- Asthma in adults and children aged 12 and over
- Treatment of asthma
- Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
$49 per month
Most common
More serious
Most common
More serious
⦁ Beta-blockers – carteolol, propranolol, timolol
Serious interactionsYou should not use Dulera if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Dulera if you:
You should not use Symbicort if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Symbicort if you:
Twice daily
2 puffs twice daily
Dulera inhalation aerosol (5 mcg-100 mcg/inh) will cost around $230
1 inhalation aerosol (160 mcg-4.5 mcg/inh) 120 doses will cost around $280
There are many types of long-term asthma medications for controlling and preventing the symptoms of asthma such as breathing problems, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. No single asthma treatment is best for everyone and what works for one person may not work for another.
Combination inhalers are one of many options available to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These prescription drugs contain an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA) classed as LABA/ICS inhalers in fixed doses. Having two medications in one inhaler is often more convenient than having to take two inhalers but fixed doses may limit the ability to deliver high dose inhaled corticosteroids in patients with severe asthma. Combination medications are given through a metered-dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler, depending on the product you use. We will take a look at two drugs in this category – Dulera and Symbicort – how they compare to one another in terms of uses, common side effects, drug interactions, and more.
Dulera is the brand name of a drug containing mometasone furoate, which is the steroid component, and formoterol which is the LABA component of the drug. It is used to treat and prevent the symptoms of asthma in adults and children 5 years and older. It comes in a metered-dose inhaler
Symbicort is the brand name of a drug manufactured by AstraZeneca. It is used to treat asthma and COPD in adults and children 12 years of age and above. Symbicort contains two active ingredients; budesonide and formoterol, and are presented in a metered-dose aerosol inhaler.
Symbicort and Dulera work in the same way but contain different active ingredients. They are classed as combination products containing two different drugs. One drug is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) commonly referred to as an inhaled steroid. The other drug is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) often referred to as a bronchodilator. A corticosteroid works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. LABA’s work by relaxing the muscles around the airways in your lungs and easing breathing. Together they can reduce symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The drug combination in Dulera is mometasone /formoterol and comes in three different strengths. The drug combination in Symbicort is budesonide/formoterol and comes in two different strengths.
Symbicort and Dulera have different FDA-approved uses but both can be used to treat asthma. Dulera can not be used to treat COPD like Symbicort.
Symbicort is approved to treat:
Symbicort comes in two different strengths:
Dulera is approved to treat:
Dulera comes in three different strengths:
It is important to note that Dulera and Symbicort are maintenance inhalers and should never be used as rescue inhalers. Your healthcare provider will provide you with a rescue inhaler containing albuterol, a short-acting bronchodilator for worsening symptoms during an asthma attack.
Common side effects of Dulera and Symbicort
Common side effects of Symbicort
More serious side effects of Dulera and Symbicort
More serious side effects of Symbicort
Dulera and Symbicort can also cause problems if you have certain health issues such as
This is not a complete list and medical advice should be taken from your healthcare provider. Always inform your healthcare professional of medications you use, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, and supplements. Also, if you have problems inhaling from your device your pharmacist can help you with your technique and may suggest a spacer.
Talk to your healthcare provider for medical advice about asthma and COPD treatment options while pregnant and breastfeeding. There has not been sufficient research to suggest that Dulera or Symbicort are safe or harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. Sometimes it is necessary to use prednisone if your asthma symptoms worsen or you need urgent treatment. A short course of prednisone lasting 5-10 days is typically given after an asthma attack to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Do not take Dulera with other medicines that contain a LABA as using too much LABA may cause chest pain, leading to complications. Avoid people who are sick or have infections such as measles because you are prone to catching infections when taking Dulera.
Some other combination products available are Advair HFA and Advair Diskus which contain the ICS fluticasone and the LABA salmeterol. Breo is also available containing the ICS fluticasone with the LABA vilanterol.