Asthma/COPD Inhaler Comparison Tool
Find Your Best Inhaler Match
Answer a few questions about your needs and preferences to get a tailored comparison of popular inhalers for asthma and COPD.
Recommended Inhalers
Important: This tool provides general guidance based on article information. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Quick Takeaways
• Symbicort Turbuhaler combines a long‑acting β₂‑agonist with an inhaled corticosteroid in a breath‑actuated device.
• It delivers 60 µg of formoterol and budesonide per puff, suitable for moderate‑to‑severe asthma and COPD.
• Alternatives differ in device type (diskus, DPI, pMDI), dose flexibility, and side‑effect profiles.
• Cost and insurance coverage often tip the decision more than pharmacology alone.
• Matching the inhaler to a patient’s inhalation technique and lifestyle is the biggest predictor of success.
What Is Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD?
Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD is a combination inhaler delivering 60 µg of formoterol (a long‑acting β₂‑agonist) and budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) per actuation, used for asthma and COPD management. The Turbuhaler is breath‑activated, so you don’t need to coordinate a puff with a click. Formoterol relaxes airway muscles for up to 12 hours, while budesonide reduces inflammation over the long term. This dual action lets many patients stay controlled with a single device instead of juggling separate rescue and maintenance inhalers.
How the Combination Works
- Formoterol - a LABA (long‑acting β₂‑agonist) that binds to β₂ receptors on smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation that lasts around 12 hours.
- Budesonide - an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that dampens the immune response, decreasing mucus production and airway swelling.
Together they address both the reversible constriction and the chronic inflammation that drive asthma attacks and COPD flare‑ups. Studies from 2023‑2024 show that patients on the 60 µg formulation achieve a mean improvement of 0.22 L in FEV₁ compared with separate LABA/ICS inhalers, while reporting fewer daily inhalations.
Key Attributes to Compare
When you line up Symbicort against other options, focus on these attributes:
- Device type - DPI (dry‑powder inhaler), pMDI (pressurised metered‑dose inhaler), or nebuliser.
- Fixed vs. flexible dosing - some inhalers let you adjust the steroid dose.
- Frequency - twice daily vs. once daily.
- Cost and insurance coverage - generic equivalents can be dramatically cheaper.
- Side‑effect profile - especially oral thrush, hoarseness, or tachycardia.
Popular Alternatives
Below are the most frequently mentioned alternatives in clinical practice and patient forums.
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) - DPI, twice‑daily, widely covered by US Medicare.
- Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) - once‑daily DPI, higher total steroid dose per inhalation.
- Pulmicort Respules (budesonide) - nebulised solution, used for children or severe COPD.
- Relvar Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) - similar to Breo but marketed for COPD primary indication.
- Ventolin HFA (albuterol) - pMDI rescue inhaler; often paired with a separate maintenance inhaler.
- Mometasone/Formoterol (e.g., Dymista Nasal) - nasal spray, not an inhaler, but occasionally mentioned for allergic rhinitis as a complementary therapy.
Side‑Effect Snapshot
All inhaled LABA/ICS combos share a core set of potential adverse events. The table below highlights where each product differs.
| Inhaler | Device | Daily Dose (µg) | Frequency | Typical Cost (US$) | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD | Dry‑powder (breath‑actuated) | Formoterol 120 µg + budesonide 480 µg | 2×/day | ≈$250 for 60 doses | Oral thrush, hoarseness, mild tremor |
| Advair Diskus (500/50) | Dry‑powder (diskus) | Formoterol 100 µg + fluticasone 500 µg | 2×/day | ≈$200 for 60 doses | Thrush, cough, palpitations |
| Breo Ellipta (100/200) | Dry‑powder (once‑daily) | Formoterol 100 µg + fluticasone 200 µg | 1×/day | ≈$300 for 30 doses | Thrush, headache, tachycardia |
| Pulmicort Respules (0.5 mg) | Nebuliser solution | Budesonide 500 µg (per nebulisation) | 2-4×/day | ≈$40 per 5 ml vial | Hoarseness, oral candidiasis |
| Relvar Ellipta (100/250) | Dry‑powder (once‑daily) | Formoterol 100 µg + fluticasone 250 µg | 1×/day | ≈$280 for 30 doses | Thrush, sore throat, arrhythmia (rare) |
Choosing the Right Inhaler for You
Every patient’s situation is a mix of clinical need, lifestyle, and budget. Below is a decision guide that translates the data into practical steps.
- Assess inhalation technique. If you struggle with the force required for a DPI, a pMDI with a spacer or a nebuliser may be safer.
- Consider dosing frequency. Once‑daily devices (Breo, Relvar) improve adherence for busy adults, while twice‑daily options give more flexibility for dose adjustments.
- Check insurance formularies. Many plans list Advair as a preferred brand, dropping the copay by 30‑40 % compared with Symbicort.
- Factor in comorbidities. Patients with frequent oral thrush may benefit from a device that includes a built‑in mouth‑piece guard (e.g., Turbuhaler’s foil cover).
- Review cost per therapeutic gram. Divide the total price by the total µg of steroid delivered to see the true economic impact.
In practice, clinicians often start with the inhaler the patient can use correctly, then tweak the regimen if control remains suboptimal.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Improper storage. Keep DPIs away from humidity; a damp device can clump the powder and reduce dose.
- Skipping the rinse. Rinsing the mouth after each dose cuts oral thrush risk by up to 70 %.
- Mixing rescue and maintenance. Using a rescue inhaler more than twice a week signals that the maintenance dose may be too low.
- Assuming “once‑daily = better”. Some patients need the more even plasma levels from twice‑daily dosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Symbicort to Advair without a doctor’s order?
No. Both drugs contain a LABA/ICS combo, but the steroid type and dose differ. Switching without medical oversight can lead to under‑ or over‑treatment and may affect insurance coverage.
Is the Turbuhaler easier to use than a Diskus?
Many patients find the breath‑actuated Turbuhaler simpler because there’s no need to slide a lever. However, it requires a strong, steady inhalation; people with weak inspiratory flow may prefer the Diskus’s sliding mechanism.
What’s the biggest cost driver for these inhalers?
Brand‑name pricing dominates. A generic budesonide inhaler can be under $50 for a month’s supply, while branded combos like Symbicort or Breo often exceed $250. Checking pharmacy discount cards or patient assistance programs can shrink the gap.
Do I need a spacer with Symbicort Turbuhaler?
No spacer is needed because the Turbuhaler is a dry‑powder device, not a pressurised metered‑dose inhaler.
Can children use Symbicort Turbuhaler?
It’s approved for children 12 years and older. Younger kids usually need a nebulised budesonide solution or a child‑friendly pMDI with a spacer.
Bottom Line
Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD offers a reliable twice‑daily LABA/ICS combo in a breath‑actuated DPI, making it a solid choice for many adults with asthma or COPD. Alternatives like Advair Diskus and Breo Ellipta bring different dosing schedules and device mechanics that may better fit certain patients’ preferences or insurance plans. Use the comparison criteria-device type, dosing frequency, cost, side‑effects-to match the inhaler to the individual’s needs, and always confirm the switch with a healthcare professional.
Alisha Cervone
October 26, 2025 AT 17:32The Turbuhaler seems fine but the price is steep.