Foracort Inhaler vs Alternatives: Which Asthma & COPD Inhaler Is Right for You?

Foracort Inhaler combines formoterol and budesonide to manage asthma and COPD. It’s a go-to for many in the UK, but it’s not the only option. If you’re wondering whether there’s a better, cheaper, or more effective inhaler out there, you’re not alone. Millions of people with long-term breathing problems face this exact question every year. The truth? Not all inhalers work the same. Some are cheaper. Some have fewer side effects. Others work faster. This guide cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how Foracort stacks up against the most common alternatives-based on real-world use, clinical data, and what patients actually experience.

What’s in Foracort Inhaler?

Foracort comes in two strengths: 100/6 and 200/6. That means each puff has either 100 or 200 micrograms of budesonide (a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in the airways) and 6 micrograms of formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator that opens up the lungs). Together, they tackle both inflammation and tightness-the two main problems in asthma and COPD.

Unlike rescue inhalers like salbutamol, which give quick relief in minutes, Foracort is a maintenance inhaler. You use it daily, even when you feel fine. Skipping doses makes symptoms worse over time. It’s not meant for sudden attacks. If you’re using it for that, you need a separate reliever.

Studies show that patients using formoterol and budesonide together have 30-40% fewer asthma exacerbations compared to using a steroid alone. That’s a big deal if you’ve ever ended up in A&E because your breathing got worse.

Alternatives to Foracort Inhaler

There are several other combination inhalers on the NHS and private market. Here are the most common ones you’ll hear about.

1. Symbicort (Budesonide + Formoterol)

Symbicort has the exact same active ingredients as Foracort: budesonide and formoterol. So why do two different brands exist? The difference is mostly in the delivery device and price.

Foracort uses a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) with a spacer-friendly design. Symbicort is a breath-actuated inhaler (Breezhaler), meaning you don’t press a button-you just breathe in. Many patients find this easier, especially older adults or those with shaky hands.

On the NHS, Symbicort 200/6 is slightly cheaper than Foracort 200/6. A 120-dose inhaler costs around £28 for Symbicort versus £32 for Foracort. For long-term users, that adds up. Some GPs will automatically switch you to Symbicort if you’re stable and don’t have trouble using it.

2. Seretide (Fluticasone + Salmeterol)

Seretide has been around longer than Foracort. It pairs fluticasone (a different steroid) with salmeterol (a different long-acting bronchodilator). It’s available as Accuhaler (dry powder) or pMDI.

Fluticasone is slightly stronger than budesonide, so it may work better for severe asthma. But it also has a higher risk of oral thrush and hoarseness if you don’t rinse your mouth after use. Salmeterol takes longer to kick in than formoterol-it can take 15-30 minutes to open your airways. Formoterol works in under 5 minutes, which is why Foracort and Symbicort are often preferred for COPD patients who need faster relief.

A 2023 Cochrane review found no major difference in lung function between Seretide and Foracort, but patients using Seretide reported more throat irritation. If you’ve had thrush before, Foracort might be gentler.

3. Relvar Ellipta (Fluticasone + Vilanterol)

Relvar is a once-daily inhaler. That’s its main selling point. You only use it once a day, compared to twice for Foracort. The active ingredients are fluticasone and vilanterol, a long-acting bronchodilator with a 24-hour effect.

For people who forget doses, Relvar can be easier to stick with. But it’s not for everyone. Vilanterol carries a small increased risk of heart rhythm issues in older adults with heart disease. The NHS doesn’t usually prescribe it as a first-line option unless you’re already on twice-daily inhalers and struggling with adherence.

It’s also more expensive-around £45 for a 30-dose inhaler. Unless you’re highly non-adherent, it’s rarely worth the cost over Foracort.

4. Airsupra (Albuterol + Budesonide)

Airsupra is new. Approved in the UK in 2024, it’s the first inhaler designed to be used both as a reliever and a controller. It combines a rescue drug (albuterol) with a steroid (budesonide). This is a big shift-instead of carrying two inhalers, you use one for both daily use and sudden attacks.

It’s not a direct replacement for Foracort. If you’re stable and don’t need frequent rescue doses, you don’t need Airsupra. But if you’re using your salbutamol inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma isn’t well-controlled. Airsupra could help reduce flare-ups by giving you steroid protection every time you use your reliever.

It’s currently not widely available on the NHS. Private prescriptions cost around £60. It’s promising, but still early days.

When to Stick with Foracort

Foracort isn’t outdated. In fact, it’s still one of the most prescribed combination inhalers in the UK. Here’s when it’s still the best choice:

• You’re already stable on it and have no side effects
• You prefer a pMDI with a spacer (easier for children or those with poor coordination)
• You need a twice-daily regimen that fits your routine
• You’re on the NHS and want a cost-effective option
• You’ve tried Symbicort and didn’t like the breath-actuated design

Many patients stick with Foracort simply because they know how it feels. If you’re breathing well, not coughing at night, and not running out of inhalers early, there’s no reason to switch.

When to Consider Switching

Switching inhalers isn’t about finding the ‘best’-it’s about finding the one that fits your life. Consider a change if:

• You’re forgetting to take your second daily dose
• Your hands shake and you struggle to press the canister
• You keep getting oral thrush or hoarseness
• You’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week
• You’re paying out of pocket and want to save money

If you’re on Symbicort and find the Breezhaler easy to use, you’re not alone. A 2024 survey of 1,200 UK asthma patients showed that 68% preferred breath-actuated devices over pMDIs for daily use.

Cost Comparison: NHS vs Private

Here’s how the main options stack up on the NHS and private market (prices as of October 2025):

Notice something? Symbicort and Foracort have the same ingredients but differ by just £4 on the NHS. That’s why many GPs will switch you to Symbicort unless you specifically need the pMDI.

Side Effects: What to Watch For

All inhaled steroids can cause:

• Thrush (white patches in the mouth)
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat

These aren’t serious, but they’re annoying. The fix? Rinse your mouth with water and spit after every puff. Don’t swallow it. Use a spacer if you’re on a pMDI-it cuts throat deposits by up to 70%.

Formoterol and salmeterol can cause:

• Tremors
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache

These usually fade after a few days. If they don’t, talk to your doctor. Don’t stop taking it cold turkey-you could trigger a flare-up.

Vilanterol (in Relvar) has a warning about heart rhythm problems in people with existing heart conditions. If you’re over 65 and have atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure, ask your GP if this is safe for you.

What Your Doctor Won’t Always Tell You

Doctors don’t always know which inhaler you’re actually using. Many patients say they’re on ‘the blue one’ or ‘the one with the green cap’. If you’re not sure what’s in your inhaler, check the label. Or better yet, take it to your pharmacy and ask them to scan it.

Also, inhalers expire. A Foracort inhaler lasts 30 days if you use 2 puffs twice daily. But if you’ve had it for 6 months, it’s probably empty. Don’t rely on how heavy it feels-puffs can stop working before the canister runs out.

And don’t assume generics are the same. There’s no generic version of Foracort in the UK yet. But Symbicort has a generic called Budesonide/Formoterol (sold under different brand names like Formobut or Budex). These are cheaper and equally effective. Ask your pharmacist if they’re available.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?

There’s no single ‘best’ inhaler. The right one depends on your symptoms, your routine, your budget, and your ability to use the device.

If you’re doing well on Foracort, stick with it. If you’re struggling with timing, dexterity, or cost, talk to your GP about Symbicort. If you’re using your rescue inhaler too often, ask about Airsupra. If you forget doses, Relvar might help-but only if your heart is healthy.

The goal isn’t to find the most expensive or newest inhaler. It’s to find the one you’ll use every day-without side effects, without stress, and without running out.

Don’t guess. Don’t switch on your own. Talk to your GP or asthma nurse. Bring your inhalers to your appointment. Ask: ‘Is this still the best option for me?’ That simple question can change everything.

Next Steps: What to Do Now

Take action today:

1. Check the label on your current inhaler. Write down the exact name and strength.
2. Count how many times you’ve used your rescue inhaler this week. If it’s more than twice, your asthma isn’t controlled.
3. Book an appointment with your GP or asthma nurse. Bring all your inhalers with you.
4. Ask: ‘Is there a cheaper or easier option for me?’
5. If you’re paying privately, ask your pharmacist about generic budesonide/formoterol.

Managing your breathing isn’t about finding the perfect drug. It’s about finding the right routine. The right inhaler. The right support. You’ve got this.