Symbicort vs Fasenra
A side-by-side look at two respiratory medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Symbicort | US Fasenra | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | budesonide/formoterol | benralizumab |
| Drug class | ICS/LABA Inhaler | IL-5 Receptor Antagonist (Biologic) |
| Treats | Asthma, COPD | Severe eosinophilic asthma |
| Category | Respiratory | Respiratory |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 2006 | 2017 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $120M | $80M |
| Common side effects | Throat irritation, Oral thrush, Hoarseness, Headache | Headache, Sore throat, Allergic reactions, Injection site reactions |
Symbicort
Frequently asked questions
Is Symbicort or Fasenra better?
Neither is universally "better." Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and Fasenra (benralizumab) 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 Fasenra?
Symbicort is a ICS/LABA Inhaler made by AstraZeneca, while Fasenra is a IL-5 Receptor Antagonist (Biologic) made by AstraZeneca. 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.