Symbicort vs Breo Ellipta
A side-by-side look at two respiratory medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Symbicort | US Breo Ellipta | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | budesonide/formoterol | fluticasone/vilanterol |
| Drug class | ICS/LABA Inhaler | ICS/LABA Inhaler |
| Treats | Asthma, COPD | Asthma, COPD |
| Category | Respiratory | Respiratory |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | GSK |
| Year approved | 2006 | 2013 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $120M | $100M |
| Common side effects | Throat irritation, Oral thrush, Hoarseness, Headache | Oral thrush, Throat irritation, Headache, Common cold symptoms |
Symbicort
Breo Ellipta
Frequently asked questions
Is Symbicort or Breo Ellipta better?
Neither is universally "better." Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) 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 Breo Ellipta?
Symbicort is a ICS/LABA Inhaler made by AstraZeneca, while Breo Ellipta is a ICS/LABA Inhaler 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.