Symbicort vs Advair Diskus
A side-by-side look at two respiratory medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Symbicort | US Advair Diskus | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | budesonide/formoterol | fluticasone/salmeterol |
| Drug class | ICS/LABA Inhaler | Inhaled Corticosteroid / LABA Combination |
| Treats | Asthma, COPD | Asthma and COPD |
| Category | Respiratory | Respiratory |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | GSK |
| Year approved | 2006 | 2000 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $120M | — |
| Common side effects | Throat irritation, Oral thrush, Hoarseness, Headache | Thrush (mouth infection), Hoarse voice, Headache, Throat irritation |
Symbicort
Advair Diskus
Frequently asked questions
Is Symbicort or Advair Diskus better?
Neither is universally "better." Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both used for respiratory, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Symbicort and Advair Diskus?
Symbicort is a ICS/LABA Inhaler made by AstraZeneca, while Advair Diskus is a Inhaled Corticosteroid / LABA Combination made by GSK. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Symbicort has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.