New Authorized Generic of Symbicort Inhaler

Around 25 million Americans have asthma, a respiratory disease that causes difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing. Of those 25 million, around 6 million are children. While asthma is usually not life-threatening, it can impact day-to-day responsibilities like job performance or school attendance.

Most people with asthma carry either a rescue inhaler (also called a quick-relief inhaler) or a maintenance inhaler. Rescue inhalers can help open up the lungs quickly during emergency situations like an asthma attack. Maintenance inhalers help prevent inflammation and swelling, hopefully preventing emergency situations.

Unfortunately for people with asthma, maintenance inhalers can be very expensive — especially for anyone with a high-deductible health plan or who is uninsured.

However, the popular inhaler Symbicort now has an authorized generic version. If you use Symbicort, you can find the same product at a cheaper cost than the brand version.

What is an authorized generic?

An authorized generic is the brand-name medication without the brand name on its label. This type of generic version is made by the same manufacturer as that of the brand name drug, meaning these two products are exactly the same.

What is Symbicort for?

Symbicort is used to help control the symptoms of asthma. It is also used as a maintenance treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not used as a rescue medicine to treat asthma or bronchospasm attacks.

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Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol)

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$374.56(Save 86.04%)

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$52.27

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Symbicort comes as an inhaler in two different strengths:

• 80 mcg/4.5 mcg

• 160 mcg/4.5 mcg

How does Symbicort work?

Symbicort is a mixture of the following two active ingredients:

• Budesonide

• Formoterol fumarate

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the body. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator. This means it works by relaxing muscles in the airway to help improve breathing.

How to save on Symbicort

There are many ways to save on Symbicort, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. 

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 65% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Symbicort at certain pharmacies is less than $94 with a free GoodRx discount.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Symbicort’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

Do I need a new prescription for the authorized generic of Symbicort?

No. Your pharmacist can substitute the authorized generic for the brand without a new prescription.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ronilee Shye, PharmD, BCGP, BCACP, CDE

Roni is an expert in clinical pharmacy and patient care. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; is board-certified in geriatrics and ambulatory care pharmacy; and is licensed to practice pharmacy in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Edited by:

Tori Marsh, MPH

Tori Marsh is GoodRx’s resident expert on prescription drug pricing, prescribing trends, and drug savings. She oversees the GoodRx drug database, ensuring that all drug information is accurate and up to date.

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