Symbicort Not Approved by the FDA For Rescue Use

First and foremost, let me start by saying that Symbicort is NOT to be used a rescue inhaler according to most sources of public information and safety guidelines.   With that being said, I wanted to take the time out to let you all know that there are some Pulmonologist pushing the issue to having Symbicort be used as rescue inhaler when prescribed to patients.    It has been stated verbatim that:

• SYMBICORT is NOT a rescue medication and does NOT replace fast-acting inhalers to treat acute symptoms.
•  In fact, according to the manufactures' labeling:  If asthma symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist should be taken for immediate relief.    So then why are Doctors prescribing Symbicort for use as a rescue inhaler when safety guidelines instruct against such use?  Short answer, they are not approved to.

Within the past few years, there have been controlled trial studies for using Symbicort or "Budesonide–Formoterol" as Needed for Mild Asthma, primarily in adults.    In one particular FDA study, Patients were eligible for enrollment in the trial if they were 18 to 75 years of age and if they reported that they had received a diagnosis of asthma from a doctor.    Although that study went well, Symbicort was still not FDA approved to be used as a rescue inhaler.    

*If you are or have been prescribed Symbicort to be used as rescue inhaler, please inquire with your medical provider about the risk associated with non-FDA approved usage.