RedBoxRX Pharmaceutical Guide by redboxrx.com

Symbicort alternatives you can actually use

Not happy with Symbicort—cost, side effects, or just want to try something different? Symbicort combines an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (ICS + LABA). That combo is what controls inflammation and keeps airways open. Good news: there are several solid alternatives, and the right one depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and device preference.

Main prescription alternatives

Here are common prescription swaps to discuss with your clinician:

  • Advair / AirDuo (fluticasone + salmeterol or fluticasone + formoterol) — Another ICS/LABA family. Dosing schedules and inhaler type differ, so some people prefer them for easier use or lower cost.
  • Dulera (mometasone + formoterol) — Very similar to Symbicort in effect. Some patients tolerate mometasone better than budesonide.
  • Breo Ellipta (fluticasone + vilanterol) — Once-daily option, handy if you want fewer doses a day.
  • LAMA or LAMA/LABA combos (tiotropium, umeclidinium + vilanterol) — Often used in COPD. For some people with uncontrolled COPD, switching to a long-acting muscarinic agent or combo can reduce flare-ups.
  • Triple therapy inhalers (ICS + LABA + LAMA) — For moderate-to-severe COPD where dual therapy isn’t enough. Examples include Trelegy.
  • Biologic injections (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) — For severe, uncontrolled asthma with allergic or eosinophilic patterns. These aren’t inhalers, but they can reduce exacerbations when inhalers fail.

How to pick the right option

Before switching, check three simple things: are you using the inhaler correctly? Are you taking it regularly? Could a spacer or different inhaler type (MDI vs. DPI) fix the problem? If technique and adherence are fine, consider these factors when choosing a new medicine.

Cost and availability: generic versions of budesonide/formoterol may exist or other generics may be cheaper. Ask your pharmacist about patient assistance programs and coupons.

Side effects and preferences: throat irritation and oral thrush happen with any steroid inhaler—rinse your mouth after use. If you get tremor or palpitations from the LABA, tell your doctor; they may try a different LABA or dose.

Device and dosing: some people prefer once-daily devices like Breo. Others need a rescue inhaler (albuterol) on top of maintenance therapy—switching maintenance meds doesn’t replace fast-acting rescue needs.

If you have frequent flares despite correct use, ask about referral to a specialist. Severe cases may benefit from biologic therapy or a change to triple therapy in COPD.

Bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all swap for Symbicort. Talk with your clinician about symptom patterns, inhaler technique, cost, and treatment goals to find a safer, cheaper, or easier option that actually works for you.