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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)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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Summary for Anoro Ellipta

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.

Indications for Anoro Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Anoro Ellipta

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

Common Side Effects for Anoro Ellipta

  • Sore throat (2%)
  • Diarrhea (2%)

Warnings for Anoro Ellipta

  • 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

Summary for Symbicort

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 for Symbicort

Pros and Cons for Symbicort

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 for Symbicort

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 for Symbicort

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Umeclidinium/Vilanterol Ellipta1 inhaler / 60 blisters of 62.5mcg/25mcg
$273.88$552.93
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Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.72
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