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Compare Breztri vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They both contain budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), which help reduce inflammation and open airways. However, Breztri Aerosphere also includes glycopyrrolate, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), which further helps relax airway muscles. Breztri is only approved for COPD, while Symbicort is approved for both COPD and asthma. Breztri is taken as two inhalations twice daily, and it is only available as a brand-name medication. Symbicort also requires two inhalations twice daily but is available in generic form. Common side effects of Breztri include upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia, while Symbicort may cause cold symptoms and thrush. Both medications should not be used for sudden breathing problems, and you should have a rescue inhaler like albuterol on hand for such situations.

  • Breztri
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Breztri
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Breztri vs. Symbicort

    Summary for ICS / LAMA / LABA
    Prescription only

    Breztri Aerosphere is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid), glycopyrrolate (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist). It's used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Breztri is inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs twice per day every day. The most common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Breztri is brand name only and not available as a lower-cost generic.

    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 Breztri vs. Symbicort

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

  • Pros and Cons of Breztri vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for ICS / LAMA / LABA
    Pros
    •Lowers the risk of COPD flare-ups
    •Combination of three medications in a single inhaler
    •Can be used with a spacer to make it easier to take a dose
    Cons
    •Need to rinse your mouth after each dose
    •Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily
    •Doesn't treat sudden worsening symptoms of COPD
    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 Breztri vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Pneumonia (5%)
    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 Breztri vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for asthma, COPD flare ups, or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Trouble urinating
    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 Breztri vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Breztri
    Learn more about Symbicort

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