Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Budesonide Inhaler (Pulmicort) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Budesonide Respules 0.25mg (nebulizer) | $30 – $80 | $5 – $20 |
| Budesonide Respules 0.5mg (nebulizer) | $40 – $120 | $5 – $30 |
| Budesonide Flexhaler 180mcg | $150 – $300 | $20 – $60 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 2–3 — covered on most plans; nebulizer form widely available as generic
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Budesonide costs $30 to $300 without insurance. Nebulizer solutions are cheaper ($30–$120) while the Flexhaler device costs $150 to $300.
Pulmicort is the brand name for budesonide inhalation products. Generic budesonide nebulizer solutions are widely available; the Flexhaler has fewer generic alternatives.
Yes, budesonide respules (nebulizer solution) are approved for children as young as 12 months for asthma maintenance therapy.