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Compare Dulera vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) and Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) are both inhalers used to control asthma. Symbicort is also FDA approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They both contain two medications: a steroid and a long-acting beta agonist. Both inhalers can cause oral thrush, so you should rinse your mouth after each use. They also have similar side effects, such as headaches and respiratory infections. Dulera isn’t available as a generic, but Symbicort is available as a generic called Breyna.

  • Dulera (mometasone / formoterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Dulera (mometasone / formoterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Summary for ICS / LABA
    Prescription only

    Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is an inhaler that's used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. It's a combination medication containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that work together to help make breathing easier. Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. But the specific dosage depends on how old you are and how severe your asthma symptoms are. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. This medication isn't available as a lower-cost generic yet.

    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 Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older
    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA
    Pros
    •Works well to improve lung function and lessen asthma symptoms
    •Combines two different asthma medications into a single inhaler for convenience
    •Can use with a spacer if you have trouble using the inhaler
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler
    •Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily for it to work well
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    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 Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat, stuffy nose, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)
    •Pressure in the sinuses and other symptoms of a sinus infection (up to 3%)
    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 Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use for asthma attack or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Sudden narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Caution when switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Heart problems
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Low potassium levels 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 Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Dulera
    Learn more about Symbicort

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