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Compare Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) and Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) are inhalers that treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symbicort also treats asthma, and so does Spiriva Respimat. Spiriva is an anticholinergic medication that relaxes airway muscles, making it easier to breathe and control COPD and asthma. It’s dosed once a day. Symbicort combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist. It’s used twice daily to reduce inflammation and open your airways. Spiriva side effects include respiratory tract infections and dry mouth. Symbicort side effects also include respiratory tract infections, headaches, and throat pain.

  • Spiriva (tiotropium)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Spiriva (tiotropium)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Summary for LAMA
    Prescription only

    Spiriva (tiotropium) is a medication used to help control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There are two different Spiriva inhalers: Spiriva Respimat is a metered-dose inhaler, and Spiriva HandiHaler is a device that you place a capsule of medication into before you take the medication. The typical dosage for Spiriva (tiotropium) is two inhalations once a day, but the dose depends on the reason you're using it. Side effects include dry mouth, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. Only Spiriva HandiHaler is also available as a generic version.

    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only
    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pros and Cons of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for LAMA
    Pros
    •Helps prevent attacks or flare-ups
    •Has few side effects
    •Used once daily
    •Doesn't commonly cause a fast heart rate like some other bronchodilators
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (Spiriva HandiHaler only)
    Cons
    •Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
    •Can be difficult for some people to use
    •Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
    •Only Spiriva Respimat can be used for asthma in children 6 years and older
    •Spiriva Respimat is currently only available as brand name
    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for

    Spiriva HandiHaler and generic

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
    •Dry mouth (16%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Sore throat (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (7%)
    •Chest pain (7%)

    Spiriva Respimat

    •Sore throat (12%)
    •Cough (6%)
    •Dry mouth (4%)
    •Sinus inflammation (3%)
    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •Allergic reaction
    •Sudden airway tightening (paradoxical bronchospasm)
    •Worsening glaucoma
    •Urination problems
    •Higher risk for side effects in people with kidney problems
    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Spiriva
    Learn more about Symbicort

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