Reliever inhalers treat the immediate symptoms of asthma only.
This type of inhaler is called a SABA (short-acting beta 2 agonist) and commonly known as a "blue" or "white" puffer. Types include Ventolin®, SalAir®, Respigen™ and Bricanyl®.
How is Asthma treated?
Asthma is usually treated with inhalers, which assist with breathing difficulties. There are three common types of asthma inhaler, and each treats asthma in a different way.
Relievers
Preventers
Preventer inhalers treat swelling and inflammation, hidden causes of asthma symptoms and, as the name suggests, help the prevention of asthma attacks in the future.
Preventers are usually taken at regular intervals rather than ‘as-needed’ and may require a separate SABA reliever for immediate symptoms and, as the name suggests, help the prevention of asthma attacks in the future.
Combined Inhalers
Combined inhalers use more than one ingredient to manage symptoms and prevent attacks. However, most combined inhalers are not fast-acting and therefore require the addition of a SABA reliever inhaler for immediate symptoms.
SYMBICORT
is a combined
inhaler that is
both a reliever
and a preventer1,2
Use of a SABA reliever inhaler alone is not recommended for long-term asthma management6
The Cardiac & Respiratory Foundation NZ's 2020 Adolescent & Adult Asthma Guidelines state that the use of a SABA reliever inhaler alone (without a separate preventer) is not recommended for long-term asthma management
Is your asthma
controlled?
Your asthma may not be well-controlled if you:
- Experience symptoms more than 2 days/week
- Use a SABA reliever for symptoms more than 2 days/week
Download our Quick Guide to asthma and Symbicort
This visual snapshot is a guide to understanding
asthma and how Symbicort can help. Share this
with your doctor to discuss.
Symbicort® Prescription Medicine. For relief of and/or regular treatment of asthma. Symbicort® has risks and benefits. Budesonide/formoterol 100/6, 200/6. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. AstraZeneca (NZ) Ltd. Auckland.
Ready to learn more about Symbicort? Talk to your doctor today.
USEFUL LINKS:
This site is intended for New Zealand consumers only.
Keep using your asthma medication as prescribed by your doctor until they tell you to change. Your doctor may prescribe Symbicort Turbuhaler in a different way or for a different indication to that which is described here. Follow your doctors directions carefully. Usually you do not feel any side effects when you use Symbicort. The most common side effects of Symbicort are mild irritation in the throat, coughing, hoarseness, thrush (of mouth or throat), headache, tremor, palpitations and pneumonia (in COPD patients). Tell your doctor if any of these or other unusual effects bother you.
Symbicort® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of asthma and COPD. For asthma: Anti-inflammatory reliever therapy (Symbicort 200/6); Anti-inflammatory reliever plus maintenance therapy (Symbicort 100/6; 200/6), maintenance therapy (Symbicort 100/6, 200/6, 400/12). For COPD (Symbicort 200/6, 400/12). Symbicort® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Symbicort® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor. Symbicort® is fully funded on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Normal doctor’s charges and pharmacy fees apply. Ingredients: budesonide/formoterol 100mcg/6mcg, 200/mcg/6mcg, 400mcg/12mcg. For product details check the Consumer Medicine Information, CMI, at www.medsafe.govt.nz.
References: 1. SYMBICORT Turbuhaler Consumer Medicine Information. Available from https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/s/SymbicortThaler.pdf. Last accessed June 2022. 2. SYMBICORT Turbuhaler Data Sheet NZ. 3. National Asthma Council (NAC). Australian Asthma Handbook V2.1. Guide to Reliever Medicines. 2020. Available at: https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/resources/medicines-guide/relievers. Last accessed 09 September 2020. 4. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. What is Asthma? Available from https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/your-health/living-with-asthma. Last accessed on 9 December 2019. 5. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2022. Available from https://ginasthma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GINA-Main-Report-2022-FINAL-22-05-03-WMS.pdf . Last accessed June 2022. 6. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ: NZ Adolescent and Adult Asthma Guidelines 2020. Available from https://www.nzrespiratoryguidelines.co.nz/uploads/8/3/0/1/83014052/arfnz_adolescent_and_ad ult_asthma_guidelines_.pdf. Last accessed 24 July 2020. 7. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. Reliever Inhalers. Available from https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/your-health/living-with-asthma/asthma-medication/reliever-inhalers. Last accessed on 3 June 2019. 8. SYMBICORT Turbuhaler NZ Instructions for Use.
Symbicort®, Turbuhaler® and Bricanyl® are trademarks of the AstraZeneca Group of companies. Ventolin® is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies. SalAir® is a registered trademark of Rex Medical. Respigen™ is a trademark of Mylan. Registered user AstraZeneca Limited, PO Box 87453, Meadowbank, Auckland 1742.
For Medical Information enquiries or to report an adverse event or product quality complaint: Telephone 0800 684 432 or (09) 306 5650 or via https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com.
September 2026, NZ-2634, TAPS DA2504JL, INDE14381.
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