Breyna vs. Symbicort: Differences and similarities explained

In this article:

• Similarities
• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Cost and coverage
• Effectiveness
• Side effects
• Drug interactions and warnings

In this article

• Similarities
• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Cost and coverage
• Effectiveness
• Side effects
• Drug interactions and warnings

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you probably know that maintenance combination inhalers can significantly improve symptoms. Symbicort is a brand-name combination inhaler with two active ingredients—budesonide and formoterol—that reduce lung inflammation and open airways. Symbicort is also available in generic forms, including unbranded budesonide-formoterol and a trademarked generic, Breyna, which is the same drug made by a different manufacturer. Keep reading to find out the differences and similarities between Breyna and Symbicort. 

Symbicort and Breyna similarities

Breyna is a generic version of Symbicort, and generic drugs must have the same active ingredients, strength, and administration form as their brand-name version, so these two drugs are nearly identical.

Both Symbicort and Breyna are combination inhalers that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They both contain budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) and formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). They both reduce inflammation in the lungs and relax airways, allowing for easier breathing. Symbicort and Breyna also have the same standard dosages: Two inhalations, or puffs, twice daily from either an 80/4.5 mcg/act or 160/4.5 mcg/act inhaler (four puffs per day).

“I consider Breyna as equivalent to Symbicort,” says Jimmy Johannes, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in California. 

Symbicort and Breyna key differences

Remember, Breyna is an FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort. Generic drugs are essentially copies of brand-name drugs that are allowed to be brought to market after the manufacturer’s patent has expired for the brand-name drug. However, there are a few small differences between Symbicort and Breyna: 

• Brand-name versus generic: The main difference is that Symbicort is a brand-name drug and Breyna is a trademarked generic drug.
• Manufacturer: Symbicort is made by AstraZeneca, whereas Breyna is made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Viatris. 
• Delivery system design: Breyna and Symbicort are both combination inhalers. However, the inhaler designs are slightly different. Symbicort’s inhaler design is somewhat thicker and more rounded, which might make it easier for some people to grip. Breyna’s inhaler design is slightly simpler, and some users say it has a cheaper feel or that the medication delivery does not seem as forceful. 
• Price: Generic drugs are often more affordable than their brand-name counterparts. However, your actual out-of-pocket cost of Breyna or Symbicort depends on several factors, including availability, insurance, and local pharmacy prices.

Compare Breyna vs. Symbicort
	Breyna	Symbicort
Drug class	Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) /long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)	ICS/LABA
Brand/generic status	Trademarked generic	Brand-name drug
What is the generic name?	Budesonide-Formoterol Fumarate	Budesonide-Formoterol Fumarate
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Combination inhaler	Combination inhaler
What is the standard dosage?	2 puffs (80 mcg/4.5 mcg or 160 mcg/4.5 mcg) twice daily	2 puffs (80 mcg/4.5 mcg or 160 mcg/4.5 mcg) twice daily
How long is the typical treatment?	Long-term	Long-term
Who typically uses the medication?	– Patients 6 years and older with asthma – Adults with COPD	– Patients 6 years and older with asthma – Adults with COPD

 

Conditions treated by Breyna vs. Symbicort

Again, Breyna and Symbicort treat the same conditions. The FDA has approved both inhalers to treat asthma and  COPD. Specifically, they are approved as maintenance therapies for asthma symptoms (shortness of breath and wheezing) in patients ages 6 and older. They are also approved to reduce airflow obstruction and help prevent flare-ups in adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

An important note: These are not rescue inhalers like albuterol and levalbuterol, which help stop asthma attacks.

Compare Breyna vs. Symbicort conditions treated
Condition	Breyna	Symbicort
Asthma	Yes	Yes
COPD	Yes	Yes

 

Breyna vs. Symbicort: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

The average retail price for Breyna is $476 per 10.2 gm of 160-4.5 mcg/act inhaler. In contrast, the average cost of Symbicort is $488 per 10.2 gm of 160-4.5 mcg/act inhaler. 

That said, research has shown that drug prices can vary significantly depending on location and pharmacy. The out-of-pocket cost for Breyna or Symbicort also varies based on the insurance plan and whether the health plan’s drug formulary offers better coverage for one inhaler over another. Many commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid plans cover Breyna or Symbicort if prescribed for asthma or COPD. The only way to know if your specific plan covers one or both of these inhalers is to contact your insurance provider.

The good news is that there are ways to save even if you are uninsured or underinsured. For instance, you can save on prescription drugs by using your SingleCare prescription discount card or coupon to pay as little as $156 for Breyna or Symbicort, depending on your pharmacy. 

Compare Breyna vs. Symbicort cost and coverage
	Breyna	Symbicort
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicaid?	Varies by state	Varies by state
Quantity	1, 10.2gm of 160-4.5mcg/act (120 inhalations) inhaler	1, 10.2gm of 160-4.5mcg/act (120 inhalations) inhaler
SingleCare cost	$156 at CVS	$156 at CVS

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 10/20/2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click on the “SingleCare cost” link to see the latest drug prices.

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Breyna inhaler vs. Symbicort effectiveness

Clinical trials show that both Breyna and Symbicort are effective treatments for asthma and COPD. They both reduce inflammation and help open the airways for about 12 hours, according to Vikas Sayal, MD, FCCP, a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care physician at Pulmonology Group LLC in Henderson, Nevada. That said, some patients report that they perceive Symbicort to be more effective than Breyna.

Perception plays an interesting role when it comes to brand-name versus generic drugs, as some patients feel more secure in using a drug that is well-established or associated with a major pharmaceutical company. Dr. Johanne says that some people may feel differently about a generic drug compared to a brand-name drug. 

Dr. Sayal agrees. “I do not see any difference in the effectiveness between Breyna and Symbicort—similar molecules and similar effect.” However, he adds that “very rarely” he has patients who say they feel better with Symbicort than they did with Breyna. 

Breyna inhaler side effects vs. Symbicort side effects

Breyna and Symbicort have the same active ingredients, so they share the same common side effects. 

The most common Breyna and Symbicort side effects are:

• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Stuffy nose
• Sinusitis (sinus inflammation)
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and stomachache
• Thrush (yeast infection of the mouth and throat)

Serious side effects include ongoing infections and heart problems. Seek personalized medical advice from your prescriber if you’re concerned about the frequency or severity of side effects from Breyna or Symbicort.

Breyna and Symbicort drug interactions and warnings

Breyna and Symbicort have the same potential drug interactions and warnings because they contain the same active ingredients. 

Drug interactions for both these combination inhalers include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Beta blockers: Mixing Breyna or Symbicort use with beta blockers can increase the risk of bronchospasm, a dangerous tightening of the muscles around your airways.
• Certain diuretics: Mixing diuretics like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide with Breyna or Symbicort has the potential to cause dangerously low potassium, or hypokalemia.
• Certain antidepressants: Some but not all antidepressants can raise the risk of heart arrhythmia (palpitations) while using Breyna or Symbicort. 
• Certain antifungal medications: Mixing Breyna or Symbicort with antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, can increase the risk of heart problems.

Even potentially life-saving inhalers come with a list of warnings. In the case of Breyna and Symbicort, it’s important to be aware of the risks of bronchospasm, heart problems, pneumonia, and thrush. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any signs or exacerbations of these problems. The prescribing information for both Breyna and Symbicort also tells providers to monitor people with kidney impairment, as poor kidney function can cause the medication to build up in the body. 

Finally, tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The risks of Breyna or Symbicort use while pregnant are unknown, but it’s important to seek personalized medical advice from a healthcare provider who knows your medical history, health conditions, and other prescription medications. In the end, only a healthcare provider familiar with your health and situation can recommend whether Breyna or Symbicort is best for you.