Replacement for Symbicort: Best Alternatives and How to Choose
Looking for a replacement for Symbicort? Symbicort combines an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (budesonide + formoterol). If it no longer works for you, causes side effects, or your insurance stops covering it, you have solid options. Here’s a practical guide to alternatives, what differs between them, and how to talk with your doctor.
Direct alternatives that act similarly include Advair (fluticasone + salmeterol), Dulera (mometasone + formoterol), and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate + vilanterol). These are all inhaled corticosteroid plus LABA combinations. They vary in steroid strength, how fast the bronchodilator works, device type (metered dose inhaler vs dry powder), and dosing frequency. For example, formoterol onsets faster than salmeterol, so Dulera and Symbicort may feel quicker during flare-ups.
For COPD or if you need stronger control, consider LAMA/LABA or triple therapy. Trelegy Ellipta adds a LAMA to the steroid/LABA mix (fluticasone furoate + umeclidinium + vilanterol) and helps people with persistent symptoms. Spiriva (tiotropium) is a LAMA often used with an ICS/LABA when two drugs aren’t enough. Your doctor will pick based on disease severity and exacerbation history.
Don’t forget short-acting rescue inhalers. Regardless of controller choice, keep a SABA like albuterol or a SAMA/SABA combo for sudden breathlessness. Symbicort has some quick relief because formoterol works fast, but replacements won’t all be equally quick. Ask if you still need a separate rescue inhaler.
Switching tips: never stop without medical guidance. Your doctor will review symptoms, inhaler technique, recent steroid use, lung function tests, and past flare-ups. Bring your current inhaler and show how you use it. Small errors in technique can look like the drug failing when the problem is delivery.
Cost and availability matter. Some alternatives have generics; others are brand-only and pricier. Check if your insurer prefers one inhaler, and ask about manufacturer savings cards or patient assistance programs. If cost is the main issue, generic inhalers or different delivery devices can cut bills while keeping good control.
Side effects differ. Watch for thrush from inhaled steroids, hoarseness, voice changes, or increased heart rate from LABA drugs. If side effects are the reason you need a replacement, your doctor may lower steroid dose, try a different steroid, or change the device to reduce mouth deposition.
What to ask your doctor
Ask about expected symptom relief, how fast the medicine works, device type, dosing schedule, monitoring plan, and cost. Also ask what to do during flare-ups and when to seek urgent care. A good switch keeps you breathing easier and cuts side effects or costs.
Final practical note
There’s no one-size-fits-all replacement for Symbicort. Talk openly with your clinician, compare real effects and prices, and check inhaler technique. With the right swap, you can get back to normal activity and fewer flare-ups.
If cost or access is an issue, ask about patient programs, generic options, or inhaler training at your pharmacy. Online pharmacies can help but always check credentials and require a valid prescription every time.
