Key takeaways
Dupixent (dupilumab) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both prescription medications used to treat different inflammatory conditions, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Dupixent is a biologic medication, specifically a monoclonal antibody, that is injected under the skin to treat conditions like eczema, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis. It works by blocking proteins that cause inflammation. Symbicort, on the other hand, is an inhaler that combines a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol) to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It reduces inflammation in the lungs and relaxes airway muscles to make breathing easier. Dupixent is typically injected every other week or monthly, while Symbicort is inhaled twice daily. Dupixent does not have a generic version available, whereas Symbicort does. Common side effects of Dupixent include injection site reactions and eye inflammation, while Symbicort can cause symptoms like a common cold and thrush in the mouth.
