Symbicort Inhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol) Prescription Refill Available Online

The average retail price of Symbicort is $150-$250 per inhaler. However, the price can differ based on your pharmacy, location, the dose of Symbicort prescribed by your doctor and your insurance coverage. Breyna is the less expensive generic alternative to Symbicort. You should always discuss any potential change of medication with your healthcare provider.

There is a generic Symbicort inhaler called Breyna. Breyna contains the same ingredients, Budesonide and Formoterol, as Symbicort. It is still fairly expensive (average is about $120) but averages $50-$100 less per inhaler than Symbicort.

Symbicort is not a rescue medication and does not replace fast-acting inhalers like albuterol that address sudden symptoms of respiratory distress and wheezing. Not all patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD are not good candidates for Symbicort. Patients who should not take Symbicort include those with:

• Allergies to budesonide, formoterol and other ingredients in Symbicort
• Acute severe asthma
• Existing fungal, bacterial or viral infection
• Weakened immune system
• Taking other forms of formoterol or other long-acting beta-agonist medications
• Low bone density
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding women

Serious side effects of Symbicort can include the following:

• Severe allergic reactions (symptoms such as rashes, hives, swelling in the face, difficulty breathing)
• Chest pains
• Fast heart rate
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, severe chest pains, coughing and wheezing
• Slowed growth in children

In case of severe reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Symbicort, claims that patients experience improvement in their condition within five minutes for those with COPD and 15 minutes for asthma. However, it can take as long as two weeks of regular use to maximize the full effect of your medication. Administer your medication as instructed by your doctor, even if you're not experiencing any signs of respiratory discomfort. Regular use can prevent the risk of flare-ups and sudden symptoms that require your emergency inhaler.

No, there are no dietary restrictions when taking Symbicort. However, you should inform your doctor if you are taking antibiotics, antifungal medicine, corticosteroids, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants or any other medication. Mixing certain medications can lead to adverse side effects with your medication or affect the efficacy of your medication.

Additionally, if you have any dietary restrictions from pre-existing conditions or foods that trigger your asthma or COPD symptoms, it’s best to limit your intake.

If you miss a dose of your Symbicort inhaler, it's best to take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is just around the corner, it's better to wait for it and take it at the regular time. You should not increase your dosage to compensate for the missed one, as this can lead to adverse effects and potential health risks.

An overdose of budesonide isn’t life-threatening. However, too much formoterol can lead to more severe outcomes, such as seizures, palpitation, nausea, anxiety, muscle cramps, dizziness, high blood sugar and low potassium levels. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, contact 911 or seek emergency medical services immediately.