Symbicort 160/4.5

LABA monotherapy (without ICS) can increase risk of asthma-related events (death, hospitalizations, intubations). Do not initiate in rapidly or acutely deteriorating COPD or asthma. Not for use with other long-acting β₂-agonists. Do not exceed recommended dose. Prescribe a short-acting, inhaled β₂-agonist for acute symptoms; monitor for increased need. Monitor for signs/symptoms of pneumonia. Immunosuppressed. Tuberculosis. Systemic infections. Ocular herpes simplex. If exposed to chickenpox or measles, consider immune globulin prophylaxis or antiviral ­treatment. Monitor for adrenal insufficiency when transferring from systemic steroids. May need supplemental systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress, a severe COPD exacerbation, or a severe asthma attack. May unmask previously suppressed allergic conditions. Reevaluate periodically. Monitor for hypercorticism and HPA axis suppression (if occurs, discontinue gradually), growth in children, intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or cataracts. Discontinue if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs; use alternative therapy. Cardiovascular disease (esp. coronary insufficiency, arrhythmias, hypertension). Eosinophilic conditions. Convulsive disorders. Thyrotoxicosis. Hyperresponsiveness to sympathomimetics. Diabetes. Ketoacidosis. Hypokalemia. Hyperglycemia. Hepatic impairment; monitor. Assess bone mineral density if risk factors exist (eg, osteoporosis, postmenopausal). Labor & delivery. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.