For millions of people with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) is a crucial maintenance medication. However, its high cost can be a major barrier to consistent treatment, especially for those with high deductibles or limited insurance. The good news is that several effective and more affordable alternatives are available, from direct generic substitutes to other classes of medication and financial assistance programs.
The Direct Generic: Breyna and Budesonide/Formoterol
The most straightforward and therapeutically equivalent alternative to brand-name Symbicort is its generic version, Breyna (budesonide/formoterol). An FDA-approved generic must be bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning it has the same active ingredients and is expected to work in the same way.
Breyna
- Active Ingredients: Budesonide and formoterol, the same as Symbicort.
- Availability: Approved by the FDA in March 2022 and launched in August 2023, Breyna is now available in the U.S..
- Cost: Breyna is generally priced significantly lower than brand-name Symbicort. Discount cards like those from GoodRx or SingleCare can lower the price even further.
Authorized Generic
An authorized generic is a version of a brand-name drug produced by the same manufacturer but sold without the brand name. This version is exactly identical to the brand-name product, including inactive ingredients, and is also an option for cost savings.
Therapeutically Similar Brand-Name Alternatives
Several other brand-name inhalers use a similar combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). While not exact equivalents, they treat the same conditions and may be cheaper depending on your insurance coverage or available discounts.
Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)
- How it works: Combines a different ICS (fluticasone) and LABA (salmeterol).
- Formulations: Available as a dry powder inhaler (Advair Diskus) for both asthma and COPD, and a metered-dose inhaler (Advair HFA) for asthma only.
- Generic Availability: Its generic version, fluticasone/salmeterol (Wixela Inhub), is also widely available and often very affordable.
Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone/Vilanterol)
- Key difference: This is a once-daily inhaler, which can improve adherence for some patients.
- Dosage: Administered as one inhalation per day.
- Cost: While a brand-name medication, its cost may vary based on insurance, and some patients may find it more cost-effective over time if it leads to better symptom control.
Triple Therapy Inhalers for COPD
For some COPD patients, a triple-therapy inhaler combining an ICS, LABA, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) may be prescribed. These are typically more expensive, but worth noting if Symbicort isn't providing sufficient control:
- Breztri Aerosphere (Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol): Contains the same Symbicort ingredients plus a LAMA.
- Trelegy Ellipta (Fluticasone/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol): A once-daily triple therapy option.
Strategies to Reduce Symbicort Costs
For those who prefer or need to stay on Symbicort or its authorized generic, several cost-saving strategies can be employed.
- Manufacturer Savings Programs: AstraZeneca, the maker of Symbicort, offers the AZ&Me prescription savings program for eligible individuals. Since June 2024, they also offer a savings card to cap costs for privately insured and uninsured patients at $35 per month.
- Discount Cards: Using discount cards from services like GoodRx or SingleCare can reduce the price significantly at participating pharmacies.
- Patient Assistance Programs: Non-profit organizations like Simplefill can help qualifying individuals find and apply for patient assistance programs.
- Shop Around: Prices can vary between pharmacies. It can be worth checking prices at several locations or considering a mail-order pharmacy through your insurance.
- Government Programs: Explore options under Medicare and Medicaid, which often provide significant prescription coverage.
Comparison of Cheaper Alternatives to Symbicort
| Feature | Symbicort (Brand) | Budesonide/Formoterol (Generic) | Advair (Brand & Generic) | Breo Ellipta (Brand) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Budesonide, Formoterol | Budesonide, Formoterol | Fluticasone, Salmeterol | Fluticasone, Vilanterol |
| Dosing | Two puffs, twice daily | Two puffs, twice daily | Depends on formulation, often twice daily | One puff, once daily |
| Formulation | Aerosol Inhaler (MDI) | Aerosol Inhaler (MDI) | Diskus (DPI) & HFA (MDI) | Ellipta (DPI) |
| Indications | Asthma, COPD | Asthma, COPD | Asthma, COPD (Diskus); Asthma (HFA) | Asthma, COPD |
| Cost | Higher | Significantly Lower | Lower than brand Symbicort | Variable; once-daily dosing may offset cost |
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
It is crucial to never stop or switch respiratory medications without first consulting your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific condition and insurance coverage to recommend the most effective and affordable option for you. Not all medications are suitable for all patients, and different factors like inhaler device preference or age restrictions can influence the best choice. For example, Breo's once-daily dosing might be better for those with adherence issues, while Advair Diskus's dry powder form is not suitable for those who cannot take a quick, deep breath.
Conclusion
For those struggling with the high cost of Symbicort, there are multiple avenues to find a cheaper alternative. The most direct path is to switch to the generic version, Breyna, which contains the identical active ingredients and is proven to be safe and effective. Other brand-name competitors like Advair and Breo Ellipta offer therapeutically similar options, though they contain different active compounds and dosing schedules. Additionally, numerous financial assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and discount cards are available to reduce out-of-pocket costs, even for the brand-name drug. By working closely with a healthcare professional and pharmacist, patients can navigate these options to find a treatment that is both effective and financially manageable.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
