The FDA recently approved the first generic budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Symbicort) to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The product, known as a complex generic drug-device combination, is a metered dose inhaler that contains budesonide to reduce inflammation and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, which relaxes airway muscles. Both asthma and COPD can be treated with the inhaler, which is used twice a day, 2 inhalations each time, to prevent symptoms and improve breathing. It is not indicated for treating acute asthma attacks.

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