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 Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Both medications work together to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up your airways. The typical dose is two puffs by mouth twice a day, usually about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

  • Indications of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults

  • 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 Inhaled corticosteroid / 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 for a long time

  • Common Side Effects of Anoro Ellipta vs. Symbicort

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

    Asthma:

    •Common cold symptoms (10-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Sinus infection (5-6%)

    COPD:

    •Common cold symptoms (7%)
    •Oral thrush (6%)
    •Bronchitis (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
    •Worsening asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Oral thrush
    •Pneumonia
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Sudden narrowing of the airways
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Heart and nervous system problems
    •Risk of bone loss
    •Poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar

  • 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 AdvairBreo Ellipta vs SymbicortBreo Ellipta vs Trelegy ElliptaBreztri Aerosphere vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs AlbuterolBreztri Aerosphere vs SpirivaBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs Trelegy ElliptaCombivent vs SymbicortDulera vs SymbicortDupixent 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.