If you’ve been using Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and wonder about other choices, you’re not alone. Many people look for cheaper, better‑tolerated, or more readily available inhalers. The good news is that the FDA has approved several combo inhalers and single‑drug options that give the same bronchodilator and steroid benefits.
Cost is a big driver. Symbicort can be pricey, especially without insurance. Some patients experience side effects like throat irritation or a rapid heartbeat, so they need a different formulation. Availability also matters – not every pharmacy stocks every brand, and travel can limit your options. Knowing the alternatives lets you stay in control of your breathing and your wallet.
1. Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) – This is the most common Symbicort competitor. Both drugs are steroids and long‑acting beta‑agonists (LABA). Advair is available in several strengths, so your doctor can match your dose. Many insurers list it as a preferred drug, which can lower your out‑of‑pocket cost.
2. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) – Breo is a once‑daily inhaler, so you take it in the morning and forget about it all day. The steroid dose is similar to Symbicort, while the LABA lasts longer. If you struggle with twice‑daily dosing, Breo might be a smoother fit.
3. Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) – Dulera uses a different steroid (mometasone) but the same LABA as Symbicort. Some patients find mometasone gentler on the throat. It’s also a twice‑daily inhaler, making the switch easy for those used to Symbicort’s schedule.
4. Generic budesonide/formoterol inhalers – Several manufacturers now sell the exact same combo as Symbicort under a generic label. Prices can be 30‑50% lower, and the inhaler device works the same way. Ask your pharmacist if a generic version is available for your prescription.
5. Single‑drug options – If your doctor decides you don’t need a combo inhaler, you can use a steroid inhaler (like Flovent or Pulmicort) for daily inflammation control and a separate rescue LABA inhaler (like Albuterol) for quick relief. This split approach can reduce side‑effects and give you more flexibility.
When you talk to your doctor, bring up these points: cost, dosing frequency, side‑effect profile, and insurance coverage. Your provider can run a quick check to see which alternative fits your health plan and breathing needs.
Switching inhalers isn’t a big hassle, but it does require a teach‑back session. Make sure you get a proper inhaler technique demo – the device shape may differ, and a bad technique can waste medication. Most pharmacies offer a quick walkthrough for free.
Bottom line: you have plenty of FDA‑approved choices that deliver the same steroid‑LABA combo as Symbicort. Whether you prefer a once‑daily inhaler, a cheaper generic, or a split‑dose routine, talk to your healthcare provider and pick the option that feels right for you.
This article explores 10 alternatives to Symbicort, a popular medication for asthma and COPD. It provides essential insights into each option, highlighting their potential benefits and drawbacks. The aim is to offer helpful, practical information for those considering different treatment paths. You'll find a mix of supplements and medications, along with tips for choosing the right approach. The goal is to empower readers with knowledge to make informed health decisions.