Alternatives to Wixela Inhub If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Wixela Inhub (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) is the first FDA-approved generic of Advair Diskus, and it's generally well stocked. But if your pharmacy is temporarily out, your insurance won't cover it, or you're experiencing side effects, you may need an alternative inhaler to keep your asthma or COPD under control.

Here's a clear breakdown of the best alternatives — and the key differences to discuss with your doctor before switching.

Important: Always Talk to Your Doctor Before Switching Inhalers

ICS/LABA inhalers are not directly interchangeable. Different products use different active ingredients, different dose strengths, and different inhaler devices — each with its own technique. Doses are not equivalent across products. Never substitute one maintenance inhaler for another without your prescriber's guidance and a new prescription.

Option 1: Advair Diskus — The Closest Alternative

Advair Diskus is the brand-name version of Wixela Inhub. They contain identical active ingredients: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Advair Diskus is available in the same strengths (100/50, 250/50, and 500/50 mcg) and has the same indications — asthma in patients age 4+ and COPD maintenance.

• Pros: Same drug — no dose adjustment needed. GSK offers a $35/month cap for eligible commercially insured patients.
• Cons: Uses the Diskus device (held horizontally) instead of the Inhub device (held vertically). Brand-name pricing can be $200–$500 per inhaler without a savings program.
• Best for: Patients who need an identical medication when Wixela Inhub is temporarily unavailable.

Option 2: Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) — Popular ICS/LABA Alternative

Symbicort is an ICS/LABA combination inhaler containing budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (LABA). It comes as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) rather than a dry powder inhaler. Generic budesonide/formoterol MDIs are now widely available and are often the most affordable ICS/LABA option.

• Pros: Widely available. Generic versions cost $90–$150 with discount cards. Formoterol has a slightly faster onset of action than salmeterol. Approved for asthma (age 6+) and COPD.
• Cons: Different active ingredients — requires a new prescription. MDI requires hand-breath coordination. Dose conversion tables are needed when switching from fluticasone/salmeterol products.
• Best for: Patients comfortable with MDI technique who need a widely available generic option.

Option 3: Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol) — Once-Daily Option

Breo Ellipta is a once-daily ICS/LABA DPI made by GlaxoSmithKline. It contains fluticasone furoate (a different molecule than fluticasone propionate) and vilanterol (a LABA). It's approved for asthma in patients 18 and older and for COPD maintenance.

• Pros: Once-daily dosing improves adherence. Uses easy-to-operate Ellipta DPI device. GSK caps copays at $35/month for eligible patients.
• Cons: Brand-name only (no generic). Not approved for asthma in patients under 18. Requires a new prescription and possible prior authorization.
• Best for: Adults with adherence challenges who frequently miss their second daily dose.

Option 4: Dulera (Mometasone/Formoterol) — Asthma Only

Dulera is a pressurized MDI combining mometasone furoate (ICS) and formoterol fumarate (LABA). It is approved for asthma maintenance in patients age 5 and older, but NOT for COPD. Note that Dulera has experienced its own supply challenges in 2025–2026, so confirm availability before requesting a switch.

• Best for: Asthma patients (not COPD) who need an MDI alternative to Wixela Inhub.

Quick Comparison Table

Wixela Inhub: Fluticasone/salmeterol | DPI | Twice daily | Asthma (4+) & COPD | Generic available

Advair Diskus: Fluticasone/salmeterol | DPI | Twice daily | Asthma (4+) & COPD | Brand + generic

Symbicort: Budesonide/formoterol | MDI | Twice daily | Asthma (6+) & COPD | Generic available

Breo Ellipta: Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol | DPI | Once daily | Asthma (18+) & COPD | Brand only

Dulera: Mometasone/formoterol | MDI | Twice daily | Asthma only (5+) | Brand only

How to Switch Safely

If Wixela Inhub is unavailable, call your prescriber's office and explain the situation. They can issue a new prescription for an alternative and advise on dose equivalence. Don't attempt to self-substitute. If you're still trying to locate Wixela Inhub locally, see our guide: Why Is Wixela Inhub Hard to Find? for context on availability and search strategies.