Symbicort alternatives: find the right inhaler or treatment for you

If Symbicort (budesonide + formoterol) isn’t working, is too expensive, or causes side effects, you have real options. Some alternatives give the same kind of combo therapy, others swap drug classes, and a few are for people with severe asthma who need biologics or triple therapy. Below are clear, practical choices and simple tips to help you talk with your clinician.

Common prescription alternatives

Advair (fluticasone + salmeterol) — another inhaled steroid + LABA combo. Usually taken twice a day; device and taste differ from Symbicort. Good for many asthma and COPD patients who respond better to fluticasone.

Dulera (mometasone + formoterol) — same LABA as Symbicort but with mometasone instead of budesonide. Often similar benefit; some people prefer its dosing or inhaler feel.

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone + vilanterol) — once-daily option. Commonly chosen when daily dosing is preferred, and it’s frequently used in COPD as well as asthma.

Generic budesonide + formoterol inhalers — these are essentially the same medicines as Symbicort and may cost less. Ask your pharmacist if a generic is available in your country.

Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone + umeclidinium + vilanterol) — triple therapy (ICS + LAMA + LABA) mainly for COPD or very symptomatic asthma; stronger regimen, usually for people who aren’t controlled on dual therapy.

LAMA/LABA combos (e.g., Anoro) — these drop the steroid and give long-acting bronchodilation. Mostly used for COPD; sometimes added when steroid side effects are a concern.

Biologics (Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra, Dupixent) — injectable targeted drugs for severe eosinophilic or allergic asthma. They aren’t inhalers, but they can reduce steroid needs and flare-ups for the right patients.

How to pick the best alternative

Start by matching the reason you want a change: cost, side effects, poor control, or convenience. If you need the same steroid+LABA combo, ask about generics or Dulera/Advair. If dosing frequency or inhaler type matters, Breo (once daily) or switching device style (MDI vs DPI) can help.

Talk to your prescriber about disease type—COPD vs asthma matters. Check insurance coverage and pharmacy prices; many brands have coupons or patient assistance. Try the inhaler in the clinic so you get the technique right; wrong technique is why many people think a drug failed.

Don’t stop or swap inhalers on your own. Changes should be gradual and monitored. Watch how your symptoms, rescue inhaler use, and peak flow respond for 1–4 weeks after switching. If you still have trouble, ask about specialist options like biologics or a pulmonary referral.

Final quick tips: always carry your rescue inhaler, keep an action plan, and get a pharmacist to check for cheaper generics or samples. If side effects appear—thrush, hoarseness, or increased heart rate—report them so your provider can adjust the plan.