Dulera vs. Symbicort

Dulera (mometasone furoate 100 mcg/200 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 5 mcg) and Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) are used to treat asthma.

Common side effects of Dulera include:

•  stuffy nose
• hoarseness or deepened voice
• dry mouth
• sore throat headache
• sinus pain
• changes in menstrual periods
• dizziness
• anxiety
• headache
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• back pain
• muscle cramps
• cough
• skin rash, or
• itching

Common side effects of Symbicort include:

• headache,
• throat irritation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach upset,
• diarrhea,
• back pain,
• stuffy nose,
• muscle or joint pain, or
• changes in your voice.

Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Symbicort including:

• white patches on tongue or in mouth,
• signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat),
• mental/mood changes (such as nervousness),
• trouble sleeping,
• vision problems (such as blurred vision),
• increased thirst or urination,
• muscle cramps, or
• shaking (tremors).

Dulera is a combination of a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta agonist

Symbicort is a combination of a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator. Symbicort is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dulera ay interact with antifungal medications and antibiotics.

Dulera may also interact with aldesleukin, beta-blockers, and HIV protease inhibitors. Symbicort may also interact with MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, beta-blockers, or diuretics (water pills)

Symbicort may interact with antibiotics, antifungal medication, MAO inhibitor, antidepressants, beta-blockers, or diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Symbicort should be used only when prescribed. Budesonide passes into breast milk. It is unknown if formoterol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Use Dulera exactly as prescribed. Do not use Dulera more often than prescribed. Dulera comes in 2 strengths. Your healthcare provider has prescribed the strength that is best for you. Note the differences between Dulera and your other inhaled medications, including the differences in prescribed use and physical appearance.

Dulera should be taken every day as 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening.

If you miss a dose of Dulera, skip your missed dose and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take Dulera more often or use more puffs than you have been prescribed.

While you are using Dulera 2 times each day, do not use other medicines that contain a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) for any reason. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your other medicines are LABA medicines.

If you take more Dulera than your healthcare provider has prescribed, get medical help right away if you have any unusual symptoms, such as problems breathing, palpitations, chest pain, increased heart rate, nervousness or shakiness.

Do not change or stop using Dulera or other asthma medicines used to control or treat your breathing problems unless told to do so by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will change your medicines as needed.

Dulera does not relieve sudden asthma symptoms. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms. Use your rescue inhaler if you have breathing problems between doses of Dulera. If you do not have a rescue inhaler, call your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you.

Use Symbicort exactly as prescribed. Do not use Symbicort more often than prescribed. Symbicort comes in 2 strengths. Your healthcare provider has prescribed the strength that is best for you. Note the differences between Symbicort and your other inhaled medications, including the differences in prescribed use and physical appearance.

Children should use Symbicort with an adult's help, as instructed by the child's healthcare provider.

Symbicort should be taken every day as 2 puffs in the morning and 2 puffs in the evening about 12 hours apart.

If you miss a dose of Symbicort, you should take your next dose at the same time you normally do.

Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out after each dose (2 puffs) of Symbicort. Do not swallow the water. This will help to lessen the chance of getting a fungus infection (thrush) in the mouth and throat.

If you take too much Symbicort, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any unusual symptoms, such as worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, or shakiness.