Symbicort is a drug that uses two separate compounds to create a powerful remedy for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should only be used for adults and children who are at least six years of age. Budesonide reduces inflammation in the body, while formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Traditionally, Budesonide is a steroid that is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease. The medicine works inside the inflamed area and helps prevent certain diseases from relapsing. Budesonide is sometimes used for inflamed bowels as well as COPD. Formoterol is a long acting beta agonist that works by opening and relaxing air passages in the lungs, making it easier for the patient to breathe. When combined, these two drugs create Symbicort, a powerful ally in the battle over asthma and COPD. From their website: “Symbicort is a controller medication that helps control asthma by reducing inflammation in the lungs and keeping airways open. Remember, Symbicort will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.”

Side Effects of Symbicort

Symbicort has the risk of serious adverse side effects. Even though these are uncommon, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Fungal infection of the mouth or throat
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, tremors
• Increased blood pressure
• Headache and/or nervousness
• Decreased immune system and increased likelihood of fever, body aches, vomiting, lethargy, pain, chills, nausea
• Adrenal insufficiency or fatigue
• Serious allergic reactions such as hives, face swelling, tongue/mouth swelling, breathing problems, rashes
• Stunted growth in children
• Blood vessel swelling
• Increases in blood sugar and decreases in blood potassium levels

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, as some of these conditions can become life-threatening (especially allergic reactions).

Cost of Symbicort

Asthma medication tends to be expensive without insurance. This combination of budesonide and formoterol costs an average of $300 with a coupon at most pharmacies around the country. This can add up to thousands of dollars per year and put your family in financial risk if you are living near the poverty line.

Patient Assistance Programs for Symbicort

No one should have to choose between health and wealth. At Rx Assistance Programs, we help uninsured and under-insured Americans get the medications they need for a fraction of the cost. We were founded under the belief that everyone deserves a right to prescription medication, regardless of health insurance coverage or income level. We are advocates who help facilitate the process of getting you approved for patient assistance programs around the United States. These patient assistance programs are offered directly through the drug manufacturers themselves and utilize doctors, advocacy groups and other individuals to grant you the medication you need.

Here’s the issue: it is often difficult to find out information about patient assistance programs and the process for applying to these programs can be difficult and confusing. That’s where we come in. If you need prescription assistance for Symbicort or any other asthma medication, we can help! We’ve helped thousands of Americans successfully enroll in patient assistance programs without any headaches or hiccups. If you’d like to find out more about our patient assistance programs, give us a call at 1-855-201-0232 or fill out the contact form on our website. We are open from 9-5 Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to speaking with you.