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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 IC / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). Both medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The typical dose for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is 2 inhalations by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include symptoms of common cold, such as stuffy nose and cough. It's available in two different strengths, both with generic versions.

  • Indications of Dulera vs. Symbicort

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

  • 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 IC / 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 long term

  • 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 (sore throat, headache, cough; 10-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain; 8-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Stuffy nose (5-6%)

    COPD

    •Common cold (7%)
    •Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat; 6%)
    •Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways; 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
    •Risk of worsening of asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Heart problems
    •Risk of bone loss and poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Dulera vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Dulera
    Learn more about Symbicort

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