministration of budesonide via a metered-dose inhaler and formoterol via a dry powder inhaler
(total dose of budesonide 960 mcg and formoterol 54 mcg). In the same study, an open label group
of moderate asthma patients received the same dose of SYMBICORT. COPD patients exhibited
12-15% greater AUC and Cmax for formoterol compared to asthma patients.
In the 6 month pivotal clinical study, steady-state pharmacokinetic data of formoterol was obtained
in a subset of COPD patients with treatment arms of SYMBICORT pMDI 160/4.5 mcg, SYMBICORT
pMDI 80/4.5. mcg, formoterol 4.5 mcg, budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg given
together, all administered as two inhalations twice daily. The systemic exposure of formoterol as
evidenced by AUC, was about 30% and 16% higher from SYMBICORT pMDI compared to
formoterol alone treatment arm and coadministration of individual components of budesonide and
formoterol treatment arm, respectively.
Distribution: Budesonide: The volume of distribution of budesonide was approximately 3 L/kg. It
was 85%-90% bound to plasma proteins. Protein binding was constant over the concentration
range (1-100 nmol/L) achieved with, and exceeding, recommended inhaled doses. Budesonide
showed little or no binding to corticosteroid binding globulin. Budesonide rapidly equilibrated with
red blood cells in a concentration independent manner with a blood plasma ratio of about 0.8.
Formoterol: Over the concentration range of 10-500 nmol/L, plasma protein binding for the RR and
SS enantiomers of formoterol was 46% and 58%, respectively. The concentrations of formoterol
used to assess the plasma protein binding were higher than those achieved in plasma following
inhalation of a single 54 mcg dose.
Metabolism: Budesonide: In vitro studies with human liver homogenates have shown that
budesonide was rapidly and extensively metabolized. Two major metabolites formed via cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) catalyzed biotransformation have been isolated and
identified as 16-hydroxyprednisolone and 6-hydroxybudesonide. The corticosteroid activity of
each of these two metabolites was less than 1% of that of the parent compound. No qualitative
differences between the in vitro and in vivo metabolic patterns were detected. Negligible metabolic
inactivation was observed in human lung and serum preparations.
Formoterol: The primary metabolism of formoterol is by direct glucuronidation and by O-demethylation followed by conjugation to inactive metabolites. Secondary metabolic pathways include
deformylation and sulfate conjugation. CYP2D6 and CYP2C have been identified as being primarily
responsible for O-demethylation.
Elimination: Budesonide: Budesonide was excreted in urine and feces in the form of metabolites.
Approximately 60% of an intravenous radiolabeled dose was recovered in the urine.
No unchanged budesonide was detected in the urine. The 22R form of budesonide was preferentially cleared by the liver with systemic clearance of 1.4 L/min vs 1.0 L/min for the 22S form. The
terminal half-life, 2 to 3 hours, was the same for both epimers and was independent of dose.
Formoterol: The excretion of formoterol was studied in four healthy subjects following
simultaneous administration of radiolabeled formoterol via the oral and IV routes. In that study,
62% of the radiolabeled formoterol was excreted in the urine while 24% was eliminated in the feces.
Special Populations
Geriatric
The pharmacokinetics of SYMBICORT in geriatric patients have not been specifically studied.
Pediatric
Plasma concentrations of budesonide were measured following administration of four inhalations
of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg in a single-dose study in pediatric patients with asthma, 6-11 years of
age. Urine was collected for determination of formoterol excretion. Peak budesonide concentrations
of 1.4 nmol/L occurred at 20 minutes post-dose. Approximately 3.5% of the delivered formoterol
dose was recovered in the urine as unchanged formoterol. This study also demonstrated that the
total systemic exposure to budesonide from SYMBICORT was approximately 30% lower than from
inhaled budesonide via a dry powder inhaler that was also evaluated at the same delivered dose.
Gender/Race
Specific studies to examine the effects of gender and race on the pharmacokinetics of SYMBICORT
have not been conducted. Population PK analysis of the SYMBICORT data indicates that gender
does not affect the pharmacokinetics of budesonide and formoterol. No conclusions can be drawn
on the effect of race due to the low number of non-Caucasians evaluated for PK.
Nursing Mothers
The disposition of budesonide when delivered by inhalation from a dry powder inhaler at doses of
200 or 400 mcg twice daily for at least 3 months was studied in eight lactating women with asthma
from 1 to 6 months postpartum. Systemic exposure to budesonide in these women appears to be
comparable to that in non-lactating women with asthma from other studies. Breast milk obtained
over eight hours post-dose revealed that the maximum concentration of budesonide for the 400 and
800 mcg total daily doses was 0.39 and 0.78 nmol/L, respectively, and occurred within 45 minutes
after dosing. The estimated oral daily dose of budesonide from breast milk to the infant is
approximately 0.007 and 0.014 mcg/kg/day for the two dose regimens used in this study, which
represents approximately 0.3% to 1% of the dose inhaled by the mother. Budesonide levels
in plasma samples obtained from five infants at about 90 minutes after breastfeeding (and about
140 minutes after drug administration to the mother) were below quantifiable levels
(<0.02 nmol/L in four infants and <0.04 nmol/L in one infant) [see Use in Specific Populations,
Nursing Mothers (8.3)].
Renal or Hepatic Insufficiency
There are no data regarding the specific use of SYMBICORT in patients with hepatic or renal
impairment. Reduced liver function may affect the elimination of corticosteroids. Budesonide
pharmacokinetics was affected by compromised liver function as evidenced by a doubled systemic
availability after oral ingestion. The intravenous budesonide pharmacokinetics was, however,
similar in cirrhotic patients and in healthy subjects. Specific data with formoterol is not available,
but because formoterol is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, an increased exposure can
be expected in patients with severe liver impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions
A single-dose crossover study was conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics of eight inhalations
of the following: budesonide, formoterol, and budesonide plus formoterol administered concurrently. The results of the study indicated that there was no evidence of a pharmacokinetic interaction
between the two components of SYMBICORT.
Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes
Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4
(CYP3A4), the main metabolic enzyme for corticosteroids, increased plasma levels of orally
ingested budesonide.
Cimetidine: At recommended doses, cimetidine, a non-specific inhibitor of CYP enzymes, had a
slight but clinically insignificant effect on the pharmacokinetics of oral budesonide.
Specific drug-drug interaction studies with formoterol have not been performed.
13
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Budesonide
Long-term studies were conducted in rats and mice using oral administration to evaluate the
carcinogenic potential of budesonide.
In a 2-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, budesonide caused a statistically significant increase
in the incidence of gliomas in male rats at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg (less than the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). No tumorigenicity was seen in
male and female rats at respective oral doses up to 25 and 50 mcg/kg (less than the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). In two additional 2-year studies in
male Fischer and Sprague-Dawley rats, budesonide caused no gliomas at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg
(less than the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). However,
in the male Sprague-Dawley rats, budesonide caused a statistically significant increase in
the incidence of hepatocellular tumors at an oral dose of 50 mcg/kg (less than the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). The concurrent reference corticosteroids (prednisolone and triamcinolone acetonide) in these two studies showed similar findings.
In a 91-week study in mice, budesonide caused no treatment-related carcinogenicity at oral doses
up to 200 mcg/kg (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Budesonide was not mutagenic or clastogenic in six different test systems: Ames
Salmonella/microsome plate test, mouse micronucleus test, mouse lymphoma test, chromosome
aberration test in human lymphocytes, sex-linked recessive lethal test in Drosophila melanogaster,
and DNA repair analysis in rat hepatocyte culture.
In rats, budesonide had no effect on fertility at subcutaneous doses up to 80 mcg/kg (approximately
equal to the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). However, it
caused a decrease in prenatal viability and viability in the pups at birth and during lactation, along
with a decrease in maternal body-weight gain, at subcutaneous doses of 20 mcg/kg and above (less
than the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). No such effects
were noted at 5 mcg/kg (less than the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a
mcg/m2 basis).
Formoterol
Long-term studies were conducted in mice using oral administration and rats using inhalation
administration to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of formoterol fumarate.
In a 24-month carcinogenicity study in CD-1 mice, formoterol at oral doses of 0.1 mg/kg and above
(approximately 20 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2
basis) caused a dose-related increase in the incidence of uterine leiomyomas.
In a 24-month carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, an increased incidence of mesovarian
leiomyoma and uterine leiomyosarcoma were observed at the inhaled dose of 130 mcg/kg
basis). No tumors were seen at 22 mcg/kg (approximately 10 times the maximum recommended
human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Other beta-agonist drugs have similarly demonstrated increases in leiomyomas of the genital tract
in female rodents. The relevance of these findings to human use is unknown.
Formoterol was not mutagenic or clastogenic in Ames Salmonella/microsome plate test, mouse
lymphoma test, chromosome aberration test in human lymphocytes, and rat micronucleus test.
A reduction in fertility and/or reproductive performance was identified in male rats treated with
formoterol at an oral dose of 15 mg/kg (approximately 7000 times the maximum recommended
human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). In a separate study with male rats treated with an
oral dose of 15 mg/kg (approximately 7000 times the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis), there were findings of testicular tubular atrophy and spermatic
debris in the testes and oligospermia in the epididymides. No such effect was seen at 3 mg/kg
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Preclinical: Studies in laboratory animals (minipigs, rodents, and dogs) have demonstrated the
occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial
necrosis) when beta-agonists and methylxanthines are administered concurrently. The clinical
significance of these findings is unknown.
Reproductive Toxicology Studies:
SYMBICORT
SYMBICORT has been shown to be teratogenic and embryocidal in rats when given at inhalation
doses of 12/0.66 mcg/kg (budesonide/formoterol) and above (less than the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). Umbilical hernia, a malformation,
was observed for fetuses at doses of 12/0.66 mcg/kg and above (less than the maximum
recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). No teratogenic or embryocidal
effects were detected at 2.5/0.14 mcg/kg (less than the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Budesonide
As with other corticosteroids, budesonide has been shown to be teratogenic and embryocidal in
rabbits and rats. Budesonide produced fetal loss, decreased pup weight, and skeletal abnormalities
at subcutaneous doses of 25 mcg/kg/day in rabbits (less than the maximum recommended human
daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis) and 500 mcg/kg/day in rats (approximately 6 times the
maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). In another study in rats,
no teratogenic or embryocidal effects were seen at inhalation doses up to 250 mcg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Formoterol
Formoterol fumarate has been shown to be teratogenic, embryocidal, to increase pup loss at birth
and during lactation, and to decrease pup weights in rats when given at oral doses of 3 mg/kg/day
and above (approximately 1400 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on
a mcg/m2 basis). Umbilical hernia, a malformation, was observed in rat fetuses at oral doses of
3 mg/kg/day and above (approximately 1400 times the maximum recommended human daily
inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). Brachygnathia, a skeletal malformation, was observed in rat
fetuses at an oral dose of 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 7000 times the maximum recommended
human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis). Pregnancy was prolonged at an oral dose of
15 mg/kg/day (approximately 7000 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose
on a mcg/m2 basis). In another study in rats, no teratogenic effects were seen at inhalation doses
up to 1.2 mg/kg/day (approximately 500 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation
dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
Formoterol fumarate has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits when given at an oral dose of
60 mg/kg (approximately 54,000 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose
on a mcg/m2 basis). Subcapsular cysts on the liver were observed in rabbit fetuses at an oral dose
of 60 mg/kg (approximately 54,000 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose
on a mcg/m2 basis). No teratogenic effects were observed at oral doses up to 3.5 mg/kg (approximately 3200 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
14
CLINICAL STUDIES
14.1 Asthma
SYMBICORT has been studied in patients with asthma 12 years of age and older. In two clinical
studies comparing SYMBICORT with the individual components, improvements in most efficacy
end points were greater with SYMBICORT than with the use of either budesonide or formoterol
alone. In addition, one clinical study showed similar results between SYMBICORT and the
concurrent use of budesonide and formoterol at corresponding doses from separate inhalers.
The safety and efficacy of SYMBICORT were demonstrated in two randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled US clinical studies involving 1076 patients 12 years of age and older. Fixed
SYMBICORT dosages of 160/9 mcg, and 320/9 mcg twice daily (each dose administered as two
inhalations of the 80/4.5 and 160/4.5 mcg strengths, respectively) were compared with
the monocomponents (budesonide and formoterol) and placebo to provide information about
appropriate dosing to cover a range of asthma severity.
Study 1: Clinical Study with SYMBICORT 160/4.5
This 12-week study evaluated 596 patients 12 years of age and older by comparing
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, the free combination of budesonide 160 mcg plus formoterol 4.5 mcg
in separate inhalers, budesonide 160 mcg, formoterol 4.5 mcg, and placebo; each administered
as two inhalations twice daily. The study included a 2-week run-in period with budesonide 80 mcg,
two inhalations twice daily. Most patients had moderate to severe asthma and were using moderate
to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids prior to study entry. Randomization was stratified by
previous inhaled corticosteroid treatment (71.6% on moderate- and 28.4% on high-dose inhaled
corticosteroid). Mean percent predicted FEV1 at baseline was 68.1% and was similar across
treatment groups. The coprimary efficacy end points were 12-hour-average postdose FEV1 at week
2, and predose FEV1 averaged over the course of the study. The study also required that patients
who satisfied a predefined asthma-worsening criterion be withdrawn. The predefined asthmaworsening criteria were a clinically important decrease in FEV1 or peak expiratory flow (PEF),
increase in rescue albuterol use, nighttime awakening due to asthma, emergency intervention or
hospitalization due to asthma, or requirement for asthma medication not allowed by the protocol.
For the criterion of nighttime awakening due to asthma, patients were allowed to remain in the study
at the discretion of the investigator if none of the other asthma-worsening criteria were met. The
percentage of patients withdrawing due to or meeting predefined criteria for worsening asthma is
shown in Table 3.
Table 3 The number and percentage of patients withdrawing due to or meeting predefined criteria
for worsening asthma (Study 1)
SYMBICORT Budesonide
Budesonide Formoterol Placebo
160/4.5 mcg 160 mcg
160 mcg
4.5 mcg
n=125
n=124
plus Formoterol n=109
n=123
4.5 mcg
n=115
Patients withdrawn
13 (10.5)
13 (11.3)
22 (20.2)
44 (35.8) 62 (49.6)
due to predefined
asthma event*
Patients with a
37 (29.8)
24 (20.9)
48 (44.0)
68 (55.3) 84 (67.2)
predefined asthma
event*
Decrease in FEV1
4 (3.2)
8 (7.0)
7 (6.4)
15 (12.2) 14 (11.2)
Rescue medication use 2 (1.6)
0
3 (2.8)
3 (2.4)
7 (5.6)
Decrease in AM PEF
2 (1.6)
5 (4.3)
5 (4.6)
17 (13.8) 15 (12.0)
Nighttime awakenings 24 (19.4)
11 (9.6)
29 (26.6)
32 (26.0) 49 (39.2)
Clinical exacerbation
7 (5.6)
6 (5.2)
5 (4.6)
17 (13.8) 16 (12.8)
* These criteria were assessed on a daily basis irrespective of the timing of the clinic visit, with the exception of FEV1, which was
assessed at each clinic visit.
Individual criteria are shown for patients meeting any predefined asthma event, regardless of withdrawal status.
For the criterion of nighttime awakening due to asthma, patients were allowed to remain in the study at the discretion of the
investigator if none of the other criteria were met.
Mean percent change from baseline in FEV1 measured immediately prior to dosing (predose) over
12 weeks is displayed in Figure 1. Because this study used predefined withdrawal criteria for
worsening asthma, which caused a differential withdrawal rate in the treatment groups, predose
FEV1 results at the last available study visit (end of treatment, EOT) are also provided. Patients
receiving SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg had significantly greater mean improvements from baseline in
predose FEV1 at the end of treatment (0.19 L, 9.4%), compared with budesonide 160 mcg (0.10 L,
4.9%), formoterol 4.5 mcg (-0.12 L, -4.8%), and placebo (-0.17 L, -6.9%).
Figure 1 - Mean Percent Change From Baseline in Pre-dose FEV1 Over 12 Weeks (Study 1)
15
Percent change from baseline in predose FEV 1
basis). No effect on fertility was detected in female rats at doses up to 15 mg/kg (approximately
7000 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mcg/m2 basis).
10
-5
-10
4
10
12
124
109
123
115
125
117
108
114
111
116
107
90
83
102
70
100
79
68
92
56
117
108
114
111
116
Week
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg
Budesonide 160 mcg
Formoterol 4.5 mcg
Budes 160 + Form 4.5 mcg
Placebo
End of
Treatment
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

Budesonide 160 mcg, two inhalations twice daily
Formoterol 4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily
Budesonide 160 mcg + Formoterol 4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily
Placebo
The effect of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg two inhalations twice daily on selected secondary efficacy
variables, including morning and evening PEF, albuterol rescue use, and asthma symptoms over 24
hours on a 0-3 scale is shown in Table 4.
Table 4 Mean values for selected secondary efficacy variables (Study 1)
Efficacy
SYMBICORT Budesonide
Budesonide Formoterol Placebo
Variable
160/4.5
160 mcg plus 160 mcg
4.5 mcg
(n*=125)
(n*=124)
Formoterol
(n*=109)
(n*=123)
4.5 mcg
(n*=115)
AM PEF (L/min)
Baseline
341
338
342
339
355
Change from Baseline
35
28
9
-9
-18
PM PEF (L/min)
Baseline
351
348
357
354
369
34
26
7
-7
-18
Albuterol rescue use
Baseline
2.1
2.3
2.7
2.5
2.4
-1.0
-1.5
-0.8
-0.3
0.8
Average symptom
score/day (0-3 scale)
Baseline
0.99
1.03
1.04
1.04
1.08
-0.28
-0.32
-0.14
-0.05
0.10
* Number of patients (n) varies slightly due to the number of patients for whom data were available for each variable. Results
shown are based on last available data for each variable.
Patients withdrawn
due to predefined
asthma event*
Patients with a
predefined asthma event*
Decrease in FEV1
Rescue medication use
Decrease in AM PEF
Nighttime awakening
Clinical exacerbation
SYMBICORT
80/4.5
(n=123)
Budesonide
80 mcg
(n=121)
Formoterol
4.5 mcg
(n=114)
Placebo
(n=122)
9 (7.3)
8 (6.6)
21 (18.4)
40 (32.8)
23 (18.7)
26 (21.5)
3 (2.4)
1 (0.8)
3 (2.4)
17 (13.8)
1 (0.8)
48 (42.1)
3 (2.5)
3 (2.5)
1 (0.8)
20 (16.5)
3 (2.5)
69 (56.6)
11 (9.6)
1 (0.9)
8 (7.0)
31 (27.2)
5 (4.4)
9 (7.4)
3 (2.5)
14 (11.5)
52 (42.6)
20 (16.4)
* These criteria were assessed on a daily basis irrespective of the timing of the clinic visit, with the exception of FEV1, which was
assessed at each clinic visit.
Individual criteria are shown for patients meeting any predefined asthma event, regardless of withdrawal status.
For the criterion of nighttime awakening due to asthma, patients were allowed to remain in the study at the discretion of the
investigator if none of the other criteria were met.
Mean percent change from baseline in predose FEV1 over 12 weeks is displayed in Figure 2.
Figure 2 - Mean Percent Change From Baseline in Pre-dose FEV1 Over 12 Weeks (Study 2)
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2
123
121
114
122
122
116
105
111
114
107
89
80
108
107
80
62
122
116
105
111
10
12
Week
SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg
Budesonide 80 mcg
Formoterol 4.5 mcg
Placebo
End of
Treatment

Placebo
Efficacy results for other secondary end points, including quality of life, were similar to those
observed in Study 1.
Onset and Duration of Action and Progression of Improvement in Asthma Control
The onset of action and progression of improvement in asthma control were evaluated in the two
pivotal clinical studies. The median time to onset of clinically significant bronchodilation (>15%
improvement in FEV1) was seen within 15 minutes. Maximum improvement in FEV1 occurred within
3 hours, and clinically significant improvement was maintained over 12 hours. Figures 3 and
4 show the percent change from baseline in post-dose FEV1 over 12 hours on the day of randomization and on the last day of treatment for Study 1.
Reduction in asthma symptoms and in albuterol rescue use, as well as improvement in morning
and evening PEF, occurred within 1 day of the first dose of SYMBICORT; improvement in these
variables was maintained over the 12 weeks of therapy.
Following the initial dose of SYMBICORT, FEV1 improved markedly during the first 2 weeks of
treatment, continued to show improvement at the Week 6 assessment, and was maintained through
Week 12 for both studies.
No diminution in the 12-hour bronchodilator effect was observed with either SYMBICORT
80/4.5 mcg or SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, as assessed by FEV1, following 12 weeks of therapy or at
the last available visit.
FEV1 data from Study 1 evaluating SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg is displayed in Figures 3 and 4.
10
Figure 3 - Mean Percent Change From Baseline in FEV1 on Day of Randomization (Study 1)
Percent change from baseline in FEV 1 over 12 hours
25
20
15
10
-5
-10
0
10
11
12
Hours
Placebo
Figure 4 - Mean Percent Change From Baseline in FEV1 At End of Treatment (Study 1)
25
Percent change from baseline in FEV 1 over 12 hours
The subjective impact of asthma on patients health-related quality of life was evaluated through the
use of the standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ(S)) (based on a 7-point scale
where 1 = maximum impairment and 7 = no impairment). Patients receiving SYMBICORT 160/4.5
had clinically meaningful improvement in overall asthma-specific quality of life, as defined by a
mean difference between treatment groups of >0.5 points in change from baseline in overall AQLQ
score (difference in AQLQ score of 0.70 [95% CI 0.47, 0.93], compared to placebo).
Study 2: Clinical Study with SYMBICORT 80/4.5
This 12-week study was similar in design to Study 1, and included 480 patients 12 years of age and
older. This study compared SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg, budesonide 80 mcg, formoterol 4.5 mcg, and
placebo; each administered as two inhalations twice daily. The study included a 2-week placebo runin period. Most patients had mild to moderate asthma and were using low to moderate doses of
inhaled corticosteroids prior to study entry. Mean percent predicted FEV1 at baseline was 71.3%
and was similar across treatment groups. Efficacy variables and end points were identical to those
in Study 1.
The percentage of patients withdrawing due to or meeting predefined criteria for worsening asthma
is shown in Table 5. The method of assessment and criteria used were identical to that in Study 1.
Table 5 The number and percentage of patients withdrawing due to or meeting predefined criteria
for worsening asthma (Study 2)
20
15
10
-5
-10
0
10
11
12
Hours
Day 1
Predose
FEV 1

Placebo
Final visit (E OT)

Predose FEV 1

The efficacy of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 in the maintenance treatment of
airflow obstruction in COPD patients was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled multinational studies, conducted over 6 months (Study 1) and 12 months (Study 2), in a
total of 3668 patients (2416 males and 1252 females). The majority of patients (93%) were
Caucasian. All patients were required to be at least 40 years of age, with a FEV1 of less than or equal
to 50% predicted, a clinical diagnosis of COPD with symptoms for at least 2 years, and a smoking
history of at least 10 pack years, prior to entering the trial. The mean prebronchodilator FEV1 at
baseline of the patients enrolled in the study was 34% predicted. Forty-eight percent of the patients
enrolled were on inhaled corticosteroids and 52.7% of patients were on short-acting anticholinergic
bronchodilators during run-in. On randomization, inhaled corticosteroids were discontinued, and
ipratropium bromide was allowed at a stable dose for those patients previously treated with shortacting anticholinergic bronchodilators. The co-primary efficacy variables in both studies were the
change from baseline in average pre-dose and 1-hour post-dose FEV1 over the treatment period.
The results of both studies 1 and 2 are described below.
Study 1
This was a 6-month, placebo-controlled study of 1704 COPD patients (mean % predicted FEV1 at
baseline ranging from 33.5% -34.7%) conducted to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of
SYMBICORT in the treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD. The patients were randomized to one
of the following treatment groups: SYMBICORT 160/4.5 (n=277), SYMBICORT 80/4.5 (n=281),
budesonide 160 mcg + formoterol 4.5 mcg (n=287), budesonide 160 mcg (n=275), formoterol
4.5 mcg (n=284), or placebo (n=300). Patients receiving SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations
twice daily, had significantly greater mean improvements from baseline in pre-dose FEV1 averaged
over the treatment period [0.08 L, 10.7%] compared with formoterol 4.5 mcg [0.04 L, 6.9%] and
placebo [0.01 L, 2.2%] (See Figure 5). Patients receiving SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg, two inhalations
twice daily, did not have significantly greater improvement from baseline in the pre-dose FEV1
averaged over the treatment period compared with formoterol 4.5 mcg.
Figure 5 - Mean Percent Change From Baseline in Pre-dose FEV1 Over 6 months (Study 1)
15
10
-5
0
N
Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg
275
Budesonide 160 mcg
274
Formoterol 4.5 mcg
283
Budes 160+Form 4.5 mcg 286
Placebo
299
N
266
262
263
278
266
N
259
242
250
267
245
Month
End of
Treatment
7
N
250
227
235
253
238
N
238
210
223
238
230
N
266
265
263
279
270
SYMBICORT MDI 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

Placebo

Patients receiving SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily, had significantly greater
mean improvements from baseline in 1-hour post-dose FEV1 averaged over the treatment period
[0.20 L, 22.6%], compared with budesonide 160 mcg [0.03 L, 4.9%] and placebo [0.03 L, 4.1%]
(See Figure 6)
Figure 6 Mean Percent Change From Baseline in 1-hour Post-dose FEV1 Over 6 months (Study 1)
30
25
20
15
10
Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg

Budesonide 160 mcg
Formoterol 4.5 mcg
Budes 160+Form 4.5 mcg
Placebo
N
271
274
282
283
298
N
267
255
259
277
262
N
257
241
248
267
243
Month
N
250
224
234
252
238
N
237
210
221
239
230
End of
Treatment
7
N
275
274
283
286
299
SYMBICORT MDI 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

Placebo
Study 2
This was a 12-month, placebo-controlled study of 1964 COPD patients (mean % predicted FEV1 at
baseline ranging from 33.7% -35.5%) conducted to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of
SYMBICORT in the treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD. The patients were randomized to one
of the following treatment groups: SYMBICORT 160/4.5 (n=494), SYMBICORT 80/4.5 (n=494),
formoterol 4.5 mcg (n=495), or placebo (n=48l). Patients receiving SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two
inhalations twice daily, had significantly greater improvements from baseline in mean pre-dose
FEV1 averaged over the treatment period [0.10 L, 10.8%] compared with formoterol 4.5 mcg
[0.06 L, 7.2%] and placebo [0.01 L, 2.8%]. Patients receiving SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg, two
inhalations twice daily, did not have significantly greater improvements from baseline in the mean
pre-dose FEV1 averaged over the treatment period compared to formoterol. Patients receiving
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily, also had significantly greater mean improvements from baseline in 1-hour post-dose FEV1 averaged over the treatment period [0.21 L, 24.0%]
compared with placebo [0.02 L, 5.2%].
Serial FEV1 measures over 12 hours were obtained in a subset of patients in Study 1 (n=99) and
Study 2 (n=121). The median time to onset of bronchodilation, defined as an FEV1 increase of 15%
or greater from baseline, occurred at 5 minutes post-dose. Maximum improvement (calculated as
the average change from baseline at each timepoint) in FEV1 occurred at approximately 2 hours
post-dose.
In both Studies 1 and 2, improvements in secondary endpoints of morning and evening peak
expiratory flow and reduction in rescue medication use were supportive of the efficacy of
SYMBICORT 160/4.5.
16
HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

SYMBICORT is available in two strengths and is supplied in the following package sizes:
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Package Size
NDC
SYMBICORT
80/4.5,
120 inhalations
0186-0372-20
SYMBICORT
80/4.5,
60 inhalations (institutional pack)
0186-0372-28
SYMBICORT
160/4.5,
120 inhalations
0186-0370-20
SYMBICORT
160/4.5,
60 inhalations (institutional pack)
0186-0370-28
Each strength is supplied as a pressurized aluminium canister with an attached counting device, a
red plastic actuator body with a white mouthpiece, and attached gray dust cap. Each 120 inhalation
canister has a net fill weight of 10.2 grams and each 60 inhalation canister has a net fill weight of
6.9 grams (SYMBICORT 80/4.5) or 6 grams (SYMBICORT 160/4.5). Each canister is packaged in a
foil overwrap pouch with desiccant sachet and placed into a carton. Each carton contains one
canister and a Medication Guide.
The SYMBICORT canister should only be used with the SYMBICORT actuator, and the SYMBICORT
actuator should not be used with any other inhalation drug product.
The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be ensured after the labeled number of
inhalations from the canister have been used, even though the inhaler may not feel completely
empty and may continue to operate. The inhaler should be discarded when the labeled number of
inhalations have been used or within 3 months after removal from the foil pouch. Never immerse
the canister into water to determine the amount remaining in the canister (float test).
Store at controlled room temperature 20C to 25C (68F to 77F) [see USP]. Store the inhaler with
the mouthpiece down.
For best results, the canister should be at room temperature before use. Shake well for 5 seconds
before using.
Keep out of the reach of children.
CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE.
Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures over
120F may cause bursting. Never throw container into fire or incinerator.
17
11
PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
See Medication Guide (17.6)

Patients with asthma should be informed that formoterol fumarate dihydrate, one of the active
ingredients in SYMBICORT, increases the risk of asthma-related death and may increase the
risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. They should also be
informed that currently available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of
inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs mitigates the increased risk of
asthma-related death from LABA.
17.2 Not for Acute Symptoms
SYMBICORT is not meant to relieve acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations of COPD and extra
doses should not be used for that purpose. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled,
short-acting beta2-agonist such as albuterol. (The physician should provide the patient with such
medication and instruct the patient in how it should be used.)
Patients should be instructed to notify their physician immediately if they experience any of the
following:
Decreasing effectiveness of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
Need for more inhalations than usual of inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists
Significant decrease in lung function as outlined by the physician
Patients should not stop therapy with SYMBICORT without physician/provider guidance since
symptoms may recur after discontinuation.
17.3 Do Not Use Additional Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
When patients are prescribed SYMBICORT, other long-acting beta2-agonists for asthma and COPD
should not be used.
17.4 Risks Associated With Corticosteroid Therapy
Local Effects: Patients should be advised that localized infections with Candida albicans occurred in
the mouth and pharynx in some patients. If oropharyngeal candidiasis develops, it should be treated
with appropriate local or systemic (i.e., oral) antifungal therapy while still continuing therapy with
SYMBICORT, but at times therapy with SYMBICORT may need to be temporarily interrupted under
close medical supervision. Rinsing the mouth after inhalation is advised.
Pneumonia: Patients with COPD have a higher risk of pneumonia and should be instructed to
contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of pneumonia.
Immunosuppression: Patients who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be
warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles and, if exposed, to consult their physician
without delay. Patients should be informed of potential worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal,
bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex.
Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression: Patients should be advised that SYMBICORT may cause
systemic corticosteroid effects of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Additionally, patients
should be instructed that deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred during and after transfer
from systemic corticosteroids. Patients should taper slowly from systemic corticosteroids if
transferring to SYMBICORT.
Reduction in Bone Mineral Density: Patients who are at an increased risk for decreased BMD should
be advised that the use of corticosteroids may pose an additional risk.
Reduced Growth Velocity: Patients should be informed that orally inhaled corticosteroids,
component of SYMBICORT, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered to
pediatric patients. Physicians should closely follow the growth of children and adolescents taking
corticosteroids by any route.
Ocular Effects: Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of some eye
problems (cataracts or glaucoma); regular eye examinations should be considered.
17.5 Risks Associated With Beta-Agonist Therapy
Patients should be informed of adverse effects associated with beta2-agonists, such as palpitations,
chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor, or nervousness.
17.6 Medication Guide
SYMBICORT is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

AstraZeneca 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012
Manufactured for: AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850
By: AstraZeneca Dunkerque Production, Dunkerque, France
Product of France
Rev. 5/12 2791103 8/13
SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol) Inhalation Aerosol Medication Guide
SYMBICORT 80/4.5
Inhalation Aerosol
SYMBICORT 160/4.5
Inhalation Aerosol
12
It is not known if SYMBICORT is safe and effective in children ages 6 to less than
12 years of age with asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.
SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg is used long term, 2 times each day to help improve lung
function for better breathing in adults with COPD.
Who should not use SYMBICORT?
Read the Medication Guide that comes with SYMBICORT before you start using it and
each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does Do not use SYMBICORT:
not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition to treat sudden severe symptoms of asthma or COPD.
if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT. See the end of the
or treatment.
Medication Guide for a list of ingredients in SYMBICORT.
What is the most important information I should know

about SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT can cause serious side effects, including:

1. People with asthma who take long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA)
medicines such as formoterol (one of the medicines in SYMBICORT) have an
increased risk of death from asthma problems. It is not known whether
budesonide, the other medicine in SYMBICORT, reduces the risk of death from
asthma problems seen with formoterol.
Call your healthcare provider if breathing problems worsen over time while
using SYMBICORT. You may need different treatment.
Get emergency medical care if:
breathing problems worsen quickly, and
you use your rescue inhaler medicine, but it does not relieve your breathing
problems.
2. SYMBICORT should be used only if your healthcare provider decides that your
asthma is not well controlled with a long-term asthma-control medicine, such
as an inhaled corticosteroid.
3. When your asthma is well controlled, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop
taking SYMBICORT. Your healthcare provider will decide if you can stop
SYMBICORT without loss of asthma control. Your healthcare provider may
prescribe a different long-term asthma-control medicine for you, such as an
inhaled corticosteroid.
4. Children and adolescents who take LABA medicines may have an increased risk of
being hospitalized for asthma problems.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using

SYMBICORT?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you:
have heart problems
have high blood pressure
have seizures
have thyroid problems
have diabetes
have liver problems
have osteoporosis
have an immune system problem
have eye problems such as increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma, or cataracts
are allergic to any medicines
are exposed to chicken pox or measles
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if SYMBICORT
may harm your unborn baby.
are breastfeeding. Budesonide, one of the active ingredients in SYMBICORT,
passes into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will
take SYMBICORT while breast-feeding.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription
and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. SYMBICORT and
certain other medicines may interact with each other. This may cause serious side
effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take antifungal and anti-HIV
medicines.
Know all the medicines you take. Keep a list and show it to your healthcare provider
and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
What is SYMBICORT?
How do I use SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT combines an inhaled corticosteroid medicine, budesonide (the same

medicine found in PULMICORT FLEXHALER), and a long-acting beta2-agonist
medicine (LABA), formoterol (the same medicine found in FORADIL AEROLIZER).
Inhaled corticosteroids help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation
in the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms.
LABA medicines are used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and asthma. LABA medicines help the muscles around the airways in your
lungs stay relaxed to prevent asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness
of breath. These symptoms can happen when the muscles around the airways
tighten. This makes it hard to breathe. In severe cases, wheezing can stop your
breathing and may lead to death if not treated right away.
SYMBICORT is used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as
follows:
See the step-by-step instructions for using SYMBICORT at the end of this
Medication Guide. Do not use SYMBICORT unless your healthcare provider has
taught you and you understand everything. Ask your healthcare provider or
pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use SYMBICORT exactly as prescribed. Do not use SYMBICORT more often than
prescribed. SYMBICORT comes in 2 strengths. Your healthcare provider has
prescribed the strength that is best for you. Note the differences between
SYMBICORT and your other inhaled medications, including the differences in
prescribed use and physical appearance.
SYMBICORT should be taken every day as 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the
evening.
If you miss a dose of SYMBICORT, you should take your next dose at the same
time you normally do. Do not take SYMBICORT more often or use more puffs than
you have been prescribed.
Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out after each dose (2 puffs) of
SYMBICORT. Do not swallow the water. This will help to lessen the chance of
getting a fungus infection (thrush) in the mouth and throat.
Do not spray SYMBICORT in your eyes. If you accidentally get SYMBICORT in your
eyes, rinse your eyes with water, and if redness or irritation persists, consult your
healthcare provider.
Do not change or stop any medicines used to control or treat your breathing
problems. Your healthcare provider will change your medicines as needed.
Asthma
SYMBICORT is used to control symptoms of asthma, and prevent symptoms such as
wheezing in adults and children ages 12 and older.
SYMBICORT contains formoterol (the same medicine found in FORADIL
AEROLIZER). LABA medicines such as formoterol increase the risk of death
from asthma problems. SYMBICORT is not for adults and children with asthma who:
are well controlled with an asthma-control medicine such as a low to medium dose
of an inhaled corticosteroid medicine
have sudden asthma symptoms

While you are using SYMBICORT 2 times each day, do not use other medicines
that contain a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) for any reason.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your other medicines are
LABA medicines.
SYMBICORT does not relieve sudden symptoms. Always have a rescue inhaler
medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do not have a rescue inhaler,
call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.
Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away if:
your breathing problems worsen with SYMBICORT
you need to use your rescue inhaler medicine more often than usual
your rescue inhaler medicine does not work as well for you at relieving symptoms
you need to use 4 or more inhalations of rescue inhaler medicine for 2 or more
days in a row
you use one whole canister of your rescue inhaler medicine in 8 weeks time
your peak flow meter results decrease. Your healthcare provider will tell you
the numbers that are right for you.
your symptoms do not improve after using SYMBICORT regularly for 1 week.
13
Swelling of your blood vessels. This can happen in people with asthma. Tell your
healthcare provider right away if you have:
a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of your arms or legs
flu like symptoms
rash
pain and swelling of the sinuses
Decreases in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
Common side effects of SYMBICORT include:

Patients with asthma:
throat irritation
headache
upper respiratory tract infection
throat pain
inflammation of mucous membranes of the sinuses (sinusitis)
flu
back pain
nasal congestion
stomach discomfort
vomiting
thrush in the mouth and throat
Patients with COPD:
throat irritation
thrush in the mouth and throat
lower respiratory tract infections, mostly infections and/or inflammation of the
What are the possible side effects with SYMBICORT?
mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis)
SYMBICORT can cause serious side effects
inflammation of mucous membranes in the sinuses (sinusitis)
See What is the most important information I should know about SYMBICORT?
upper respiratory tract infection
Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections. People with COPD have
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
a higher chance of getting pneumonia and other lung infections. Inhaled corticoThese are not all the side effects of SYMBICORT. Ask your healthcare provider or
steroids may increase the chance of getting pneumonia. Call your healthcare
pharmacist for more information.
provider if you notice any of these symptoms:
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
increase in mucus (sputum) production
the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
change in mucus color
You may also report side effects to ASTRAZENECA at 1-800-236-9933.
fever
chills
increased cough
increased breathing problems
Serious allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth,
and tongue, and breathing problems. Call your healthcare provider or get
emergency medical care if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Immune system effects and a higher chance for infections.
Tell your healthcare provider about any signs of infection such as:
fever
feeling tired
pain
nausea
body aches
vomiting
chills
Adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal
glands do not make enough steroid hormones. This can happen when you stop
taking oral corticosteroid medicines and start inhaled corticosteroid medicine.
Using too much of a LABA medicine may cause:
chest pain
headache
increased blood pressure
tremor
a fast and irregular heartbeat
nervousness
Increased wheezing right after taking SYMBICORT. Always have a rescue inhaler
with you to treat sudden wheezing.
Eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You should have regular eye
exams while using SYMBICORT.
Lower bone mineral density. This can happen in people who have a high chance
for low bone mineral density (osteoporosis). Your healthcare provider should
check you for this during treatment with SYMBICORT.
Slowed growth in children. A childs growth should be checked regularly while
using SYMBICORT.
How do I store SYMBICORT?

Store SYMBICORT at room temperature between 68F to 77F (20C to 25C).
Store with the mouthpiece down.
The contents of your SYMBICORT canister are under pressure. Do not puncture or
throw the canister into a fire or incinerator. Do not use or store it near heat or open
flame. Storage above 120F may cause the canister to burst.
Throw away SYMBICORT when the counter reaches zero (0) or 3 months after
you take SYMBICORT out of its foil pouch, whichever comes first.
Keep SYMBICORT and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General Information about SYMBICORT

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a
Medication Guide. Do not use SYMBICORT for a condition for which it was not
prescribed. Do not give your SYMBICORT to other people, even if they have the same
condition. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about
SYMBICORT. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider or
pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about
SYMBICORT that was written for healthcare professionals. For more information, call
1-800-236-9933 or go to www.MySymbicort.com.
What are the ingredients in SYMBICORT?

Active ingredient: micronized budesonide and micronized formoterol fumarate
dihydrate
Inactive ingredients: hydrofluroalkane (HFA 227), povidone K25 USP, and polyethylene
glycol 1000 NF
How to Use SYMBICORT

Follow the instructions below for using SYMBICORT. You will breathe-in (inhale) the
medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Preparing your inhaler for use
1. Take your SYMBICORT out of the
moisture-protective foil pouch
before you use it for the first time
and throw the foil away. Write the
date that you open the foil pouch on
the box.
2. A counter is attached to the top of
the metal canister. The counter will
count down each time you release a
puff of SYMBICORT. The arrow
points to the number of inhalations
(puffs) left in the canister. The counter
Upright Position
will stop counting at zero (0).
3. Use the SYMBICORT canister only with the red SYMBICORT inhaler supplied with
the product. Parts of the SYMBICORT inhaler should not be used with parts from any
other inhalation product.
4. Shake your SYMBICORT inhaler well
for 5 seconds right before each use.
Remove the mouthpiece cover by
squeezing gently at both sides, then
pulling out (see Figure 2). Check the
mouthpiece for foreign objects
before use.
5. Priming Before you use SYMBICORT
for the first time, you will need to
prime it. To prime SYMBICORT, hold
it in the upright position. See figure 1
above. Shake the SYMBICORT
inhaler well for 5 seconds. Hold your SYMBICORT inhaler facing away from you
and then release a test spray. Then shake it again for 5 seconds and release a
second test spray. Your SYMBICORT inhaler is now primed and ready for use. After
you have primed the SYMBICORT inhaler for the first time, the counter will read
either 120 or 60, depending on which size was provided to you.
If you do not use your SYMBICORT inhaler for more than 7 days or if you drop it, you
will need to prime again.
Ways to hold the SYMBICORT inhaler for use

OR
14
8. Breathe in (inhale) deeply and slowly through your mouth. Press down firmly and
fully on the top of the counter on the SYMBICORT inhaler to release the medicine
(see Figures 3 and 4).
9. Continue to breathe in (inhale) and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for
as long as is comfortable. Before you breathe out (exhale), release your finger from
the top of the counter. Keep the SYMBICORT inhaler upright and remove from your
mouth.
10. Shake the SYMBICORT inhaler again for 5 seconds and repeat steps 7 to 9.
After using your SYMBICORT inhaler

11. After use, close the mouthpiece cover by pushing until it clicks in place.
12. After you finish taking SYMBICORT (two puffs), rinse your mouth with water. Spit
out the water. Do not swallow it.
Reading the counter

The arrow on the counter on the top
COUNTER
of the SYMBICORT inhaler points to
the number of inhalations (puffs) left
in your inhaler.
The counter will count down each
time you release a puff of medicine
(either when preparing your
SYMBICORT inhaler for use or when
taking the medicine).
When the arrow on the counter
approaches 20, you will notice the
beginning of a yellow area letting you
know that it is time to call your
COUNTER
healthcare provider for a refill.
It is important that you pay attention
to the number of inhalations (puffs)
left in your SYMBICORT inhaler by
reading the counter. Throw away
SYMBICORT when the counter
shows zero (0). Your SYMBICORT
inhaler may not feel empty and it may
continue to operate, but you will not
get the right amount of medicine if
you keep using it. Use a new
SYMBICORT inhaler and follow the instructions for priming (instruction 5 above).
How to clean your SYMBICORT inhaler
Using your SYMBICORT inhaler

6. Shake your SYMBICORT inhaler well
for 5 seconds. Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check the mouthpiece for
foreign objects.
7. Breathe out fully (exhale). Hold the
SYMBICORT inhaler up to your mouth.
Place the white mouthpiece fully into
your mouth and close your lips around
it. Make sure that the SYMBICORT
inhaler is upright and that the opening
of the mouthpiece is pointing towards
the back of your throat (see Figure 5).
Clean the white mouthpiece of your SYMBICORT inhaler every 7 days. To clean the
mouthpiece:
Remove the grey mouthpiece cover
Wipe the inside and outside of the white mouthpiece opening with a clean, dry
cloth
Replace the mouthpiece cover
Do not put the SYMBICORT inhaler into water
Do not try to take apart your SYMBICORT inhaler
SYMBICORT and PULMICORT FLEXHALER are trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
ADVAIR DISKUS, ADVAIR HFA, SEREVENT and DISKUS are trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. FORADIL
AEROLIZER is a trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
AstraZeneca 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012
Manufactured for: AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850
By: AstraZeneca Dunkerque Production, Dunkerque, France
Product of France
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Rev. 5/12 2791103 8/13

Symbicort 80/4.5: Inhalation Aerosol

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Symbicort 80/4.5: Inhalation Aerosol

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SYMBICORT 80/4.

(budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg)

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

FOR ORAL INHALATION

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - RECENT MAJOR CHANGES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Boxed Warning

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For oral inhalation only.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ADVERSE REACTIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Most common adverse reactions (incidence 3%) are:

--------SEE 17 FOR PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION AND MEDICATION GUIDE--------Revised 05/2012

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS

WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.10 Paradoxical Bronchospasm

8.4 Pediatric Use

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Treatment of Asthma

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Asthma-Related Death

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

5.5 Pneumonia and Other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists, such as formoterol one of the active ingredients in

Long-term safety - asthma clinical trials in patients 12 years and older

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

7.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

Budesonide is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder which is practically insoluble in

12.1 Mechanism of Action

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Percent change from baseline in predose FEV 1

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

Percent change from baseline in FEV 1 over 12 hours

SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

Final visit (E OT)

14.2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

SYMBICORT MDI 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol

Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg

SYMBICORT MDI 160/4.5 mcg, two inhalations twice daily

HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See Medication Guide (17.6)

SYMBICORT is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.