Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Symbicort 80/4.5mcg Inhaler | $300 – $350 | $30 – $60 |
| Symbicort 160/4.5mcg Inhaler | $330 – $400 | $35 – $70 |
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; authorized generic now available
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
Symbicort costs between $300 and $400 per month without insurance. An authorized generic version is now available at a lower price point.
Symbicort combines a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol) for maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD.
While Symbicort contains formoterol (a fast-acting bronchodilator), it is primarily a maintenance inhaler. Some treatment protocols allow its use as both maintenance and rescue (SMART therapy).