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Compare Symbicort vs. Advair

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

Key takeaways

Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both combination inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They belong to the same medication class, combining an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). However, there are some differences between the two. Symbicort is available in two strengths and is typically taken as two inhalations twice a day, while Advair comes in different strengths and is usually taken as one or two inhalations twice a day, depending on the formulation. Symbicort is available in generic form, while Advair has a generic version called Wixela Inhub. Both medications can cause an oral fungal infection called thrush. You can reduce your risk for thrush by rinsing your mouth out with water and spitting it out after each use.

  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)

  • Summary of Symbicort vs. Advair

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    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.

    Summary for ICS / LABA combo
    Prescription only

    Advair is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Advair Diskus is used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children, where as Advair HFA is for asthma only. Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is inhaled through the mouth, typically 1 to 2 puffs twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and headache.

  • Indications of Symbicort vs. Advair

    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    •Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

  • Pros and Cons of Symbicort vs. Advair

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid / 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 for a long time
    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA combo
    Pros
    •Works well to lower the risk of asthma or COPD symptoms
    •Combines two medications into a single inhaler for convenience
    •Available as two different types of inhalers (Advair Diskus and Advair HFA)
    Cons
    •Can cause fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
    •Advair Diskus contains lactose, so it might not be safe for people with severe milk protein allergies
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

  • Common Side Effects of Symbicort vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Advair Diskus:

    •Upper respiratory infection (up to 27%)
    •Sore throat (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 13%)
    •Bronchitis (up to 8%)
    •Cough (up to 6%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 6%)
    •Hoarseness (up to 5%)

    Advair HFA:

    •Upper respiratory infection (up to 24%)
    •Headache (up to 21%)
    •Throat irritation (up to 9%)
    •Muscle and bone pain (up to 7%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Symbicort vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Symbicort vs. Advair

    Learn more about Symbicort
    Learn more about Advair

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