Symbicort alternatives

Looking for a replacement for Symbicort (budesonide + formoterol)? Whether you're unhappy with side effects, cost, or device type, you have options. Below I’ll explain common alternatives, how they differ, and quick tips for choosing the right one with your doctor.

Other ICS/LABA inhalers

Symbicort is an ICS/LABA combo—an inhaled steroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator. Other combos work similarly but use different drugs or devices. Common alternatives include:

- Advair/Seretide (fluticasone + salmeterol): a widely used combo. Salmeterol acts slower than formoterol, so onset feels less immediate for quick relief. Good for steady control.

- Dulera (mometasone + formoterol): uses formoterol like Symbicort, so it can feel quicker acting. The steroid (mometasone) has slightly different potency and dosing.

- Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate + vilanterol): often prescribed once daily, convenient for some people. Mainly used for asthma and COPD maintenance.

- Generic budesonide/formoterol: in some regions there are generics with similar ingredients and lower cost. Ask your pharmacist if one is available.

Other drug classes to consider

If a different approach makes sense, here are alternatives beyond ICS/LABA combos:

- Separate inhalers: a daily inhaled steroid (ICS) plus a separate LABA or LAMA if your doctor prefers to mix products for dose control or insurance reasons.

- LAMA or LAMA/LABA combos (tiotropium, umeclidinium/ vilanterol): often used for COPD and sometimes added for asthma that’s hard to control.

- Triple therapy inhalers (ICS + LAMA + LABA): used in more severe COPD and some asthma cases—fewer inhalers to manage multiple meds.

- Biologic drugs (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab): not inhalers, but injections for severe allergic or eosinophilic asthma. They target immune pathways and can reduce exacerbations for some people.

Which route is right depends on your symptoms, test results, inhaler technique, and insurance. Formoterol-based combos like Symbicort and Dulera give faster relief than salmeterol-based combos. Once-daily options like Breo may fit busy schedules better.

Quick practical tips: don’t stop or switch inhalers without talking to your prescriber; practice the new inhaler technique at the clinic or with a pharmacist; keep a short-acting rescue inhaler handy; compare steroid doses if side effects are a concern; check for generics to lower cost.

If you're thinking about switching because of side effects, cost, or control problems, bring a list of symptoms, how often you use your rescue inhaler, and any recent lung function tests to your appointment. That makes the conversation clearer and safer.

Want help comparing two specific inhalers? Tell me the names and I’ll break down the practical differences—onset, dosing, device type, and what to ask your doctor.