Does Symbicort cause weight loss? 

Does Symbicort cause weight loss? 

No, Symbicort (Budesonide/formoterol) does not cause weight loss as a side effect. In fact, Symbicort may make some people gain weight because it is a steroidal medication. 

If you’re losing weight on Symbicort, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about it. It is not likely to experience weight loss on Symbicort and your weight loss could be a symptom of some chronic underlying health condition. 

Make sure you monitor your other side effects, if any, and focus on eating well. Steroids can increase your blood sugar levels so steer clear of sugar while you’re being treated with Symbicort. 

What are the commonly experienced side effects of Symbicort?

Symbicort is associated with some side effects. Common ones include:

  • Headache
  • Throat irritation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sinus pain or pressure
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness

Symbicort can also cause some rare and serious side effects. These include: 

  • Severe allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Worsening asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Changes in vision, such as blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
  • Increased blood pressure

Make sure you monitor your side effects and inform your doctor about them. Symbicort is generally a well-tolerated medication, but people are different and they respond differently to medications. If this medication is damaging your health, your doctor will most likely switch you to another safer medication.

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References

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National Library of Medicine (US). Budesonide. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2021 Mar 15 [updated 2021 Mar 15; cited 2023 May 4]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699056.html