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.
