Switching from Symbicort to Advair: A Practical Guide

If your doctor has suggested swapping Symbicort for Advair, you probably have questions. Both are combination inhalers that treat asthma or COPD, but they contain different steroids and long‑acting bronchodilators. Knowing the why, how, and what to watch for can keep your breathing steady during the change.

Why consider the switch?

People choose Advair over Symbicort for several reasons. Some find the fluticasone in Advair works better on their inflammation, while others prefer the once‑daily dosing schedule that some Advair devices offer. Cost and insurance coverage also play a big role—if your plan covers Advair at a lower copay, it makes sense to switch.

Another common reason is side‑effect management. If you’ve experienced throat irritation or hoarseness with budesonide (the steroid in Symbicort), fluticasone may be gentler for you. Conversely, if the salmeterol component of Advair causes tremors, the formoterol in Symbicort might feel smoother.

How to make the change safely

First, talk to your doctor about exact dosing. The two inhalers aren’t a one‑to‑one swap. A typical starting point is 100 µg of fluticasone with 50 µg of salmeterol twice daily in Advair, which roughly matches the anti‑inflammatory effect of 200 µg budesonide + 6 µg formoterol in Symbicort. Your provider will adjust based on your current control and symptom pattern.

Next, get comfortable with the new device. Advair uses a different inhaler mechanism—some models are breath‑activated, others require a manual actuation. Practice a few “test pulls” without medication to make sure you hear the click and can inhale fully. A good trick is to exhale away from the mouthpiece, then place the inhaler in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath.

Don’t stop Symbicort abruptly unless instructed. Most doctors advise a short overlap: finish your last dose of Symbicort, wait 12‑24 hours (depending on your schedule), then start Advair at the prescribed time. This helps avoid a sudden dip in bronchodilation that could trigger wheezing.

Watch for common side effects during the first two weeks. Expect some mild throat irritation or cough; rinsing your mouth after each dose cuts this down. If you notice increased heart rate, shaking, or new chest pain, call your doctor right away—those can be signs of too much long‑acting bronchodilator.

Finally, keep a symptom diary for at least a month. Note when you use rescue inhalers, any nighttime coughing, and overall activity level. Bring this record to your follow‑up appointment so the provider can fine‑tune the dose or suggest an alternative if needed.

Switching inhalers doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding why Advair might suit you better, matching doses correctly, mastering the new device, and monitoring how you feel, you’ll stay in control of your breathing and avoid unnecessary setbacks.