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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)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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Summary for Dulera

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.

Indications for Dulera

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Dulera

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

Common Side Effects for Dulera

Warnings for Dulera

  • 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

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 Dulera vs. Symbicort

Price Card Drug Icon
Dulera1 inhaler / 120 doses of 200mcg/5mcg
$199.00$407.98
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Price Card Drug Icon
Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.72
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