Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they have some key differences. Incruse Ellipta is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that works by relaxing the muscles in your airways, and it is taken once daily. Symbicort, on the other hand, is a combination of a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol), which work together to reduce inflammation and relax airway muscles. Symbicort is taken twice daily and is also approved for treating asthma, unlike Incruse Ellipta. Additionally, Symbicort is available in generic forms, while Incruse Ellipta is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Incruse Ellipta include cold symptoms and cough, whereas Symbicort can cause thrush, headache, and upper respiratory infections. Both medications are not rescue inhalers and should not be used for sudden breathing problems.

  • Incruse ellipta (umeclidinium)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Incruse ellipta (umeclidinium)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Summary for LAMA
    Prescription only

    Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is an long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It's an inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) is inhaled through the mouth once per day. People who use Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium) typically don't experience too many side effects, but ones reported include common cold symptoms, like sore throat and cough.

    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 Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pros and Cons of Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for LAMA
    Pros
    •Inhaled once per day
    •Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    Cons
    •Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
    •Not a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems
    •Brand-name medication only
    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 Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Cough (3%)
    •Joint pain (2%)
    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 Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
    •Trouble urinating
    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 Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Incruse ellipta
    Learn more about Symbicort

Compare other COPD drugs

Incruse Ellipta vs Breo ElliptaIncruse Ellipta vs SymbicortIncruse Ellipta vs Trelegy ElliptaIncruse Ellipta vs Tudorza PressairAdvair vs Trelegy ElliptaAlvesco vs FloventAnoro Ellipta vs Breo ElliptaAnoro Ellipta vs SymbicortAnoro Ellipta vs Trelegy ElliptaBreo Ellipta vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs Trelegy ElliptaCombivent vs SymbicortDulera vs FloventDulera vs SymbicortDupixent vs SymbicortFlovent vs AdvairFlovent vs AlbuterolFlovent vs AllegraFlovent vs Arnuity ElliptaFlovent vs SymbicortQvar vs Breo ElliptaQvar vs SymbicortSingulair vs Breo ElliptaSingulair vs SymbicortSpiriva vs SymbicortSymbicort vs AdvairSymbicort vs AlbuterolTheophylline vs Breo ElliptaXopenex vs Breo Ellipta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.