Symbicort is a prescription drug for people suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An inhaler, it has two active ingredients- budesonide which reduces inflammation in the body, and formoterol which relaxes the muscles in the airways for improved breathing. Symbicort is not intended to treat an asthma attack once it has started. In fact, it could increase the risk of death related to asthma.
Instead, a fast-acting reliever inhaler or inhaled bronchodilator is more appropriate in relieving asthma. Symbicort is sprayed into the user’s mouth. Before using it, patients are advised to prime the inhaler device by pumping a couple of test sprays into the air. It should also be shook at least five second before a spray. It usually takes two weeks of continuous use before Symbicort’s effectiveness becomes apparent. The manufacturer of Symbicort advises that the drug be used daily to prevent breathlessness or asthma. The drug should be used continuously even if the user feels that his condition has stabilized. The drug should also be taken at the same time every day.
Symbicort Cost Information
There is no fixed price of Symbicort. Prices vary depending on the stores that sell it. An inhaler which has 120 doses of 160mcg may sell at $260 at one store and sell at a cheaper price in an online store. Prices could also be cheaper if the buyer has a discount code.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $275.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $444.13 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $310.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $527.25 |
Kmart |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $250.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $444.63 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $285.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $507.25 |
Kroger |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $279.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $449.13 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $310.39 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $508.00 |
Publix |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $256.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $453.43 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $293.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $516.89 |
Rite Aid |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $285.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $570.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $317.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $634.00 |
Target |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $235.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $470.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $286.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $565.00 |
Walgreens |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $269.00 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $536.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $295.00 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $587.00 |
Walmart |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $222.64 |
| 120 doses of 80mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $443.28 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 1 inhaler | $253.77 |
| 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg | 2 inhalers | $505.53 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Hives and swelling of the face and lips are considered signs of allergic reaction to Symbicort. It is recommended that a patient who experiences these symptoms get emergency medical help. More serious side effects of Symbicort include worsening asthma, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, nervousness and tremors. Users may also experience throat irritation, wheezing, choking and other breathing difficulties. Some side effects like fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, easy bleeding and unexplained weakness are considered signs of infection. Other short-term side effects are blurred vision and eye pain.
Long-Term Side Effects
Chronic use of this drug can have its user develop white patches in the mouth or throat. Long-term side effects also include headache, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stuffy nose, muscle pain, back pain, and changes in the voice.
Interactions
Certain drugs can interact with Symbicort, negating its effectiveness or increasing the chances of side effects. These drugs include antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, telithromycin and antifungal medication like ketoconazole or itraconazole.
Symbicort may also interact with water pill, MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, furazolidone, phenelzine, rasagiline, tranylcypromine, selegiline and rasagiline. It could also work against antidepressants such as doxepin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and beta-blockers like atenolol, labetalol, carvedilol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, and sotalol.
How It Works
Symbicort relies on its two active ingredients in treating patients. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces the swelling in the lung airways, while formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the airways, enabling it to open.
Generic Alternatives
If the use of Symbicort is too burdensome, a patient may try Advair which is prescribed for patients with asthma four years and older.
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