Dulera vs Symbicort: Compare Efficacy, Side-Effects, and Savings for Asthma & COPD
If you walk into any pharmacy in London, you’ll probably see stacks of inhalers promising better breathing. But here’s the twist—just because your GP prescribes something doesn’t mean it’s the only answer, or even the best fit for your lungs and wallet. Dulera and Symbicort have stirred up their own little rivalry on the shelves, both elbowing for a spot as your go-to inhaler. But which one actually helps you breathe easier? And what about the headaches no one talks about until you actually pick up the script—side effects, savings, and that awkward moment when your asthma control just isn’t quite right?
Comparing Efficacy: How Do Dulera and Symbicort Measure Up?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to combination inhalers—especially not for asthma or COPD. Dulera and Symbicort are both heavy-hitters because they combine an inhaled steroid with a long-acting beta-agonist. But they have their quirks. Dulera blends mometasone and formoterol, while Symbicort mixes budesonide and formoterol. The overlap? Both use formoterol to relax tight airways, but their steroids have slight differences in how quickly and deeply they get to work.
So, how do they perform when it counts? Clinical trials put both in the ‘very effective’ club. In a 2023 head-to-head analysis, over 75% of asthma patients using Dulera hit solid asthma control scores after three months. Symbicort was right on its heels at 76%. Sounds like a tie, but here's where it gets interesting: some people notice that Symbicort acts a bit faster as a reliever, especially in what’s called the SMART protocol (Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy). In the UK, this means Symbicort can sometimes replace your reliever inhaler (that blue one everyone forgets at home). Dulera, on the other hand, isn’t licensed for this kind of all-in-one use. So, if you want fewer inhalers in your bag, Symbicort might have the edge.
Asthma symptoms are sneaky. A recent NHS report showed nearly two-thirds of adults had poor control because they missed doses or used the wrong device. Both Dulera and Symbicort use a metered-dose inhaler, but Symbicort also comes in a dry powder version (Turbuhaler) that some folks find easier—especially if you fumble with those little canisters on busy London buses. Studies show that using a device you feel comfortable with actually boosts your odds of staying out of A&E with an attack.
For COPD, data paints a similar picture—both inhalers help people walk further in those dreaded six-minute walk tests, and both cut down on flare-ups. But adherence matters more than minute differences in drugs; so does technique. If you’re the type who learns best from YouTube videos, you’ll find loads more on Symbicort device hacks, simply because it’s been on the UK market longer.
Let’s break down key efficacy stats:
| Inhaler | Active Steroid | Beta-Agonist | Asthma Control Rate (3 Months) | Flare-Up Reduction (COPD, 1 Year) | Onset of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dulera | Mometasone | Formoterol | 75% | 38% | ~15 min |
| Symbicort | Budesonide | Formoterol | 76% | 40% | ~10 min |
Sneaky detail: if you struggle with allergies that hit your nose as well as your chest, Dulera’s mometasone is a cousin of nasal sprays like Nasonex. Some people swear their hayfever feels less intense with Dulera—no huge studies yet, but worth asking your GP if you hate sneezing season!
Decoding Side-Effects: What’s Real, What’s Annoying, and What’s Serious?
The truth: every inhaler can throw side effects your way, but some surprises are more common in the real world. The most reported side effect with both Dulera and Symbicort? The classic dry mouth or mild sore throat. Around a quarter of regular users get this at least once a month. If you take Symbicort or Dulera and your voice sounds like you’re doing a Lemsip advert, you’re not alone. Avoiding this is simple—gargle or rinse your mouth after each puff. It’s so effective that rates of oral thrush (those pesky mouth infections) drop from 13% to under 4% if you make rinsing a daily habit.
But what about those more annoying side issues? Shakiness or mild jitteriness can pop up because both inhalers have formoterol, a beta-agonist that acts a bit like caffeine. About 1 in 20 users gets a nervous, heart-racing feeling—usually mild, but more common if you also slam down coffee or energy drinks. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, mention it at your next check-up. Sometimes simply lowering the dose does the trick.
Cough is another under-reported nuisance. While both drugs can trigger a cough right after inhalation, studies show Symbicort causes this in 8% of users, compared to about 5% with Dulera. Most of the time it’s brief and settles in a few days, but if you’re in meetings all day, it can feel endless. Ironically, incorrect inhaler technique makes this worse—so a quick session with your pharmacist could pay off big time.
Onto the rare, but more serious stuff. Both inhalers carry a tiny chance of causing systemic effects if you use high doses for a long time: think weakened bones, raised eye pressure, or in rare cases, adrenal suppression. Doctors in London usually check for these risks if you’ve been on high-dose treatment long-term. Always flag any weird symptoms (like unexplained tiredness, persistent muscle weakness, or vision changes) as soon as they pop up.
Symbicort gets an extra mention with its SMART protocol. Using it for both regular and rescue use may give you more exposure each day, but actual side effect rates remain similar to standard use in big NHS studies. Just keep an eye on overuse, especially if you’re tempted to rely on it during stressful seasons like exam time or the winter lurgy sweep.
Quick tip: if you want stories straight from people juggling asthma or COPD, search online forums—there’s usually someone who’s been through what you’re dealing with. And remember, GPs are open to changing inhalers. Don’t stick with something that makes you feel rubbish just because you’ve always had it.
Counting the Cost: Savings, Switching, and Money-Saving Tricks
No one likes to talk about money in healthcare, but in 2025, cost is a real deal-breaker. Both Dulera vs Symbicort inhalers sit at the pricier end on NHS prescription lists. For UK patients who get free scripts (thanks, NHS!), this might seem like a non-issue. But if you’re in the private sector or run into stock shortages, prices quickly get real. As of this year, an adult dose of Symbicort (160/4.5mcg) costs around £39 for a 120-dose inhaler. Dulera (100/5mcg) is not far off, clocking in just over £37. And if you’re on higher strengths or twin inhalers, double it.
If you look outside the NHS, there are ways to save. Some online pharmacies offer private scripts, but always check their reviews and registration on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Plus, some new schemes let you buy inhalers in bulk for savings, handy if you’re dealing with a chronic condition year-round. Struggling students and folks on Universal Credit are still eligible for the NHS prescription charge waiver—don’t pay when you could get it free!
Switching between Dulera and Symbicort isn’t as simple as trading one blue inhaler for another. The doses aren’t always equivalent, and the devices sometimes feel different in your hands. If you’re curious about how each stacks up in practice or want to see some new alternatives popping up in 2025, check out this guide: Dulera vs Symbicort. It covers head-to-head cost comparisons and what to ask your doctor if you’re thinking of switching.
Before you change inhalers, here are some life-tested tips:
- Book a review with your asthma nurse or pharmacist. Get a hands-on demo with the new device.
- Watch technique videos online—most errors happen because people don’t prime or inhale long enough.
- Log every symptom, relief, or side effect for the first month after the switch.
- Don’t try to use up leftovers from your old inhaler just to “save money”—mixed dosing can cause confusion and sometimes worse symptoms.
- Store your scripts online using NHS apps, so you never run out unexpectedly.
Here's something else: many patients stick with a drug just out of habit. Take advantage of annual reviews—if your breathing isn't where it should be, your GP can tweak doses, or even switch to cheaper generics if available. There's been a push this year for more transparent drug pricing and open talks about cost barriers. If you're nervous about raising money worries, just remember: every pound you save here is another you can spend on what you actually enjoy.
Bottom line—the differences between Dulera and Symbicort might feel subtle at the chemist’s counter, but they can add up in how you feel, how your day runs, and what you’ve got left in your pocket. The winners aren’t always the inhalers with flashiest ad campaigns; they’re the ones you use properly, can afford, and actually make day-to-day life better. So, next time you’re staring down the inhaler aisle, ask for advice, check your comfort with the device, weigh the real costs, and don’t be afraid to demand what works for you—not just what's always been done.
Write a comment