Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD vs Top Inhaler Alternatives: Detailed Comparison

When you or a loved one needs a reliable rescue and maintenance inhaler, the market feels crowded. Symbicort Turbuhaler is often at the top of the list, but dozens of alternatives promise similar relief. This guide breaks down how Symbicort stacks up against the most common options, so you can pick the device that fits your lifestyle, budget, and medical needs.

Key Takeaways

• Symbicort Turbuhaler delivers a fixed 60µg dose of formoterol+budesonide per inhalation, ideal for moderate‑to‑severe asthma and COPD.
• Advair Diskus and Seretide Diskus use the same active ingredients but come in different inhaler formats and dose ranges.
• Breo Ellipta packs a longer‑acting combination (fluticasone+vilanterol) that requires once‑daily dosing.
• Dulera offers a lower‑dose formoterol+budesonide combo, suitable for step‑down therapy.
• Price, device preference, and dosing frequency are the biggest levers when choosing an alternative.

What Is Symbicort Turbuhaler60MD?

Symbicort Turbuhaler is a dry‑powder inhaler (DPI) that combines 12µg formoterol (a long‑acting β2‑agonist) with 80µg budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) per inhalation, delivering a total of 60µg of active medication each puff. The device is breath‑activated, meaning you simply inhale deeply and the powder is released without needing a propellant.

Approved in Australia for both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the 60µg dose is the highest strength available in the Turbuhaler line, aimed at patients who need strong anti‑inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

How the Two Ingredients Work Together

Formoterol is a long‑acting β2‑agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway smooth muscle, providing quick relief that lasts up to 12hours. It begins to work within minutes, making it useful for both maintenance and occasional symptom control.

Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces airway inflammation, decreasing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks over time. Budesonide has a favorable safety profile and a rapid onset of action compared with some other steroids.

The synergy between a LABA and an ICS is backed by decades of clinical data: the LABA opens the airway, allowing the steroid to reach deeper lung tissue more effectively.

Popular Alternative Inhalers

Below are the most frequently prescribed alternatives, each with its own device type, dosing schedule, and price point in Australia (2025). All alternatives listed contain either the same active ingredients or a comparable LABA/ICS combo.

• Advair Diskus - a blister‑pack powder inhaler that pairs 100µg fluticasone with 5µg salmeterol per puff. Available in 250/50µg and 500/100µg strengths.
• Seretide Diskus - the European branding of Advair, same formulation, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.
• Breo Ellipta - a once‑daily DPI delivering 100µg fluticasone propionate+25µg vilanterol. Ideal for patients preferring a single daily dose.
• Dulera - a lower‑dose (6µg formoterol+100µg budesonide) DPI aimed at step‑down therapy after good control is achieved.
• Pulmicort Respules - budesonide‑only nebulised solution (0.5mg per dose), useful for patients who cannot use DPIs.
• Relvar Ellipta - fluticasone furoate+vilanterol, 100µg+25µg per inhalation, once daily, marketed for both asthma and COPD.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Symbicort Turbuhaler 60MD

• Pros: High potency, proven track record, breath‑activated (no need for hand‑actuation), wide insurance coverage.
• Cons: Requires two daily inhalations, larger inhaler size, slightly higher out‑of‑pocket cost than some generics.

Advair Diskus

• Pros: Fixed dose available, robust blister pack minimizes dose loss, familiar to many prescribers.
• Cons: Diskus mechanism can be tricky for patients with limited hand strength, higher dose of steroid may increase risk of oral thrush.

Breo Ellipta

• Pros: Once‑daily dosing improves adherence, sleek low‑profile device, lower steroid exposure per day.
• Cons: Uses vilanterol, a newer LABA some clinicians are still evaluating; not interchangeable with formoterol for patients on specific protocols.

Dulera

• Pros: Lower LABA dose reduces potential side‑effects, good for step‑down strategies after stable control.
• Cons: May be insufficient for severe asthma or COPD, limited availability in rural pharmacies.

Pulmicort Respules

• Pros: Nebulised form eases use for young children or those unable to generate sufficient inspiratory flow.
• Cons: Requires a nebuliser, longer administration time, higher overall cost per dose.

How to Choose the Right Inhaler for You

1. Assess disease severity. If you’re on a high‑dose regimen, Symbicort 60MD or Advair 500/100 may be needed. Milder cases can stay on lower‑dose combos like Dulera.
2. Consider dosing frequency. Once‑daily options (Breo, Relvar) boost adherence for busy lifestyles, while twice‑daily devices may provide more flexible symptom control.
3. Check device handling ability. Breath‑activated DPIs (Turbuhaler, Ellipta) need a strong inhalation; Diskus requires finger coordination. Nebuliser solutions suit those with limited lung power.
4. Factor in cost and insurance. PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) listings differ; Symbicort and Advair enjoy broad coverage, while newer Ellipta products may have higher co‑pay.
5. Review side‑effect profile. Higher steroid doses increase risk of oral thrush and hoarseness. If you’ve experienced these, a lower‑dose option or proper mouth‑rinse routine may help.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Turbuhaler

• Always exhale fully before loading the dose; the Turbuhaler is breath‑activated, so a deep, steady inhale is key.
• Hold the inhaler upright, twist the knob to ‘click’ the next dose, then inhale quickly and deeply.
• Rinse your mouth with water (no need to swallow) after each dose to reduce fungal growth.
• Store the device at room temperature, away from moisture; avoid leaving it in a hot car.
• Track the number of doses using the built‑in counter; most Turbuhalers show remaining doses after each click.