Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both inhalers used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they have some key differences. Anoro Ellipta combines a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), while Symbicort combines a corticosteroid and a LABA. Anoro Ellipta is taken once daily, whereas Symbicort is taken twice daily. Symbicort is also approved for treating asthma, unlike Anoro Ellipta. Anoro Ellipta does not have a generic version, making it potentially more expensive, while Symbicort is available in generic forms. Additionally, Anoro Ellipta does not require mouth rinsing after use, but Symbicort does to prevent thrush. Both medications are not suitable for sudden breathing problems and should be used as long-term maintenance treatments.

  • Anoro ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Anoro ellipta (umeclidinium / vilanterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Summary for LAMA / LABA combo
    Prescription only

    Anoro Ellipta is a steroid-free inhaler that contains umeclidinium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or LAMA) and vilanterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). It's FDA-approved for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. This Ellipta inhaler is inhaled through the mouth once per day. Side effects aren't common, but some people have reported sore throat and diarrhea.

    Summary for IC / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). Both medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The typical dose for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is 2 inhalations by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include symptoms of common cold, such as stuffy nose and cough. It's available in two different strengths, both with generic versions.

  • Indications of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pros and Cons of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for LAMA / LABA combo
    Pros
    •Combination of two bronchodilators within a single inhaler
    •Inhaled once per day
    •No need to rinse your mouth after a dose since it doesn't contain a steroid
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler for sudden trouble breathing
    •Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
    •Might not be a good choice for people who've trouble urinating
    Pros and Const for IC / LABA
    Pros
    •Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
    •Might feel relief in as soon as 15 minutes for asthma
    •Safe for children 6 years and older for asthma
    •Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience
    Cons
    •Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
    •Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
    •Taken 2 times a day
    •Possible bone loss if used long term

  • Common Side Effects of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Asthma

    •Common cold (sore throat, headache, cough; 10-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain; 8-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Stuffy nose (5-6%)

    COPD

    •Common cold (7%)
    •Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat; 6%)
    •Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways; 5%)

  • Warnings of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for COPD flare ups or worsening breathing
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
    •Trouble urinating
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium level in the blood
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of worsening of asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Heart problems
    •Risk of bone loss and poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Anoro ellipta
    Learn more about Symbicort

Compare other COPD drugs

Anoro Ellipta vs Breo ElliptaAnoro Ellipta vs Stiolto RespimatAnoro Ellipta vs SymbicortAnoro Ellipta vs Trelegy ElliptaBreztri Aerosphere vs Anoro ElliptaAdvair vs Trelegy ElliptaBreo Ellipta vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs AlbuterolBreztri Aerosphere vs SpirivaBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs Trelegy ElliptaCombivent vs SymbicortDulera vs SymbicortDupixent vs AdbryDupixent vs FasenraDupixent vs SymbicortFlovent vs SymbicortIncruse Ellipta vs Breo ElliptaIncruse Ellipta vs SymbicortIncruse Ellipta vs Trelegy ElliptaQvar vs Breo ElliptaQvar vs SymbicortSingulair vs Breo ElliptaSingulair vs SymbicortSpiriva vs SymbicortSymbicort vs AdvairSymbicort vs AlbuterolTheophylline vs Breo ElliptaXopenex vs Breo Ellipta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.