Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg

Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg is a combination inhaler that contains formoterol 6 mcg and budesonide 400 mcg in each dose. It belongs to the LABA plus inhaled corticosteroid class and is used to help control asthma symptoms and reduce flare-ups. This strength is a higher-dose budesonide option in the Foracort range, so it is generally used when a doctor wants stronger anti-inflammatory support along with long-acting bronchodilation. Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg is for regular controller treatment, not for sudden asthma attacks.

How it works: Formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, which helps open the lungs and makes breathing easier. Budesonide lowers swelling and irritation inside the airways, and as an inhaler it delivers both medicines directly to the lungs for controller treatment.

Compared with Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg, the 6/400 mcg inhaler delivers twice the budesonide dose per actuation while keeping the same formoterol amount. That makes Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg more suitable for people whose asthma needs a stronger steroid component, as judged by a clinician, rather than a lower-strength maintenance option. A doctor may choose this strength when symptoms are not well controlled on a lower dose or when a higher anti-inflammatory effect is needed.

• Maintenance treatment of asthma
• Long-term symptom control
• Reducing airway inflammation
• Helping prevent wheezing and shortness of breath
• Lowering the risk of asthma flare-ups

• Use Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg exactly as your doctor prescribed; do not change the number of inhalations on your own.
• Breathe out fully before using the inhaler, then inhale the dose deeply and steadily through the mouth as instructed.
• Hold your breath for as long as comfortable after inhaling, then exhale slowly.
• If you are prescribed more than one inhalation, wait briefly between puffs if your prescriber or device directions say to do so.
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after use to help lower the risk of oral thrush.
• This inhaler is for regular control, not for quick relief during a sudden asthma attack unless your clinician has specifically told you otherwise.

Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg provides 400 mcg of budesonide plus 6 mcg of formoterol per dose. The number of inhalations and how often it is used depend on the severity of asthma and the treatment plan your doctor chooses; some patients use it once or twice daily, but the exact schedule must be individualized. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose set by your prescriber, because this is a higher-strength controller inhaler and too much can increase side effects.

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

Common side effects of Formoterol + Budesonide may include:

• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Sore throat
• Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth)
• Headache
• Tremor or shakiness
• Mild cough or throat irritation
• Fast or noticeable heartbeat

• Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg is a higher-strength inhaler, so it should be used only when a clinician has decided that this dose is appropriate.
• It is not a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma symptoms or an acute attack.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, glaucoma, or osteoporosis.
• Long-term use of inhaled steroids at higher strengths can increase the risk of oral thrush and, in some people, affect bone density or adrenal function.
• Rinse and spit after each dose to reduce mouth and throat side effects.
• Use caution with alcohol if it worsens your asthma or causes dizziness with your medicines.
• Tell your prescriber if you need frequent rescue inhaler use, because that can mean your asthma is not controlled.

• Other LABA-containing inhalers or asthma medicines can increase the risk of side effects and should usually not be combined without medical advice.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir can raise budesonide levels.
• Beta-blockers, including some heart medicines and eye drops, may reduce the bronchodilator effect of formoterol.
• Diuretics and other medicines that lower potassium can increase the risk of low potassium with formoterol.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may increase cardiovascular side effects.

Store Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and keep the inhaler capped when not in use.