Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD vs Top Asthma & COPD Inhaler Alternatives
Sep, 27 2025
Inhaler Comparison Tool
Compare key features of common asthma and COPD inhalers to help choose the best option for your needs.
| Product | Active Ingredients | Form / Device | Dosing Frequency | Approved For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbicort Turbuhaler | Formoterol + Budesonide | Dry-powder inhaler (Turbuhaler) | Twice daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Advair Diskus | Salmeterol + Fluticasone propionate | Dry-powder inhaler (Diskus) | Twice daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Breo Ellipta | Vilanterol + Fluticasone furoate | Dry-powder inhaler (Ellipta) | Once daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Relvar Ellipta | Vilanterol + Fluticasone furoate | Dry-powder inhaler (Ellipta) | Once daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Pulmicort Respules | Budesonide (monotherapy) | Nebulizer solution | Twice daily (or as needed) | Asthma (primarily) |
| Montelukast | Montelukast sodium (tablet) | Oral tablet | Once daily | Asthma adjunct, allergic rhinitis |
| Albuterol (Ventolin) | Albuterol (SABA) | Press-air metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) or DPI | As needed | Quick relief for asthma & COPD |
TL;DR
• Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD blends a long‑acting bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid.
• It’s a dry‑powder inhaler (DPI) taken twice daily.
• Main rivals are Advair Diskus, Breo Ellipta, Relvar Ellipta, Pulmicort Respules and Montelukast tablets.
• Choose based on device preference, dosing frequency, side‑effect profile and insurance coverage.
• Proper inhaler technique makes any of these options work better.
What is Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD?
Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD is a dry‑powder inhaler (DPI) that delivers a fixed combination of formoterol fumarate (a long‑acting β2‑agonist) and budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) in each puff. The device contains 60 metered doses and is approved for maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults.
The formulation provides rapid bronchodilation (formoterol) within minutes and sustained anti‑inflammatory action (budesonide) over 12‑hour intervals. Because the two drugs are co‑formulated, patients only need one inhaler for both actions, simplifying adherence.
How the two active ingredients work together
Formoterol is a long‑acting β2‑adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway smooth muscle, improving airflow for up to 12hours.
Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that dampens airway inflammation, reducing mucus production and hyper‑responsiveness.
When paired, formoterol gives quick symptom relief while budesonide controls the underlying inflammation. Clinical trials (e.g., the TORCH study) show a 15‑20% reduction in severe exacerbations compared with placebo when both agents are used consistently.
Guideline backing - why doctors recommend it
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines list a LABA/ICS combination as first‑line maintenance therapy for patients whose symptoms aren't controlled by low‑dose inhaled steroids alone. Symbicort matches those recommendations with a twice‑daily dosing schedule that fits most daily routines.
Top alternatives on the market
Below are the most frequently prescribed inhalers that compete with Symbicort, either because they use a different LABA/ICS pairing or because they target the same conditions with a distinct device.
| Product | Active ingredients | Form / Device | Dosing frequency | Approved for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbicort Turbuhaler | Formoterol+Budesonide | Dry‑powder inhaler (Turbuhaler) | Twice daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Advair Diskus | Salmeterol+Fluticasone propionate | Dry‑powder inhaler (Diskus) | Twice daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Breo Ellipta | Vilanterol+Fluticasone furoate | Dry‑powder inhaler (Ellipta) | Once daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Relvar Ellipta | Vilanterol+Fluticasone furoate | Dry‑powder inhaler (Ellipta) | Once daily | Asthma, COPD |
| Pulmicort Respules | Budesonide (monotherapy) | Nebulizer solution | Twice daily (or as needed) | Asthma (primarily) |
| Montelukast | Montelukast sodium (tablet) | Oral tablet | Once daily | Asthma adjunct, allergic rhinitis |
| Albuterol (Ventolin) | Albuterol (SABA) | Press‑air metered‑dose inhaler (pMDI) or DPI | As needed | Quick relief for asthma & COPD |
How to decide which inhaler fits you best
Choosing an inhaler isn’t just about the drug; the delivery device matters a lot. Here are the key decision points:
- Device handling: Some people find the Turbuhaler’s twist‑to‑load mechanism easier than the Diskus’s sliding mouthpiece, while others prefer the click‑and‑inhale feel of the Ellipta.
- Dosing convenience: Once‑daily options (Breo, Relvar) cut down on missed doses, but twice‑daily regimens (Symbicort, Advair) may provide steadier blood levels for severe disease.
- Side‑effect profile: High‑dose fluticasone can increase oral thrush risk; budesonide generally has a slightly lower local immunosuppression effect.
- Cost & coverage: Government PBS listings in Australia favor certain brand‑name DPIs; generic budesonide inhalers can be cheaper but may not have the same LABA partner.
- Co‑morbidities: If you also have allergic rhinitis, a leukotriene‑receptor antagonist like Montelukast can be added without extra inhaler steps.
Practical tips for using the Symbicort Turbuhaler correctly
Even the most effective drug fails if the technique is off. Follow these steps each time you take a puff:
- Remove the cap and check that the mouthpiece is clean.
- Turn the base clockwise until you hear a click - that loads a dose.
- Exhale fully away from the device (do not blow into the inhaler).
- Seal the mouthpiece with your lips, then inhale forcefully and deeply.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds to allow the powder to settle.
- Replace the cap and repeat for the second daily dose after at least 12hours.
Cleaning the mouthpiece once a week with a dry cloth prevents powder buildup, which can affect dose consistency.
When to switch or add another therapy
If you experience any of the following, talk to your prescriber:
- More than two rescue inhalations per week despite regular Symbicort use.
- Frequent oral thrush or hoarseness.
- Night‑time symptoms that disrupt sleep.
Options may include stepping up to a higher‑dose combination, adding a leukotriene antagonist, or switching to a once‑daily LABA/ICS (Breo or Relvar) for better adherence.
Related concepts you might explore next
Understanding the broader picture helps you stay ahead of flare‑ups:
- GINA guidelines - the global standard for asthma management.
- GOLD strategy - recommendations for COPD severity staging.
- Peak flow monitoring - a simple home tool to gauge airway obstruction.
- Allergen immunotherapy - an option for patients with clear trigger patterns.
- Smoking cessation programs - crucial for COPD control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Symbicort different from Advair?
Both are LABA/ICS combos, but Symbicort pairs formoterol with budesonide, while Advair uses salmeterol with fluticasone. Formoterol has a faster onset (within minutes) compared with salmeterol, which can feel more like a maintenance‑only drug. Budesonide generally has slightly lower systemic steroid exposure than fluticasone, which matters for long‑term bone health.
Can I use Symbicort for both asthma and COPD?
Yes. The device is approved for maintenance therapy in adults with asthma and for COPD with a history of exacerbations. In practice, doctors often start with Symbicort for mixed‑phenotype patients because the LABA component helps both conditions.
Do I need a spacer with the Turbuhaler?
No. The Turbuhaler is a dry‑powder device that delivers medication directly through a fast, deep inhalation. Spacers are used with press‑ur air metered‑dose inhalers (pMDIs) to reduce oropharyngeal deposition, but they’re unnecessary for DPIs.
How quickly does Symbicort start working?
Formoterol begins to relax airway smooth muscle within 1‑2minutes, giving you rapid relief. Budesonide’s anti‑inflammatory effect builds over several days, so the full benefit appears after about 2‑4weeks of consistent use.
Is it safe to use Symbicort during pregnancy?
The FDA classifies budesonide as Category B (no evidence of risk in animal studies) and formoterol as Category C. Most guidelines suggest continuing a prescribed inhaled corticosteroid during pregnancy because uncontrolled asthma poses a higher risk to both mother and baby.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common local effects include throat irritation, hoarseness and oral thrush. Systemic effects are rare at inhaled doses but can include headache or mild tremor from the LABA. Rinse your mouth after each use to lower infection risk.
Elise Smit
September 27, 2025 AT 17:36Thanks for putting together such a thorough comparison. The side‑by‑side table really helps visualise the differences between the DPIs. I especially appreciate the tip about cleaning the mouthpiece weekly – I used to skip that step. For patients who struggle with the Turbuhaler’s twist‑to‑load, practicing with an empty device can build confidence. Keep up the great work, and let us know if you add a section on insurance coverage.