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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)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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Summary for Incruse Ellipta

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.

Indications for Incruse Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Incruse Ellipta

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

Common Side Effects for Incruse Ellipta

Warnings for Incruse Ellipta

  • Not a rescue inhaler
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Trouble urinating

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 Incruse Ellipta vs. Symbicort

Price Card Drug Icon
Umeclidinium Ellipta30 inhalers / 30 blisters of 62.5mcg
$210.90$348.61
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Price Card Drug Icon
Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.72
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