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.
