From the Guidelines
Symbicort is generally considered a better option for patients with moderate to severe asthma who require both inflammation control and bronchodilation, as it contains both budesonide and formoterol, whereas QVAR RediHaler is often prescribed for mild to moderate persistent asthma as a daily controller. The choice between QVAR RediHaler and Symbicort depends on the specific asthma severity and symptoms of the patient. QVAR RediHaler contains beclomethasone, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, while Symbicort contains both budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator), making it a combination medication that both reduces inflammation and opens airways. Some studies have shown that combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators can reduce the number of exacerbations and improve lung function and health-related quality of life compared to single therapy with long-acting bronchodilators alone 1. However, the evidence is not strong enough to make firm recommendations regarding the use of newer combinations, such as once-a-day formulations, and the choice of medication should be based on individual patient needs and response to treatment. Dosing varies by individual needs, with QVAR typically used 1-2 puffs twice daily and Symbicort 1-2 puffs twice daily. It's also worth noting that the addition of formoterol to inhaled corticosteroids has been reported to reduce both mild and severe exacerbations of asthma, and a meta-analysis has shown that combination therapy with salmeterol and inhaled corticosteroids can significantly lower exacerbations compared to higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids alone 1. Ultimately, the best medication for a patient should be determined by their healthcare provider based on their asthma classification, symptom frequency, and response to previous treatments. Key factors to consider when choosing between QVAR RediHaler and Symbicort include:
- Asthma severity and symptoms
- Need for inflammation control and bronchodilation
- Response to previous treatments
- Individual patient needs and preferences. In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, Symbicort may be a better option for patients with moderate to severe asthma, as it has been shown to improve lung function and health-related quality of life, and reduce the number of exacerbations. However, the choice of medication should always be individualized and based on the specific needs and circumstances of the patient.
From the Research
Comparison of Qvar Redihaler and Symbicort
- Qvar Redihaler is a type of inhaled corticosteroid, while Symbicort is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (formoterol) 2.
- Studies have shown that Symbicort is effective in treating persistent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3, 2, 4.
- In terms of safety, one study found that the combination of formoterol and budesonide (Symbicort) had a similar safety profile to the combination of salmeterol and fluticasone 5.
- Another study compared Symbicort with conventional best practice in asthma management and found that Symbicort was at least as effective with a lower dose of inhaled corticosteroids and lower drug costs 6.
Efficacy of Symbicort
- Symbicort has been shown to be effective in reducing exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with COPD 4.
- In patients with asthma, Symbicort has been shown to improve lung function, symptoms, and quality of life 2.
- Symbicort has also been compared to other inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist combinations, and the results suggest that it may be similar or more effective in reducing exacerbations and improving quality of life 4.
Safety of Symbicort
- The safety profile of Symbicort is similar to that of other inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist combinations 5, 4.
- One study found that Symbicort may be associated with a lower incidence of serious pneumonia events and oral candidiasis compared to other combinations 4.
- However, the evidence is not sufficient to conclude that Symbicort is safer than other combinations, and more studies are needed to fully assess its safety profile 5, 4.