Symbicort Turbuhaler Comparison: Alternatives, Effectiveness, and Key Differences

When you're managing asthma or COPD, Symbicort Turbuhaler, a combination inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol used to control airway inflammation and open airways. Also known as budesonide/formoterol inhaler, it's one of the most prescribed maintenance treatments for long-term control. But it’s not the only option—and knowing how it compares to others can save you money, reduce side effects, or improve your breathing.

Many people switch from Symbicort Turbuhaler because of cost, taste, or how it feels in the throat. Others want something simpler to use or need a different dose. budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and mucus in the lungs is also found in Pulmicort, while formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist that relaxes airway muscles shows up in Foradil and Oxis. You can get these as separate inhalers, but Symbicort combines them into one device. That convenience matters—especially when you’re managing daily symptoms.

Compared to Ventolin or other rescue inhalers, Symbicort isn’t meant for sudden attacks. It’s a daily controller. That’s why people often compare it to other combination inhalers like Advair Diskus, Breo Ellipta, or Dulera. Each has a different delivery method—some use powder, others use aerosol. Symbicort Turbuhaler is a dry powder device you breathe in through the mouth. It doesn’t need a spacer, but you have to inhale deeply and hold your breath. If your hands are shaky or you struggle with timing, other devices might work better.

Cost is another big factor. Generic versions of budesonide/formoterol are available in some countries, often at half the price of brand-name Symbicort. But not all pharmacies carry them, and insurance coverage varies. Some patients switch to Flovent or Qvar if they only need a steroid, then add a separate long-acting inhaler. Others try newer options like Breo, which combines fluticasone with vilanterol, offering once-daily dosing. But studies show Symbicort works just as well for most people—and it’s been around longer, so doctors know its profile inside and out.

Side effects are similar across most inhaled steroids: sore throat, hoarseness, oral thrush. Rinsing your mouth after use helps. Formoterol can cause jitteriness or a fast heartbeat, especially at first. If you’ve had heart issues or high blood pressure, your doctor might suggest alternatives without long-acting beta agonists. Some people find that using a spacer with a different inhaler reduces side effects, even if it’s less convenient.

What you’ll find below is a real-world look at how Symbicort Turbuhaler stacks up against other treatments. We’ve pulled together comparisons from people who’ve tried multiple inhalers, from generic alternatives to newer devices. You’ll see how they differ in cost, ease of use, how fast they work, and what side effects actually feel like in daily life. No marketing fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor before switching.