Advair vs Symbicort: Differences, Uses & Which Inhaler Suits You

Delivery Mechanism and Types of Inhaler

The delivery mechanism of these two drugs is taken into consideration as a major difference. Generic Advair is available in two types: a dry powder inhaler (Diskus) and a metered-dose inhaler (HFA). Symbicort is used only through a metered-dose inhaler.

Dry powder inhalers are inhaled through a long breath, which allows the medicine to go straight into your lungs. Some people find this easier because they don’t need to coordinate their breathing while pressing the inhaler. However, it requires sufficient lung strength to work effectively.

A metered-dose inhaler discharges a medicine spray. You are required to press the inhaler while you gently breathe in deeply. Some form of coordination is required, but using a spacer device can make it easier for you to ensure the maximum dose reaches your lungs. The suitable option relies on your comfort, coordination, and breathing ability. Your healthcare provider can allow you to practice proper technique.

Key Differences in Dosing and Administration

While exploring Symbicort vs. Advair, it is important to note that dosing can differ by inhaler type. Some generic Advair forms require one inhalation per dose, while others, along with generic Symbicort, require two puffs per dose. You usually use both medicines twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Follow your prescribed dosing exactly. Taking too little a dose may not regulate your symptoms, while taking too much can increase the risk of side effects. It is better to take your doses at the same time each day to keep your symptoms under control.

Age Approvals and Pediatric Considerations

Age approvals vary between these medications. Generic Symbicort is authorized for children 6 years old and below for asthma. Advair Diskus can be used in children 4 years old and below, while Advair HFA is mainly authorized for patients 12 years and older. For COPD, both medicines are normally used only in adults. In children, use of the correct inhaler is a must. Most children benefit from using a spacer with aerosol inhalers to ensure the medicine reaches the lungs effectively. Therefore, healthcare providers should help children learn and practice proper technique.

Making a Comparison between Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes

Advair HFA is a metered-dose inhaler that releases an inhalation aerosol in strengths of 45/21 mcg, 230/21, and 115/21 mcg of fluticasone/salmeterol. Advair Diskus releases an inhalation powder in strengths of 100/50 mcg, 500/50 mcg, or 250/50 mcg of fluticasone/salmeterol. Symbicort is available as an inhalation aerosol in strengths of 160/4.5 mcg or 80/4.5 mcg of budesonide/formoterol. Below are the other factors of the three medications: Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, and Symbicort:

The effectiveness and efficiency of both Advair and Symbicort are sufficiently high to regulate the symptoms of asthma and COPD as per clinical studies. Comparisons show similar effectiveness in some cases, so the choice often comes down to individual patient factors rather than major differences in therapeutic results.

Some patients may prefer responding towards one medicine over another because of individual differences in inhaler technique, personal tolerance, or drug metabolism. This is why healthcare experts need to determine different medicines to identify the suitable treatment for each patient. The effectiveness of the medicine is dependent on proper inhaler technique and continuous daily use as prescribed.

Can you switch to Advair or Symbicort?

It is possible to switch between Advair and Symbicort under the below-mentioned conditions. But before that, talk to your doctor, as they can provide extra information to help you decide the best course of action.

You would be more likely to get prescribed Advair (HFA or Diskus) under the following circumstances:

• You have asthma and require a specific strength that compares to the Advair product.

• Your healthcare provider prefers a dry-powder device like the Diskus, or you cannot use an HFA well.

• Your insurance coverage includes generic fluticasone/salmeterol at a reasonable cost.

You would be more likely to get prescribed Symbicort if:

• You have asthma, and your doctor gives you a treatment where Symbicort can also help with symptoms in specific situations.

• You have COPD, and your healthcare provider gives you 160/45 strength or Aerosphere for maintenance.

• Your insurance coverage includes budesonide/formoterol.

Although Advair and Symbicort are different, they are in the same drug class; your body tends to respond differently. Significantly, you do not start, stop, or switch any of your medication treatments on your own without your doctor’s suggestion.

Conclusion

So far, we have studied fluticasone salmeterol vs. budesonide formoterol in the blog above, where we learned that Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are combination inhalers that are FDA-authorized for asthma and COPD. Advair HFA is only approved for asthma. On the other hand, Symbicort may be a preferred choice for asthma, but they’re equally effective when it comes to COPD. Advair and Symbicort have similar side effects, but the risk of pneumonia might be comparatively higher with Advair in patients with COPD.

Whether you take Advair or Symbicort, complying with your day-to-day regimen will help you get the most benefit from your treatment. In short, these three drugs combine an inhaled corticosteroid to help lower lung inflammation and an inhaled bronchodilator to help relax the muscles around your airways and ease your breathing.