Dual purpose reliever  (budesonide/formoterol as needed): relieves symptoms and reduces the risk of serious flare-ups. 

Includes medications such as DuoResp Spiromax 200/6, Symbicort Rapihaler 100/3, Symbicort Turbuhaler 200/6 

HOW DO DUAL PURPOSE RELIEVERS HELP ASTHMA?

The combination of budesonide/formoterol in the dual purpose reliever, when used as needed, relieves symptoms and reduces the risk of experiencing serious asthma flare-ups. It does this by relaxing tight airway muscles and treating inflammation in the airways. 

It is important to recognise and treat your asthma symptoms, even mild symptoms.  If you are finding yourself using your dual-purpose reliever often (more than three days per week), you must see your doctor for an asthma review. 

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR DUAL-PURPOSE RELIEVER?

Using your dual purpose reliever properly is vital to get the medication to your lungs where it is needed. This is true no matter what type of inhaler you are using, Spiromax, Rapihaler or Turbuhaler.  

Make sure you are using your inhaler correctly at:  http://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/medicines-and-devices/techniques 

Remember to carry a spacer with you if you are using a metered-dose puffer like the Symbicort Rapihaler. Using a spacer improves the effectiveness of the medicine by getting more into your lungs and helps to reduce side effects. 

WHY MIGHT YOU NEED A DUAL PURPOSE RELIEVER?

Dual purpose reliever is a new treatment option for mild asthma only. 

Mild asthma is when you: 

  • Experience few symptoms 
  • Do not wake at night due to symptoms 
  • Have not experiences a flare-up in the past year 

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DUAL PURPOSE RELIEVERS

  • Sore, yellowish, raised patches in the mouth (thrush)
  • Hoarse voice
  • Irritation of the tongue and mouth
  • Coughing
  • Headache
  • Trembling or shakiness
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, restless, or upset
  • Fast or irregular heart rate or pounding heart 

Rinse, gargle, and spit after use. This will reduce the risk of side effects in your mouth and throat. 

HOW TO’S

How to use Spiromax

How to use a Puffer

 

How to use a Turbuhaler