What is the Difference Between Breo and Symbicort?

Both Breo and Symbicort are used to treat breathing problems caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both medications are dispensed via inhaler, and both contain a corticosteroid and a medication belonging to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-agonists.

So what then, is the difference between Breo and Symbicort? Read on to learn more about how these medications differ, and how you may save money on medication by using an RxSaver prescription drug coupon.

What is the difference between Breo and Symbicort?

The primary difference between Breo and Symbicort is the difference in the active ingredients. Other differences between Breo and Symbicort include:

Recommended dosage
Symbicort is available as a generic medication
Symbicort is FDA-approved for children ages six and older

Active Ingredient Differences in Breo vs. Symbicort

Breo and Symbicort are not fast-acting rescue inhalers. Instead, they are used to prevent breathing problems caused by asthma and COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema). They both contain a corticosteroid used to reduce swelling and irritation in the lungs. The corticosteroid in Breo is fluticasone. The corticosteroid medication in Symbicort is budesonide.

Both Breo and Symbicort also contain a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). In Breo, that medication is vilanterol. In Symbicort, the long-acting beta-agonist is formoterol. The long-acting beta2-agonists in each medication work to relax the muscles around the airways to allow you to breathe easier.

Recommended Dosages of Breo and Symbicort

Breo and Symbicort are both inhalation medications. One puff of Breo is inhaled once per day as a treatment for asthma and COPD. Two puffs of Symbicort are inhaled twice per day.

Symbicort is Available as a Generic Medication

Symbicort is available as generic, while Breo does not have an authorized generic available. The generic for Symbicort is budesonide/formoterol. Generic medications are typically 85% less expensive than their brand-drug counterpart, per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Symbicort is FDA-approved for Children Ages Six and Older

Symbicort is FDA-approved to treat asthma in children ages six and older. Breo is FDA-approved to treat asthma in adults 18 and older.

Is Breo Better than Symbicort?

Both Breo and Symbicort are similarly effective in studies. So neither drug is universally better than the other. Your health care provider will always prescribe the medication they believe to have the greatest possible benefits, with the least risks to you.

Price Differences Between Breo and Symbicort

Breo and Symbicort are both brand drugs, so if you do not have insurance, they can be expensive medications. However, the generic for Symbicort, budesonide/formoterol is much cheaper than Breo. You may be able to save significantly on either medication when you use a prescription drug coupon available on the RxSaver website or free mobile app.

The cost of generic Symbicort using an RxSaver coupon starts at $146.20 for 160-4.5mcg and 1 aer w/adap.

The cost of Breo using an RxSaver coupon starts at $349.48 for 100-25mcg and 1 blst w/dev.

Always Talk to Your Health Care Provider

If you’re diagnosed with asthma or COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, talk with your health care provider about the best treatment for your unique needs. There are many medications available to treat asthma and COPD that may work for you. Always be sure to keep your fast-acting inhaler with you at all times, even when taking a daily preventative or maintenance medication like Breo or Symbicort.

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 3/18/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.