Symbicort Alternatives – Your Quick Guide to Other Inhalers
If you’re using Symbicort for asthma or COPD, you might wonder about other choices. Maybe the price feels high, side effects bother you, or your doctor suggested a switch. Whatever the reason, knowing the alternatives helps you stay in control of your breathing.
Common Combination Inhalers Similar to Symbicort
Symbicort pairs a corticosteroid (budesonide) with a long‑acting bronchodilator (formoterol). Several other inhalers do the same thing, but they use different drug combos or delivery devices. Here are the most talked‑about ones:
- Advair Diskus / Advair HFA – fluticasone + salmeterol. It’s been on the market for years and is often covered by insurance.
- AirDuo RespiClick (budesonide/formoterol) – a newer device that clicks open, making it easier for people with limited hand strength.
- Dulera – also budesonide + formoterol but in a smaller dose range, useful for mild‑moderate asthma.
- Trelegy Ellipta – combines three drugs (fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol) for people who need extra bronchodilation.
All of these work by reducing inflammation and keeping airways open. The key differences are the steroid strength, the type of long‑acting beta agonist, and how you inhale the powder or spray.
When to Consider a Different Type of Inhaler
Sometimes the issue isn’t the combo itself but the drug class. If steroids cause hoarseness or thrush, a non‑steroid option might be better. Look at these alternatives:
- LAMA inhalers (tiotropium, umeclidinium) – pure long‑acting bronchodilators that don’t have steroids.
- ICS‑only inhalers (fluticasone propionate, budesonide dry powder) – good if you need anti‑inflammation but can manage breathing with a separate rescue inhaler.
- Biologic injections (omalizumab, mepolizumab) – for severe asthma that doesn’t respond to inhalers.
Switching isn’t something you do on your own. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, how often you need a rescue inhaler, and any side effects you notice. A simple test—checking your peak flow before and after the change—can show if the new product works better.
Cost is another practical factor. Some plans require a prior authorization for brand‑name combos but cover generic versions of fluticasone or budesonide at lower prices. Use pharmacy discount cards or ask your pharmacist about cheaper alternatives.
Finally, remember that technique matters more than the specific drug. Even the best inhaler won’t help if you’re not using it correctly. Spend a few minutes with a healthcare professional to watch your spray or powder technique and make adjustments as needed.
Bottom line: there are plenty of Symbicort alternatives, from other steroid‑LABA combos to pure bronchodilators and biologics. Identify what matters most—price, side effects, dosing convenience—and discuss those priorities with your doctor. With the right choice, you’ll keep breathing easy without compromising on safety or cost.
