Rilast Turbuhaler (Budesonide And Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rilast Turbuhaler Used For?
Rilast Turbuhaler contains two active ingredients that work together to treat breathing problems. It combines budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a beta-2-agonist) in one convenient inhaler.
Primary Uses
Rilast Turbuhaler is used to treat asthma in adults and adolescents (12 years and over) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults (18 years and over). For asthma, it can be used as a reliever medicine when symptoms occur, as a preventer to stop symptoms before they happen (like before exercise), or as daily maintenance therapy. For COPD, it helps control breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
How It Works
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that acts directly on your airways to reduce inflammation and swelling. Formoterol is a beta-2-agonist that opens up the airways to help you breathe more easily. Together, they provide both immediate relief and long-term control of your breathing condition.
Good to know: Rilast Turbuhaler helps control your asthma or COPD but does not cure it. It’s important to keep using it as prescribed even when you feel well.
How to Take Rilast Turbuhaler
Rilast Turbuhaler should be inhaled into your lungs through the mouth. Follow all directions given by your doctor or pharmacist, as they may differ based on your specific condition and needs.
Dosage Instructions
For Asthma: As anti-inflammatory reliever only (200/6 strength): Take 1 inhalation when symptoms occur, wait a few minutes, take another if needed. Maximum 6 inhalations per occasion, 12 per day. As maintenance therapy: Usually 2 inhalations per day (morning and evening or both doses at once). For COPD: 2 inhalations of 200/6 strength twice daily OR 1 inhalation of 400/12 strength twice daily. Your doctor will provide a personal Asthma Action Plan if you have asthma.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase your chance of side effects. If you’re using it as a reliever medicine, consult your doctor about correct usage.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always have your reliever medicine with you at all times.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Sore, yellowish, raised patches in the mouth (thrush)
- Hoarse voice
- Unpleasant taste in mouth
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or restless
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, severe rash)
- Pneumonia signs (fever, chills, increased or colored phlegm, increased cough, breathing difficulties)
- Eye problems (blurred vision, other vision issues)
Growth Effects in Children
Corticosteroids taken into the lungs for long periods (like 12 months) may affect how children and adolescents grow. Some children may be more sensitive to these effects.
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Rilast Turbuhaler. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Rilast Turbuhaler
Do not use if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any other ingredients in the medicine. Do not give to children under 12 years unless directed by a doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, diabetes, heart problems, liver problems, tuberculosis (TB), low potassium levels, current infections, or any other medical conditions. If you have an infection, this medicine may hide some signs, making you think you’re better when you’re not.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Rilast Turbuhaler during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Infection Warning: If you take Rilast Turbuhaler while you have an infection, the medicine may hide signs of the infection, making you think you’re better when the infection is still serious.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Rilast Turbuhaler and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: You may need different amounts of your medicines or different medicines altogether. Your doctor will advise you about any necessary changes.
- Heart medicines or blood pressure medicines (beta-blockers, diuretics, antiarrhythmics like disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
- Glaucoma medicines (beta-blockers)
- Depression or mental health medicines (tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, phenothiazines)
- Allergy, cough, cold medicines (antihistamines)
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole)
- Asthma and COPD medicines (xanthine derivatives like theophylline)
- Addison’s disease medicines (fludrocortisone)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Rilast Turbuhaler affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Rilast Turbuhaler may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people when they first start using it. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Keep your Turbuhaler in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, with the cover firmly in place. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Clean the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth or tissue – never let it get wet.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Rilast Turbuhaler, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include feeling sick, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, trembling, feeling shaky, agitated, anxious, restless, or unable to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as a reliever, you should wait a few minutes after taking one inhalation to see if you feel better before taking another. For daily maintenance therapy, it helps control your condition over time.
Yes, rinse your mouth with water after taking your daily morning and/or evening dose and spit it out. This helps prevent thrush (oral fungal infection). You don’t need to rinse if you’re only taking occasional doses for symptom relief.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor. If your doctor has told you to take it daily, keep using it even when you feel well, as it helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it.
Yes, your doctor may tell you to use Rilast Turbuhaler 200/6 before exercise or exposure to other triggers to help prevent asthma symptoms from happening. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions on how many inhalations to take.
Do not use more than 6 inhalations on a single occasion or more than 12 inhalations in any day when using it as a reliever. For maintenance therapy, follow your prescribed daily dose exactly.
Rilast Turbuhaler can be used in adolescents 12 years and over for asthma. It’s not recommended for children under 12 years unless specifically directed by a doctor. For COPD treatment, it’s only for adults 18 years and over.
If your symptoms continue to worsen over 3 days despite using additional inhalations, or if you’re using more reliever medicine than usual, tell your doctor as your condition may be getting worse.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.