Symbicort Is Expensive — But You Have Options

If you've ever looked at the price tag on a Symbicort inhaler without insurance, you know it can be shocking. Brand-name Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) can cost $350 to $450 per inhaler at retail pharmacies — and since most patients need a new inhaler every month, that adds up to over $4,000 a year out of pocket.

The good news is there are real ways to bring that cost down significantly. In this guide, we'll walk through every option available in 2026, from manufacturer coupons to generic alternatives to patient assistance programs.

How Much Does Symbicort Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the numbers so you know what you're working with:

• Brand-name Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg (120 actuations): $350–$400
• Brand-name Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg (120 actuations): $380–$450
• Generic budesonide/formoterol (Breyna and others): $200–$350 at full retail

These are cash prices at major retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Your actual cost will depend on your pharmacy, location, and whether you use any discount programs.

Option 1: Use a Discount Card or Coupon

Prescription discount cards are free and can significantly reduce what you pay for Symbicort or its generic. These aren't insurance — they're negotiated discount programs that most pharmacies accept.

Top discount card options for Symbicort:

• GoodRx — Often shows generic budesonide/formoterol for $150–$250 at participating pharmacies. Visit goodrx.com/symbicort
• SingleCare — Competitive pricing on generics. Check singlecare.com
• RxSaver — Compare prices across multiple pharmacies near you
• Optum Perks — Another free option worth checking
• BuzzRx — Accepted at most major chains

Pro tip: Prices vary by pharmacy, so always compare across a few locations. The same coupon might save you $50 more at one pharmacy versus another.

How to use a discount card:

1. Search for Symbicort or budesonide/formoterol on any discount card website
2. Compare prices at pharmacies near you
3. Show the coupon (digital or printed) to your pharmacist at checkout
4. Pay the discounted price instead of full retail

Important: Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance. Use whichever gives you the lower price.

Option 2: AstraZeneca Savings Card

AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Symbicort, offers a Symbicort savings card for eligible patients. Here's what you need to know:

• Eligible patients: Commercially insured (private insurance, employer plans)
• Potential savings: Pay as little as $0 per prescription (subject to maximum savings per fill)
• NOT eligible: Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or other government insurance
• How to get it: Visit the Symbicort website or ask your doctor's office for a savings card

If you have commercial insurance and your copay for Symbicort is high, this card can make a huge difference. It's worth checking even if your insurance covers part of the cost.

Option 3: Switch to Generic Budesonide/Formoterol

One of the simplest ways to save money is to use a generic version of Symbicort. Generic budesonide/formoterol inhalers — including the brand Breyna and authorized generics — contain the exact same active ingredients as brand-name Symbicort.

Typical savings with generic:

• Full retail: $200–$350 (vs. $350–$450 for brand)
• With discount card: $150–$250
• With insurance: Often placed on a lower copay tier than brand-name Symbicort

Ask your doctor to prescribe "budesonide/formoterol" generically, or ask your pharmacist if they can substitute the generic. In most states, pharmacists can substitute automatically unless the prescription says "dispense as written."

For more on generic options, see our article on alternatives to Symbicort.

Option 4: Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and can't afford Symbicort at any price, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may provide the medication for free.

AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program

AstraZeneca's patient assistance program provides free Symbicort to qualifying patients:

• Eligibility: Uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income guidelines
• How to apply: Visit azandmeapp.com or call 1-800-292-6363
• What you'll need: Proof of income, prescription from your doctor, completed application form
• Processing time: Typically 4–6 weeks for initial approval

Other Patient Assistance Resources

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Searchable database of patient assistance programs, discount coupons, and free clinic listings
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive directory of manufacturer and independent assistance programs
• RxHope (rxhope.com) — Connects patients with manufacturer programs

Option 5: Other Ways to Save

Mail-Order Pharmacies

Many insurance plans offer lower copays for 90-day supplies through mail-order pharmacies. If you're using Symbicort long-term (as most patients do), getting a 3-month supply can save $20–$50 per fill compared to monthly retail pickups.

Ask About Therapeutic Alternatives

If Symbicort or its generic is still too expensive, other ICS/LABA inhalers may be more affordable on your insurance plan. Wixela Inhub (generic Advair Diskus) is often the cheapest ICS/LABA option, with cash prices as low as $100–$250. Talk to your doctor about whether a therapeutic alternative could work for you.

Shop Around

Pharmacy prices vary more than most people realize. The same inhaler can cost $100 more at one pharmacy versus another across town. Always compare prices using a tool like GoodRx or SingleCare before you fill. Costco pharmacies often have competitive pricing even without a membership for prescription purchases.

Check for State Programs

Some states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs for residents who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford their medications. Contact your state's health department or visit NeedyMeds to see what's available in your area.

Quick Cost Comparison

• Brand Symbicort, no insurance: $350–$450
• Brand Symbicort with AstraZeneca savings card: As low as $0 (with commercial insurance)
• Generic budesonide/formoterol, no insurance: $200–$350
• Generic with discount card: $150–$250
• Wixela Inhub (generic Advair), no insurance: $100–$250
• Patient assistance program: $0 (if you qualify)

Final Thoughts

No one should have to choose between breathing and paying their bills. Symbicort is expensive, but between generic options, discount cards, manufacturer savings programs, and patient assistance, most patients can find a way to reduce their costs significantly.

Start by checking if generic budesonide/formoterol is available and affordable with a discount card. If that's still too much, explore the AZ&Me patient assistance program. And if you're also having trouble finding Symbicort in stock, search Medfinder to check real-time availability at pharmacies near you.

For more information about Symbicort, check out our guides on what Symbicort is and how to take it and Symbicort side effects.