In the United States, Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) can retail for over $200 USD for 120 doses of 100 mcg/6 mcg. However, you can purchase Symbicort from trusted online pharmacies and pharmacy referral services.

Symbicort comes with a high price tag in the United States from a lack of drug pricing regulations--regulations that are common in other countries. For this reason, drug prices can soar in the U.S. compared to other countries around the world.

Many Americans are searching for ways to cut costs on their medications by seeking out budget-friendly prescription options. One popular money-saving option is through a verified online pharmacy or pharmacy referral services that source drugs from other countries.

While the cost of Symbicort is twice as high in the United States, customers can save on their prescription by purchasing Symbicort online from a credible Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center.

What is Symbicort Inhaler prescribed for?

Patients often buy Symbicort Inhaler (budesonide/formoterol) to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma or ongoing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that cause obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms consist of: breathing difficulties, cough, mucus production, and wheezing.

People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions. It is estimated that about 30 million people in the United States have COPD, and as many as half are unaware that they have it. Bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD.

When you have bronchitis, your bronchial tubes narrow and become inflamed, producing extra mucus. This mucus blocks the airways, which can cause a chronic cough as your body tries to clear the airways. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the air sacs in your lungs become damaged and lose their elasticity.

How does Symbicort Inhaler work?

The Symbicort Inhaler dosage contains a combination of budesonide and formoterol to prevent flare-ups or worsening of COPD symptoms. The medication comes in a special inhaler device that contains measured budesonide/formoterol dosage. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the body. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

You can buy the brand name Symbicort Inhaler or generic budesonide/formoterol generic at My Drug Center. The Symbicort Inhaler dosage comes in the following strengths: 80 mcg of budesonide/4.5 mcg of formoterol and 160 mcg of budesonide/4.5 mcg of formoterol.

If you have asthma, you may be prescribed two inhalations of 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. If you have COPD, you may be prescribed the same dosage. If your breathing condition is severe, your dosage may differ.

How to take Symbicort

Before taking your Symbicort Inhaler dosage, read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist. Use the medication exactly as directed. This medication should be used twice a day in the morning and evening.

After using the inhaler, rinse and gargle with water to help prevent infections in the mouth. Never swallow the rinse water. If you have multiple inhalers, allow at least a minute between medications and rinse in between.

Make sure you take the budesonide/formoterol dosage at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself. Symbicort should be taken on a regular basis to have optimal results. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.

What to know before taking Symbicort

You should take your prescribed Symbicort Inhaler dosage regularly to ensure maximum effect. This medication does not relieve symptoms immediately, and a backup inhaler should be used if you are experiencing an asthma attack.

This medication may contain medical and non-medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Before taking your Symbicort Inhaler, speak with your doctor about any known allergies. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to blood pressure, heart disease, overactive thyroid, seizures or bone loss. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplements you use to avoid interactions with this medication.

The medications in the inhaler can change how your body displays infection. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent infections. Your immune system may be less effective while using Symbicort Inhaler. Avoid contact with people who have transmittable infections like the flu, measles, or chickenpox. Do not attempt to take apart the inhaler to clean the device.

If your doctor prescribes Symbicort, they have determined that the benefits of the medication outweigh the possible side effects. Symbicort Inhaler side effects may include:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infections of the mouth or throat (oral thrush)
• Stuffy nose
• Sinus pain
• Cough Hoarseness or deepened voice
• Musculoskeletal pain

Other serious side effects of budesonide/formoterol include:

• White patches on the tongue or inside the mouth
• Signs of infection (such as fever and persistent sore throat)
• Mental/mood changes (such as nervousness)
• Trouble sleeping
• Vision problems (such as blurred vision)
• Increased thirst or urination
• Muscle cramps
• Shaking (tremors)

If any Symbicort Inhaler side effect becomes unmanageable, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Speak with your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects.

As of March 2022, the Symbicort inhaler was approved for a generic version. When a drug goes generic, asthma and COPD patients can save on their prescriptions. The exclusive drug patent is over when a generic drug is approved and other manufacturers have access to Symbicort. This creates market competition, so manufacturers like to keep generic prices low.

Generic budesonide/formoterol is bioequivalent to the brand name Symbicort, meaning that it works the same way in the body. If you have any questions about generic medication, talk to your doctor to learn more.

If you are wondering about the effectiveness of Symbicort in asthma and COPD patients, there are several studies you can reference to learn more. In one study published in the American Family Physician, researchers examined the efficacy of a single maintenance inhaler for the relief of asthma. After 16 randomized controlled trials with 22,748 patients, researchers found that the use of a maintenance inhaler like Symbicort was associated with reduced asthma exacerbations compared to those taking corticosteroids alone. 

What is Symbicort?

Symbicort is a prescription inhaler that contains a combination of budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator. My Drug Center carries both the brand name and generic alternative of the Symbicort Inhaler.

How much does Symbicort cost?

In the United States, many insurance plans have Symbicort listed as a tier 3 drug. Tier 3 drugs are expensive medications and require a higher co-pay rate than tier 1 or 2 drugs. Other countries around the world market Symbicort at a much lower price. We offer customers the option to buy generic Symbicort online, provided they have a valid prescription from a licensed physician. You can access these prices through our certified online Canadian Pharmacy.

What is Symbicort used for?

Symbicort is used for the prevention of breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Symbicort inhaler should not be used for an acute asthma attack; a sudden asthma attack requires a short-acting medication.

How does Symbicort work?

The long-acting bronchodilator, formoterol, opens the airways in the lungs, while the corticosteroid, budesonide, reduces inflammation. When the airway expands and is no longer as swollen or irritated, the severity and frequency of symptoms will become reduced.

How to use Symbicort?

Your doctor will instruct you on how to properly use the Symbicort Inhaler before prescribing it to you. Follow your doctor’s directions exactly as prescribed. You can use the Symbicort Inhaler by shaking the inhaler (5 seconds), putting the mouthpiece in your mouth, and pressing down on the inhaler while breathing in slowly (3-5 seconds). For the best results, hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medicine.

How long does it take for Symbicort to work?

Though the exact response time varies, an improvement may be seen within 15 minutes of treatment. The full benefit of the medication is commonly achieved after 2 weeks of proper use.

Who makes Symbicort?

Symbicort is a product manufactured by AstraZeneca, a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company.

What are the side effects of Symbicort?

There is a wide variety of possible side effects that can occur when taking Symbicort. Each individual will have a different reaction to the medication. Over time, it has been reported that nausea, a racing heartbeat, nasal congestion, and headaches are the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects, contact your doctor or another health care professional.