If you’re struggling with asthma or COPD, you may have noticed the steep price of Symbicort inhalers. But why is Symbicort so expensive, and is there a way to make it more affordable for patients in need?
The costs for inhalers, especially in the U.S., can be shocking. With Symbicort priced at nearly $800 per month, it’s no wonder that so many individuals with respiratory conditions are facing financial strain. But what makes this medication so costly? Let’s dive into the reasons behind its high price and explore potential ways to save.
What is Symbicort and How Does it Work?
Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist. These ingredients work together to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and helping patients manage chronic conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
When inhaled, Symbicort delivers the medication directly to the lungs, providing rapid relief—often within minutes—and long-term symptom control. It is available in both an aerosol inhaler and a dry powder form (Turbuhaler).
Why Do People Need Symbicort?
Symbicort is prescribed to individuals with asthma or COPD to help manage their symptoms. Asthma causes airway inflammation, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. COPD, a group of lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, also causes airway narrowing, making breathing challenging.
While Symbicort doesn’t cure these conditions, it can significantly reduce inflammation and help prevent flare-ups, improving quality of life for those affected. It’s a vital treatment for many, but the high cost is a barrier for many patients.
How Much Does Symbicort Cost?
In the United States, the price of Symbicort can be upwards of $800 for a 30-day supply. This price tag can be prohibitive for many people, especially those with ongoing healthcare needs. Each inhaler typically contains 120 doses, which are used over the course of about a month.
Fortunately, there’s a way to ease the financial burden. If you’re willing to purchase Symbicort through a reputable international Canadian pharmacy, you could save up to 65%. For example, the same inhaler may be available for just $683.75, making it far more accessible.
What About Symbicort Turbuhaler?
If you’re looking for the dry powder version of Symbicort (the Turbuhaler), you might have difficulty finding it in the U.S. However, Canadian pharmacies offer this alternative for approximately $120.99, which is a significant cost reduction compared to the American price.
While other medications, such as Advair and Breo Ellipta, also provide similar benefits for asthma and COPD patients, their prices can be just as high, making international pharmacies an appealing option for cost savings.
Why Are Inhalers So Expensive in the U.S.?
The high cost of Symbicort and other inhalers in the U.S. can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of Government Regulation
Unlike many countries, the U.S. doesn’t have a government agency regulating drug prices. In Canada, for example, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board ensures that prices for patented drugs aren’t excessive. Without this regulation, U.S. pharmaceutical companies can charge much higher prices for the same medications. - Patent Protection
Symbicort is still under patent protection by AstraZeneca, the company that manufactures it. This means that no other companies can produce generic versions until the patent expires. While some patents may be set to expire soon, it can take years for new generic versions to become available. - Environmental Regulations
Recent changes to the FDA’s regulations on asthma inhalers, particularly those using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants, have led to the development of more expensive alternatives using hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs). While these new inhalers are more eco-friendly, they come at a significantly higher cost. - Rising Insurance Costs
Many people assume that insurance will help cover the cost of expensive inhalers, but that’s not always the case. Rising insurance premiums and high deductibles can leave patients paying a substantial amount out-of-pocket. Additionally, some insurance companies only cover generic versions or limit coverage for more expensive brand-name inhalers like Symbicort.
Can Insurance Help with Symbicort Costs?
While insurance can cover a portion of the cost for some medications, Symbicort may not always be included in your plan’s formulary, or it may come with higher out-of-pocket costs. Many plans only cover generic alternatives, leaving patients to pay full price for the brand-name version.
Furthermore, insurance companies often require patients to jump through hoops—such as trying lower-cost medications first—before covering more expensive options like Symbicort. This can lead to frustrating delays and higher costs for patients who need immediate relief.
How Can You Save on Symbicort?
Despite the high costs of Symbicort, there are several ways to save:
- Consider Generic Options
If appropriate for your condition, ask your doctor about switching to a generic version of Symbicort. Generic alternatives can be significantly cheaper and offer the same benefits. - Use an International Pharmacy
Purchasing Symbicort through a reputable online Canadian pharmacy can offer substantial savings. By avoiding the high markups seen in the U.S., you could save hundreds of dollars on your monthly medication. - Look into Patient Assistance Programs
AstraZeneca offers a patient assistance program that may help lower the cost of Symbicort for qualifying individuals. However, these programs often have strict eligibility requirements, so it’s worth exploring but not always a long-term solution. - Check Insurance Coverage
Ensure that your insurance covers the inhaler you need. If not, consider asking your doctor to submit a request for coverage or explore other options like international pharmacies.
In Conclusion: Are There Affordable Options for Symbicort?
Symbicort’s high price can be daunting for those living with asthma or COPD, but there are options to make the medication more affordable. From purchasing through international pharmacies to exploring patient assistance programs, there are ways to save without compromising your health.
By taking proactive steps to explore your options and discuss them with your doctor, you can ensure that managing your respiratory condition remains within reach—without breaking the bank. For more affordable options, consider trusted pharmacy partners like Better You Rx, which sources medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies to help you save cost on Symbicort.
Feel free to contact us for more details on how you can access Symbicort at lower prices and receive the right support for your health needs.
