Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg

Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg is a combination asthma inhaler that contains formoterol and budesonide in each dose. It belongs to a bronchodilator plus inhaled corticosteroid class, which helps open the airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg is used for asthma control and for lowering the risk of wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath when used as prescribed. It is a prescription inhaler and should be used exactly as directed by a clinician.

How it works: Formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, which helps the air passages open up more quickly and makes breathing easier. Budesonide reduces swelling and irritation inside the lungs, and because this is an inhaler, both medicines go directly into the airways where they are needed.

The 6/200 mcg strength is a lower-budesonide option compared with Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg, so it may suit people who need maintenance asthma control without as much inhaled steroid per dose. A doctor may choose Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg when symptoms are controlled with a lower steroid dose or when they want to balance control with a lower overall corticosteroid exposure.

• Maintenance treatment of asthma
• Prevention of asthma symptoms
• Reduction of wheezing and chest tightness
• Long-term airway inflammation control
• Help with breathing in people needing combination inhaler therapy

• Use this inhaler only by inhalation as prescribed; it is not a tablet and should not be swallowed.
• Follow the exact number of inhalations your doctor prescribed for Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg.
• Breathe out fully before placing the inhaler in your mouth, then inhale deeply and steadily.
• Hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling to let the medicine settle in the lungs.
• If you need more than one inhalation, wait as directed by your doctor or the package instructions.
• Rinse your mouth with water after use and spit it out to lower the risk of oral thrush.

Each dose of Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg delivers 200 mcg of budesonide with 6 mcg of formoterol. The number of inhalations per day depends on your asthma plan; some patients use it once or twice daily, but the exact schedule must be set by the doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed maximum per day, because the right dose for this strength depends on your symptoms, age, and other medicines.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Formoterol + Budesonide may include:

• Hoarseness
• Throat irritation
• Mouth or throat yeast infection
• Cough after inhaling
• Headache
• Tremor or shakiness
• Mild palpitations, which may be more noticeable in sensitive patients

• This is a higher-strength maintenance inhaler for patients a doctor has already assessed; it is not meant for self-starting asthma treatment.
• Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack unless your prescriber has specifically told you how to use it in that situation.
• People with heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, seizure disorders, diabetes, or thyroid disease need extra caution because formoterol can affect the heart and nervous system.
• Rinsing and spitting after each use matters because budesonide can cause oral thrush.
• Tell your clinician if you have active or untreated infections, including fungal, bacterial, or tuberculosis-related disease.
• Avoid overuse, because too much formoterol can cause shakiness, fast heartbeat, and low potassium.
• Use caution with alcohol only if it worsens your asthma symptoms, dizziness, or coordination after inhaler use.

• Other long-acting beta-agonists or rescue bronchodilators used too often can increase side effects.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir can raise budesonide exposure.
• Beta-blockers may reduce the bronchodilator effect of formoterol and may worsen asthma.
• Diuretics, digoxin, and other medicines that affect potassium or heart rhythm may interact with formoterol.
• Other steroid medicines, including oral steroids or steroid inhalers, can increase total corticosteroid exposure.

Store Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg at room temperature in a dry place, protected from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and keep the inhaler capped when not in use.