Rilast Turbuhaler (Budesonide And Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick 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 when symptoms occur, as a preventer before exercise or allergen exposure, 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.
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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 carefully, as they may differ from general instructions.
Dosage Instructions
For Asthma (12+ years): As anti-inflammatory reliever only (200/6): Take 1 inhalation when symptoms occur, wait a few minutes, take another if needed. Maximum 6 inhalations per occasion, 12 per day. As reliever plus maintenance (100/6 or 200/6): Take 1 inhalation for symptoms, plus 2 inhalations daily as maintenance (morning and evening or both at once). As daily maintenance only: 1-2 inhalations twice daily for 100/6 and 200/6; for 400/12 (18+ years only): 2 inhalations twice daily or 1 inhalation twice daily if well-controlled. For COPD (adults): 2 inhalations of 200/6 twice daily OR 1 inhalation of 400/12 twice daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects. If you're using Rilast Turbuhaler as a reliever medicine, consult your doctor about correct usage.
Important: Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always rinse your mouth with water after taking your daily doses and spit it out to prevent thrush.
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 mouth (thrush)
- Hoarse voice
- Unpleasant taste in mouth
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Headache
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- 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 eyesight issues)
Growth Effects in Children
Corticosteroids taken into the lungs for long periods (12 months or more) may affect how children and adolescents grow. Some children may be more sensitive to these effects than others.
Important Warnings
Before using Rilast Turbuhaler, it's important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Rilast Turbuhaler
Do not use Rilast Turbuhaler if you are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any other ingredients in the medication. Always check the ingredient list to make sure you can safely use this medicine. Do not give to children under 12 years unless specifically 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 in blood, any current infections (the medicine may hide signs of infection), or any other medical conditions. Also inform them about any allergies to other medicines or foods.
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 some signs of the infection, making you think you're better when you're not.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Rilast Turbuhaler and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking.
Important: You may need different amounts of your medicines or different medicines altogether. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you about any necessary adjustments.
- Beta-blockers used for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Diuretics and antiarrhythmics (disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
- Beta-blockers used to treat glaucoma
- Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and phenothiazines
- Antihistamines for hayfever, coughs, colds
- Antifungal medicines like ketoconazole
- Xanthine derivatives like theophylline for asthma and COPD
- Medicines for Addison's disease like fludrocortisone
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Rilast Turbuhaler affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information. However, always consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while using any medication.
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 or tools until you know how the medication affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings are mentioned in the prescribing information.
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 – not in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, 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 nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, trembling, feeling shaky, agitated, anxious, restless, or unable to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as a reliever for asthma symptoms, you should wait a few minutes after the first inhalation to see if you feel better before taking another. For daily maintenance therapy, it helps control your condition over time.
No, do not stop using Rilast Turbuhaler suddenly without checking with your doctor. It's important to keep using it for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.
Take your dose as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Yes, rinse your mouth with water after taking your daily morning and/or evening doses 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.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Rilast Turbuhaler during pregnancy.
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 daily maintenance therapy, follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions.
Rilast Turbuhaler can be used in adolescents 12 years and over for asthma. The 400/12 strength is only recommended for patients 18 years and over. It's not recommended for children under 12 years unless specifically directed by a doctor.
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.