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Breo Ellipta vs. Symbicort

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

Breo Ellipta

(fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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Summary for Breo Ellipta

Prescription only

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) is a maintenance inhaler used every day to help manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's a combination of two medications: fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in your lungs, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that helps relax your airways. The typical dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) isn't for sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Side effects include oral thrush, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Breo Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Breo Ellipta

Pros

  • Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
  • Inhaled only once a day
  • Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
  • Safe for children 5 years and older for asthma

Cons

  • Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
  • Not safe for those severely allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
  • Can cause thrush in mouth or throat
  • No need to prime or shake the inhaler before use

Common Side Effects for Breo Ellipta

Asthma (adults):

  • Common cold symptoms (7-10%)
  • Headache (5-8%)

Asthma (children):

  • Common cold symptoms (10%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (9%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Oral thrush (5%)

Warnings for Breo Ellipta

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Heart problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Slowed growth in children
  • Eye problems
  • High blood sugar and low potassium

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 Breo Ellipta vs. Symbicort

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Ellipta1 inhaler / 60 blisters of 100mcg/25mcg
$225.88$415.96
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Price Card Drug Icon
Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.49
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