Breyna vs. Symbicort cost comparison

In this article:

• What’s the difference between Breyna and Symbicort?
• How much does Breyna cost without insurance?
• How much does Symbicort cost without insurance?
• Breyna vs. Symbicort insurance and cost comparison
• Does insurance cover Breyna?
• Does insurance cover Symbicort?

In this article

• What’s the difference between Breyna and Symbicort?
• How much does Breyna cost without insurance?
• How much does Symbicort cost without insurance?
• Breyna vs. Symbicort insurance and cost comparison
• Does insurance cover Breyna?
• Does insurance cover Symbicort?

We breathe all day, every day. We need to effectively breathe to live. But for some, breathing is a lot harder than others. People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like chronic bronchitis, often rely on drugs like Breyna or Symbicort to help keep them breathing easily. They’re both metered-dose inhalers prescribed for the long-term maintenance treatment of conditions that cause breathing problems—and while they might work in similar ways, you might wonder which is more expensive. 

The price you pay depends on several variables, but here’s everything you need to know about the cost differences between Breyna and Symbicort. 

What’s the difference between Breyna and Symbicort?

Breyna is the first FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort, so they’re nearly identical drugs. To receive approval as a generic, the FDA says a drug must have the exact same active ingredients, strength, formulations, and routes of administration as the brand-name version. 

So both Breyna and Symbicort contain two components: the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) budesonide and the long-acting beta 2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) formoterol. Budesonide helps to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, while formoterol relaxes the muscles surrounding them. Together, they help keep air flowing in and out of the lungs easily, helping individuals who may have difficulty breathing.

The FDA has approved both drugs to treat asthma in patients 12 years of age and older and COPD in adults. They’re also approved to treat asthma in children ages 6–12, but only at a lower strength. According to the American Lung Association, the standard dose for children is four puffs a day of 80/4.5 mcg, while adults typically take four puffs a day of 160/4.5 mcg. 

Large clinical trials have shown that Breyna, like Symbicort, can significantly improve lung function in patients with asthma and/or COPD. However, “despite identical active compounds, variations in the delivery device or inactive excipients can impact how patients experience the medication,” says Dr. Kara Wada, MD, founder of the Immune Confident Institute. “I’ve heard from patients who report changes in taste, inhalation feel, or even a perceived decrease in effectiveness after switching from name brand to generic inhalers.”

How much does Breyna cost without insurance?

Many people gravitate toward generics for their affordability, and “for many, Breyna offers significant cost savings since most insurance plans provide significant savings if you opt for the generic alternatives,” Dr. Wada says. The average out-of-pocket retail cost is around $476 for a 10.3 gm of 160-4.5 mcg/act inhaler. 

That’s not set in stone, though. Studies have shown that drug prices vary significantly based on factors like your location and pharmacy, even between pharmacies in the same community. 

How much does Symbicort cost without insurance?

For someone paying completely out of pocket, the average cost of Symbicort is around $494 for a 10.2 gm of 160-4.5 mcg/act inhaler. That’s only slightly more than Breyna. But just like Breyna, the prices can vary based on where you get your prescription filled. 

Does insurance cover Breyna?

Many people who have been diagnosed with asthma or COPD rely on health insurance coverage to reduce the cost of their medication. Many insurance plans will cover the drug, as long as they’re prescribed for an FDA-approved condition, like asthma or COPD. Many Medicaid and Medicare plans cover it as well. 

This depends, however, on your specific insurance provider and plan. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization, which may involve extra documentation or trying alternatives first to determine whether a drug is truly medically necessary. 

Does insurance cover Symbicort?

Like Breyna, many commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid plans cover a Symbicort inhaler, as long as it’s prescribed for an approved condition. However, some plans provide better coverage than others, and some plans do not cover it at all. The only way to know for sure is to contact your insurance company. 

Occasionally, insurance plans will prefer generic drugs to their brand-name alternatives, providing coverage only for the generic. Your insurance plan may cover Breyna, but not Symbicort, unless your healthcare provider provides proof that you can only use name-brand Symbicort. Check your insurance plan’s formulary to see which drugs are listed as preferred and which are non-preferred. 

Even though Breyna and Symbicort are incredibly similar, your healthcare provider may prescribe one over the other based on your specific medical history, health conditions, and other medications. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s medical advice and take either drug as prescribed. And if you’re intimidated about potentially paying for it out of pocket, SingleCare’s free Breyna and Symbicort coupons can lower the price by hundreds.