Breyna is a generic inhaler for asthma and COPD. Learn what it is, how to use it, approved dosages, who shouldn't take it, and how much it costs in 2026.
Breyna is an FDA-approved prescription inhaler that combines Budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate (a long-acting beta-agonist) to help people with asthma and COPD breathe easier.
If your doctor has prescribed Breyna — or you've seen it mentioned as a more affordable alternative to Symbicort — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to take it, who should avoid it, and what it costs.
Breyna is the first FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort, manufactured by Viatris in partnership with Kindeva Drug Delivery. It was approved and launched in July 2023.
Here are the basics:
Breyna contains the exact same active ingredients in the same doses as Symbicort. It was approved through the FDA's abbreviated pathway for generic drugs, meaning it met rigorous standards for bioequivalence.
Breyna is FDA-approved for three indications:
Important: Breyna is a maintenance inhaler. It's meant to be used every day to prevent symptoms — not as a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems. You should always keep a separate short-acting inhaler (like Albuterol) available for emergencies.
For a detailed explanation of how Breyna works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.
Breyna is taken as 2 inhalations twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening, about 12 hours apart. This applies to both asthma and COPD.
Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Do not use Breyna more than twice daily.
Breyna is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Breyna if you have:
Talk to your doctor before using Breyna if you have:
Breyna is Pregnancy Category C — use only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Budesonide passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should discuss options with their doctor.
Breyna can interact with other medications. Major interactions include:
For the full list, see our detailed guide to Breyna drug interactions.
As a generic, Breyna is less expensive than brand-name Symbicort, but it's not cheap:
If cost is a barrier, there are several ways to save. The Viatris Patient Assistance Program provides Breyna for free to qualifying uninsured patients. Discount cards, manufacturer savings programs, and shopping around can all make a big difference. See our complete guide to saving money on Breyna.
Breyna and Symbicort contain the same active ingredients at the same strengths. They're therapeutically equivalent — meaning the FDA considers them interchangeable. The main differences:
If you've been using Symbicort successfully, switching to Breyna should be seamless. If you notice any difference in how it feels or works, talk to your doctor.
Breyna is a well-established, FDA-approved generic inhaler that makes Budesonide/Formoterol more accessible and affordable. Whether you have asthma, COPD, or both, it's a proven option for daily maintenance therapy that keeps your airways open and inflammation down.
If you need help finding Breyna at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you check stock without calling around. And if you're looking for a prescribing doctor, check out our guide to finding a Breyna provider.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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