Symbicort alternatives: What can I take instead of Symbicort?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of Symbicort?
• Top 5 Symbicort alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Symbicort
• How to switch to a Symbicort alternative

In this article

• What can I take instead of Symbicort?
• Top 5 Symbicort alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Symbicort
• How to switch to a Symbicort alternative

Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains two ingredients: budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) in the lungs and relaxing the airways to make breathing easier. Symbicort is used to treat asthma as a maintenance medicine and, in some cases, as a relief medicine. It’s also FDA-approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symbicort may not be appropriate for everyone, especially people with heart problems, osteoporosis, and glaucoma, among other medical conditions. Less commonly, Symbicort can also cause serious side effects, including lung infection and a weakened immune system. In these situations, a healthcare provider may suggest a different medication.

Related: What is Symbicort

What can I take instead of Symbicort?

There are many products available to treat respiratory disorders, and alternative medications may be preferred for some people, depending on individual circumstances, such as certain pre-existing conditions or insurance coverage. Other factors such as side effects, the type of inhaler device, and disease severity may also influence someone to try a Symbicort alternative. Examples of other drugs for the long-term treatment of asthma and COPD are listed below. Another option may be more suitable for you, but you’ll need to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

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Top 5 Symbicort alternatives

While many different inhaler medications are available, the following are some of the most common alternatives to Symbicort. Note: Short-acting beta agonists like albuterol are not alternatives to long-acting beta agonists such as Symbicort when used for maintenance treatment of asthma or COPD.

1. Advair 

Advair is available as two dosage forms: Advair Diskus and Advair HFA. Advair HFA is an aerosol metered-dose inhaler approved for asthma in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Advair Diskus is a dry powder inhaler approved for both asthma (in adults and children 4 years and older) and COPD. The active ingredients in Advair and Symbicort belong to the same drug classes, but Advair contains different active ingredients (fluticasone/salmeterol). Because Advair and Symbicort are both ICS/LABA combination medications, they have similar side effects such as upper respiratory infection, headache, sinus pain, and oral thrush. (Note: to reduce the risk of oral thrush, you should always rinse your mouth with water and spit after using inhalers with an ICS.) Some patients may find the Advair Diskus inhaler easier to use because it requires less hand-breath coordination than Symbicort. Advair Diskus is typically given at a dose of one inhalation twice daily and Advair HFA as two inhalations twice daily.

RELATED: Symbicort vs. Advair

2. Dulera

Dulera is an asthma medication in the same drug class as Symbicort. Dulera contains the ICS mometasone and the LABA formoterol. Dulera and Symbicort share the same bronchodilator ingredient. While Symbicort is FDA-approved to treat asthma and COPD, Dulera is only indicated for the treatment of asthma in adults and children 5 years and older. In clinical studies, these medications have been found to be effective for asthma by improving quality of life and reducing asthma attacks. Dulera and Symbicort also have similar side effect profiles and dosing schedules of two inhalations twice daily. 

3. Breo Ellipta

Breo Ellipta is another ICS/LABA combination inhaler containing fluticasone and vilanterol. Breo is indicated for the long-term treatment of asthma (in adults and children 5 years and older) and COPD. In a clinical study comparing the effects of Breo versus Symbicort in asthma patients, both drugs showed similar improvements in lung function. However, Breo—which is given at one inhalation once daily—had better convenience and adherence compared to Symbicort, which is dosed at two inhalations twice daily. This once-daily dosing schedule may be preferable for certain patients. 

4. Breztri

Breztri and Symbicort both contain budesonide and formoterol, but Breztri has another added ingredient called glycopyrrolate, making it a triple combination therapy. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic drug that works by relaxing and widening airways in the lungs. Breztri is only indicated for COPD and is not approved for asthma. In a clinical study, the rate of COPD exacerbations was 13% to 14% lower with Breztri than with Symbicort, and both medications had similar rates of side effects such as pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, and bronchitis. Breztri and Symbicort are both dosed at two inhalations twice daily.

5. Trelegy Ellipta

Like Breztri, Trelegy is a triple therapy medication with an ICS (fluticasone), anticholinergic (umeclidinium), and LABA (vilanterol). Trelegy is the first FDA-approved triple therapy for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. Trelegy is not approved for use in children and teenagers under 18 years old. Common side effects of Trelegy include respiratory infection, sore throat, sinusitis, and oral thrush. Compared to Symbicort, Trelegy was shown to reduce COPD exacerbations by 35% more. Trelegy is given at one inhalation once daily.

Natural alternatives to Symbicort

Natural remedies can help patients with asthma and COPD manage their daily symptoms and improve their quality of life. There are multiple non-drug options available, but these therapies usually work best when used along with prescription drugs like Symbicort. And it’s important to note that while certain natural remedies may help, they are not a substitute for prescriptions recommended by your healthcare provider.

Alternative therapies for asthma and COPD include the following treatments, lifestyle modifications, and vitamins: 

• Yoga: Breathing exercises practiced in yoga have been found to improve quality of life and reduce asthma symptoms. However, more studies are needed to understand the full effect of yoga in asthma management. 
• Reducing environmental triggers: Asthma and COPD symptoms can worsen when individuals are exposed to environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit and avoid secondhand smoke. Limiting time spent outdoors when the air quality is poor and reducing dust exposure are also recommended. 
• Vitamin D: In a meta-analysis examining the role of vitamin D in asthma treatment, vitamin D intake reduced the risk of having an asthma attack requiring hospitalization. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in COPD patients, and supplementation may help ease COPD symptoms. 

There is less scientific evidence about the effectiveness of these natural alternatives compared to prescription medicines. Patients should always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice before modifying their treatment plan.

How to switch to a Symbicort alternative

Asthma or COPD that is not optimally controlled by Symbicort may require different or additional medications. Before switching to a Symbicort alternative, it’s important to take the following steps and discuss them with a healthcare provider:

• Do not stop taking Symbicort. Stopping Symbicort abruptly without a replacement treatment can lead to a return or worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms. If your healthcare provider switches you to a different inhaler, follow their instructions carefully on how to stop using Symbicort and start using your new inhaler. 
• Keep a symptom diary. A symptom diary is used to record day-to-day disease symptoms. A healthcare provider can use this diary to evaluate how well your treatment is working. 
• Keep a record of medication side effects. Record how often you experience Symbicort side effects and if any side effects interfere with daily activities. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious or concerning side effects. 
• Tell the healthcare provider about any dosing preferences. There are many types of inhaler devices, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Factors to consider when choosing a new inhaler include ease of handling and the choice of a once versus twice daily regimen.
• Ask the healthcare provider about complementary therapies. If you are thinking about adding lifestyle changes or an over-the-counter supplement to your treatment regimen, discuss these options with a healthcare professional first. Don’t change or stop your prescription respiratory medication.
• Check your insurance coverage. Before you switch to a new medication, make sure it’s covered by your insurance plan. If it’s covered but still expensive or if it’s not covered at all, you can always use SingleCare coupons to save on your prescription and refills, too.

Choosing the right path for asthma and COPD treatment

There are various drugs used for asthma and COPD. Some contain one active ingredient, while others combine two or even three drug classes to help control symptoms differently. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and individualized medical advice about which medicine is best for your condition.