Inhaler Comparison Tool
Select your preferred inhaler to compare key features:
| Feature | Selected Inhaler |
|---|---|
| Device Type | - |
| LABA Component | - |
| ICS Component | - |
| Doses Per Cartridge | - |
| Onset of Bronchodilation | - |
| Typical Cost (AU$) | - |
When you’re juggling asthma or COPD, the inhaler you choose can feel like a life‑or‑death decision. Symbicort Turbuhaler often lands on the shortlist because it bundles a fast‑acting bronchodilator with a corticosteroid, but dozens of other devices claim similar benefits. Below you’ll get a straight‑up look at how Symbicort stacks up against the most common competitors, what each option actually does in the lungs, and which one fits different lifestyles and budgets.
What Exactly Is Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD?
Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD is a dry‑powder inhaler (DPI) that delivers 12µg of formoterol and 200µg of budesonide per inhalation. The device uses a high‑velocity airflow to disperse the powder, so you don’t need a propellant or a spacer. Formoterol is a long‑acting β2‑agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway muscles within minutes and keeps them open for up to 12hours. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces airway inflammation over days to weeks. The 60‑dose cartridge is designed for twice‑daily use, giving a total of 30days of therapy.
Key Traits to Compare
- Device type: Turbuhaler (DPI)
- Active ingredients: Formoterol (LABA) + Budesonide (ICS)
- Dose frequency: Twice daily
- Approved for: Asthma (step3‑5) and COPD
- Typical cost (Australia, 2025): AU$45-55 for a 60‑dose cartridge
Major Alternatives on the Market
Below are the inhalers most often pitched as substitutes. Each one pairs a LABA with an ICS, but the exact molecules, device mechanics, and dosing schedules differ.
Advair Diskus combines salmeterol (LABA) and fluticasone propionate (ICS) in a breath‑actuated Diskus device. It’s available in 60‑dose cartridges for twice‑daily use.
Breo Ellipta pairs vilanterol (LABA) with fluticasone furoate (ICS). The Ellipta is a pre‑loaded, ready‑to‑press inhaler delivering one dose per click.
Pulmicort Turbuhaler contains only budesonide (ICS) and is used as a maintenance‑only inhaler. It’s a DPI like Symbicort but lacks a LABA component.
Seretide Diskus is the European branding for the same salmeterol‑fluticasone combo found in Advair, delivered via a Diskus device.
Relvar Ellipta mirrors Breo’s formulation (vilanterol+fluticasone furoate) but is marketed for COPD in Australia.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Attribute | Symbicort Turbuhaler | Advair Diskus | Breo Ellipta | Pulmicort Turbuhaler | Seretide Diskus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LABA | Formoterol (12µg) | Salmeterol (50µg) | Vilanterol (25µg) | None | Salmeterol (50µg) |
| ICS | Budesonide (200µg) | Fluticasone propionate (250µg) | Fluticasone furoate (100µg) | Budesonide (200µg) | Fluticasone propionate (250µg) |
| Device type | Turbuhaler (DPI) | Diskus (DPI) | Ellipta (pre‑loaded DPI) | Turbuhaler (DPI) | Diskus (DPI) |
| Doses per cartridge | 60 (2× daily) | 60 (2× daily) | 30 (once daily) | 120 (once or twice daily) | 60 (2× daily) |
| Onset of bronchodilation | ≈5min | ≈5min | ≈5min | N/A (no LABA) | ≈5min |
| Typical Australian price (2025) | AU$45‑55 | AU$50‑60 | AU$55‑65 | AU$30‑40 | AU$50‑60 |
Who Benefits Most from Each Option?
Symbicort Turbuhaler shines for patients who prefer a compact, propellant‑free device and need a rapid‑acting LABA. The twice‑daily schedule works well for people whose symptoms flare up in the morning and evening.
Advair Diskus and Seretide Diskus are similar in performance but rely on salmeterol, which has a slightly slower onset than formoterol. They’re a solid choice if you’re already comfortable with the Diskus mechanism.
Breo Ellipta (and its COPD‑focused twin, Relvar) offer once‑daily dosing, perfect for those who struggle with twice‑daily compliance. The higher‑potency fluticasone furoate means you can often use a lower total steroid dose.
Pulmicort Turbuhaler is for patients who only need an anti‑inflammatory steroid without a LABA - for example, mild asthma maintained with low‑dose budesonide alone.
How to Pick the Right Inhaler for You
- Check your prescription tier. Some insurers cover DPIs but not certain brand‑name devices. Knowing your Benefit Tier can save $20‑$30 per month.
- Match the dosing schedule to your routine. If you forget afternoon doses, a once‑daily Ellipta may improve adherence.
- Consider the inhaler mechanics. Turbuhalers need a strong, fast inhalation; Diskus devices are breath‑actuated and work well for patients with weaker inspiratory flow.
- Review side‑effect profiles. Formoterol and salmeterol share similar cardiovascular warnings, while fluticasone furoate may carry a slightly higher risk of oral thrush.
- Factor in cost. Generic budesonide inhalers (like Pulmicort) are cheaper, but you’ll need a separate rescue bronchodilator such as salbutamol.
Practical Tips for Using a Turbuhaler
- Exhale fully away from the device - never into the mouthpiece.
- Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, then inhale sharply and deeply.
- Hold your breath for 10seconds before breathing out.
- Wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth weekly to prevent powder clumping.
- Store the inhaler at room temperature, away from humidity.
Common Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Symbicort Turbuhaler to a Diskus device?
Yes, but you’ll need a new prescription because the active ingredients differ (formoterol+budesonide vs. salmeterol+fluticasone). Your doctor will decide if the change fits your asthma control level.
Is Symbicort safe for COPD patients?
It’s approved for COPD maintenance therapy in Australia. The combination reduces exacerbations, but patients with heart rhythm issues should discuss the LABA component with their cardiologist.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed one - don’t double‑dose.
How long does a 60‑dose cartridge actually last?
At the recommended two puffs per day, a 60‑dose cartridge provides 30days of therapy. Many patients keep a spare in case of travel.
Do I need a spacer with Symbicort Turbuhaler?
No. Turbuhalers are designed for direct inhalation, and a spacer can actually reduce powder dispersion.
Bottom Line
If you value a rapid‑acting LABA, a compact DPI, and a twice‑daily routine that aligns with morning/evening symptom peaks, Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD is a strong contender. For once‑daily simplicity, Breo Ellipta wins. If cost is the biggest driver, Pulmicort (budesonide‑only) or a generic formoterol‑budesonide combo, when available, may shave off dollars.
Talk to your respiratory specialist, weigh the device mechanics, dosing schedule, and out‑of‑pocket price - then stick with the inhaler that feels natural in your hand and keeps your lungs clear.
Christopher Xompero
September 30, 2025 AT 21:13Wow, this whole inhaler showdown feels like an epic drama unfolding right before our eyes, and let me tell you, I’ve read every line of that description like a detective searching for clues. The Symbicort Turbuhaler claims a rapid 5‑minute onset, which is impressive, but the Advair Diskus isn’t far behind, sporting a similar speed while packing a heftier dose of fluticasone.
Now, consider the Breo Ellipta, which promises once‑daily convenience; that alone could be a game‑changer for anyone who forgets to take their meds twice a day. Yet, the price tag jumps to AU$55‑65, which might scare off budget‑conscious patients, especially when the Pulmicort Turbuhaler sits at a modest AU$30‑40 for a pure steroid option.
Let’s not ignore the device mechanics either – the Turbuhaler demands a strong, fast inhalation, something that could be a hurdle for those with weaker inspiratory flow, whereas the Diskus and Ellipta are breath‑actuated and more forgiving.
On the clinical side, formoterol in Symbicort has a quicker onset than salmeterol in Advair, though both maintain bronchodilation for about 12 hours. The choice may ultimately hinge on how your body reacts to budesonide versus fluticasone, because steroid potency and side‑effects vary from patient to patient.
From a cost perspective, if you’re in Australia, a generic budesonide‑formoterol combo could shave off a few dollars, but insurance coverage often sways the decision more than raw price.
In summary, there is no one‑size‑fits‑all inhaler; each device balances speed, convenience, cost, and patient‑specific factors. Pick the one that aligns with your daily routine, lung physiology, and wallet, and you’ll likely see better adherence and control.
Remember, the best inhaler is the one you actually use consistently, not the most expensive or technically advanced gadget on the shelf.