When Your Pharmacy Can't Fill Your Dulera Prescription

If you rely on Dulera to manage your asthma and your pharmacy says it's out of stock, you need options — fast. Asthma doesn't wait for supply chains to sort themselves out, and going without a controller inhaler can lead to worsening symptoms or even a serious flare-up.

The good news is that Dulera is not the only ICS/LABA combination inhaler on the market. Several alternatives work in a very similar way and may be easier to find — and in some cases, less expensive. In this post, we'll explain what Dulera does, how it works, and walk through the best alternatives available in 2026.

What Is Dulera and How Does It Work?

Dulera (Mometasone Furoate/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate) is a combination metered-dose inhaler that contains two medications:

• Mometasone Furoate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces airway inflammation over time
• Formoterol Fumarate — a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that relaxes the smooth muscles surrounding your airways, making it easier to breathe

By combining an anti-inflammatory with a bronchodilator, Dulera addresses two key aspects of asthma: the underlying inflammation and the tightening of airways that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Dulera is taken as 2 inhalations twice daily and is FDA-approved for patients 5 years and older. It's a maintenance medication — not a rescue inhaler. For a detailed explanation, see our post on how Dulera works.

Because Dulera has been affected by supply shortages and has no generic equivalent, many patients and doctors are exploring alternatives. Here are the top options.

Alternative 1: Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol)

Symbicort is probably the closest alternative to Dulera. Like Dulera, it combines an ICS with the same LABA — Formoterol. The ICS component is Budesonide instead of Mometasone, but both work to reduce airway inflammation.

Key facts about Symbicort:

• Available as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
• Approved for asthma (ages 6+) and COPD
• Taken as 2 inhalations twice daily
• Generic version available — Budesonide/Formoterol can cost as little as $97 with a discount coupon, compared to $400-$500 for brand-name Dulera
• Widely available at most pharmacies

Because Symbicort shares the same LABA (Formoterol) as Dulera, the transition for most patients is straightforward. Your doctor can help determine the right Budesonide dose to match your current Mometasone strength.

Alternative 2: Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

Advair has been one of the most widely prescribed ICS/LABA inhalers for decades. It combines Fluticasone Propionate (ICS) with Salmeterol (LABA) and is available in two forms:

• Advair Diskus — a dry powder inhaler (DPI)
• Advair HFA — a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

Key facts about Advair:

• Approved for asthma (ages 4+) and COPD
• Taken as 1 inhalation twice daily (Diskus) or 2 inhalations twice daily (HFA)
• Generic versions available for both Diskus and HFA forms
• Generic Advair Diskus (Wixela Inhub) is widely available and often less expensive
• One of the most studied and established ICS/LABA combinations on the market

Advair uses a different LABA (Salmeterol) than Dulera's Formoterol. Salmeterol has a slightly slower onset of action but lasts just as long. For most patients, this difference is not clinically significant for daily maintenance therapy.

Alternative 3: Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol)

Breo Ellipta is a newer ICS/LABA option with one major advantage: once-daily dosing. Instead of twice a day, you take just one inhalation each morning.

Key facts about Breo Ellipta:

• Dry powder inhaler with a built-in dose counter
• Approved for asthma (ages 18+) and COPD
• Taken as 1 inhalation once daily
• Uses Fluticasone Furoate (ICS) and Vilanterol (a 24-hour LABA)
• No generic available yet, but often covered by insurance
• Retail price typically $350-$450 without insurance

If you find it hard to remember twice-daily dosing, Breo Ellipta's once-a-day schedule may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

Alternative 4: AirDuo RespiClick (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)

AirDuo RespiClick is another ICS/LABA option. It contains the same active ingredients as Advair but comes in a breath-activated dry powder inhaler — meaning you don't need to coordinate pressing and breathing at the same time.

Key facts about AirDuo RespiClick:

• Breath-activated dry powder inhaler
• Approved for asthma (ages 12+)
• Taken as 1 inhalation twice daily
• Generic version available (AirDuo Digihaler)
• May be easier to use for patients who struggle with MDI technique

How to Switch From Dulera to an Alternative

Switching inhalers should always be done with your doctor's guidance. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don't switch on your own. Even though these alternatives are in the same drug class, the ICS and LABA components differ. Your doctor needs to match the dose appropriately.
• Technique matters. MDIs, DPIs, and breath-activated inhalers all require different inhalation techniques. Ask your pharmacist for a demonstration.
• Monitor your symptoms. After switching, pay attention to your asthma control for the first 2-4 weeks. Report any changes to your doctor.
• Check your insurance formulary. Some alternatives may have better insurance coverage than Dulera, which could actually save you money.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Dulera prescription is stressful, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Symbicort, Advair, Breo Ellipta, and AirDuo RespiClick are all proven ICS/LABA alternatives that your doctor can prescribe.

If you want to keep trying to find Dulera, use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock in your area — you might find it closer than you think. And for more tips, read our guide on how to find Dulera in stock near you.

To learn more about Dulera itself — including dosage, uses, and what to expect — check out What Is Dulera? and our guide to Dulera side effects.