Last Updated on April 18, 2025
If you use Symbicort to manage asthma or COPD, you already know how critical it is for your health–but you also know it isn’t cheap.
At NeedyMeds, we hear from patients every day who are searching for ways to make their prescriptions more affordable. The good news is that several options are available to reduce what you pay for Symbicort–including a $35 manufacturer coupon, patient assistance programs, and reliable discount resources.
This guide will walk you through what discounts are currently available and what to expect based on your insurance situation.
What is Symbicort and Why is it So Expensive?
Symbicort is a brand-name inhaler that contains two medications. One of them is budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. The other is formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that helps open airways. It’s an essential treatment for many people living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Because there is no generic version currently available in the U.S., Symbicort remains protected by patents. That lack of competition allows the price to stay high–often over $250 for a single inhaler without insurance. While frustrating, this is typical for brand-name medications that remain under market exclusivity.
Can I Get a $35 coupon for Symbicort if I’m insured?
If you have private or commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the Symbicort Savings Card from the manufacturer, AstraZeneca. This manufacturer coupon can reduce your cost to as little as $35 for a 30-day supply, without needing to activate or register the card in advance.
If your insurance offers a mail order option, you may be able to submit a request for reimbursement by filling out this form.
I’m on Medicare. Can I still get help with Symbicort Costs?
Patients on Medicare aren’t eligible for the $35 Symbicort coupon, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, you may qualify for the Extra Help program, a federal subsidy that lowers prescription drug costs for individuals with limited income and assets.
With Extra Help, your monthly cost for Symbicort may drop to around $11.20 per prescription. You could also see reductions in deductibles and monthly premiums, depending on the level of assistance you qualify for. You can apply online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Am I still eligible for savings if I’m uninsured?
If you have insurance but still struggle to afford Symbicort, the PAN Foundation and HealthWell Foundation may be able to help. These national nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance to people with chronic conditions like asthma and COPD.
If you qualify, they may help pay for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, or other expenses your insurance doesn’t fully cover. You’ll need to meet certain income and insurance requirements, and have a confirmed diagnosis that matches an open fund.
Funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funding runs out, the program closes and won’t reopen until more donations are received. If a fund is currently closed, you can sign up to be notified when it opens again.
How else can I save on Symbicort?
Most states offer their own programs to help residents pay for prescription medications, including inhalers like Symbicort. These are called State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, or SPAPs. They may lower your drug costs if you’re on Medicare, have a disability, or meet certain income guidelines. Each state runs its program differently—some help with copays, others help pay your Part D premium, and a few cover specific conditions like asthma.
Find Med Savings With NeedyMeds
If Symbicort is part of your treatment plan, there are ways to cut down the cost—whether it’s through a manufacturer coupon, copay assistance program, or state-run benefit. But keeping track of all the savings options can be confusing.
That’s where NeedyMeds comes in. We make it easier to understand what help is available and how to apply. On our website, you can search for Symbicort savings, check pharmacy prices, explore state programs, and download a free drug discount card.
To get started, visit needymeds.org or call our Helpline at 1-800-503-6897. Whether you’re insured, on Medicare, or don’t have coverage at all, we can help you find the savings that fit your situation.
