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Compare Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

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

  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Breyna (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Breyna (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    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 Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    Prescription only

    Breyna (budesonide / formoterol), a generic version of Symbicort, is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid that reduces swelling in your lungs, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that helps keep your airways open. You use two puffs twice a day, every day, to help control your breathing long term. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

  • Indications of Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults
    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    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 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

  • Common Side Effects of Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    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

    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 of Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    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
    •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 Symbicort vs. Budesonide / formoterol

    Learn more about Symbicort
    Learn more about Breyna

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