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FDA Approved First Symbicort Generic for Asthma and COPD

07/07/2023

Asthma and COPD are types of obstructive pulmonary diseases that affect millions of individuals in this world. Asthma is a serious global health-related issue that affects approximately 300 million people around the globe. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, is the 4th leading cause of death, one of the major causes of mortality and chronic morbidity, and one of the major Public health-related issues worldwide. To date, COPD and Asthma are not fully curable, and therapies and medications are still developing to find a better solution to these diseases. Although if you are suffering from one of these two lung diseases, there are chances that you have already been prescribed an inhaler to help manage the symptoms like wheezing, gasping, and chest tightness. One of the most common inhalers prescribed by doctors is Symbicort Inhalers. While the brand Symbicort can be expensive because earlier, it didn’t have its own generic until now. But now it has its generic equivalent called Symbicort generic. So the great news for those who use Symbicort! The FDA has approved the first generic version, Breyna. This will allow you to save money at the drugstore. If you currently use Symbicort, it's definitely worth considering switching to Breyna.

 

A woman using an inhaler

 

What is Symbicort?

It is a combination medication that consists of formoterol and budesonide. Budesonide helps reduce inflammation in the body as it’s a corticosteroid. Whereas formoterol helps relax the muscles present in the airways and improves breathing as it’s a bronchodilator. It is mainly used to prevent and control the asthma symptoms prevailing in adults or children who are at least 6 years old. It also helps in controlling the symptoms of COPD, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. However, you are not supposed to use it to treat bronchospasm or Asthma attacks. Doctors recommend using Symbicort inhalers only if you are suffering from severe asthma conditions or cannot control asthma with other prescribed asthma medications. Your doctor will suggest you stop using the medicine as soon as your asthma is under control. Also, when formoterol is used alone, it increases the risk of death in asthmatic patients. If it is used along with budesonide, the risk doesn’t increase. You can also buy a similar medication, like Spiriva generic, to help you treat asthma.

What is Breyna?

Breyna medicine consists of two components, formoterol, and budesonide, just like its brand name Symbicort. It is available in metered dose inhaler or MDI. It shares the same uses, such as Symbicort, and is also used to treat asthma in children 6 years and older and adults. It treats COPD symptoms like emphysema and chronic bronchitis as well. Budesonide lowers inflammation or swelling in the lungs and airways and treats patients. Budesonide is able to lower inflammation because it’s a corticosteroid. Formoterol also helps make a person breathe easily by opening and clearing up the airways as it’s a long-acting beta, i.e., LABA. These two ingredients together are considered to help treat Asthma and COPD patients. Doctors recommend using the combination inhaler daily to reduce and prevent the symptoms. However, no evidence supports that this inhaler may help when the symptoms flare up.

 Also, inhalers containing formoterol and budesonide, like Symbicort or breyna, are great if you're looking for a reliable option for treating asthma. However, it's important to note that while this combination inhaler can also be used for treating COPD, there are other better first choices. It's always best to confer with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Also Read: 4 Ways to Manage COPD Flare-Ups

Breyna v/s Symbicort

There is no difference between the breyna and Symbicort functions. They work exactly the same, as they have the same composition. The inhalers might have a different appearance, i.e., they might look different, but they will provide the same benefits and risks. Although the medicine works the same, the major difference between them is the cost of the medication.

Cost

The cost of the breyna inhaler is cheaper than Symbicort. Generic equivalents are generally 80-85% less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. However, inhalers are usually expensive, so the cost difference between generic and brand-name inhalers won't be much. Still, customers will be able to save around 70-80% on their prescriptions if they buy asthma medications from our online pharmacy, Day Night Drugs. Check Symbicort’s generic price on our website to get the most updated pricing and discounts for generic inhalers.

Effectiveness

All generic equivalent medicines undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are as effective as brand-name medicines. FDA makes sure to add some extra steps for generic inhaler manufacturers for them to make the inhalers effective and proper. For instance, Symbicort brand-name medicine needs to undergo studies both in the laboratory and with actual people to ensure they are effective and safe. Unlike brand-name manufacturers, generic manufacturers just have to do laboratory tests to ensure the effectiveness is the same as the brand-name inhaler. This means you can trust that Breyna, a Symbicort generic, will provide you with the same benefits as the original medication.

Did Symbicort already have a generic before Breyna was introduced?

Yes and no, there are a few different alternatives when it comes to generic versions of Symbicort. The 1st alternative is an authorized generic, which means that the medication inside is identical to the brand-name version, but it's without the brand's label on its package. The 2nd alternative is a branded generic, which is totally made by a different pharmaceutical company altogether. While the active ingredient in both alternatives is the same, the inactive ingredients can differ. However, this shouldn't affect how the medication works. Branded generics also have their own unique name, which can make it easier to remember your prescription. Breyna is an example of a branded generic for Symbicort, and it may help to lower costs even more than an authorized generic.

Also Read: 6 Common Myths About Asthma

Bottom Line

The first Symbicort inhaler generic has recently been approved by the FDA. Just like Symbicort, Breyna can treat COPD in adults and; asthma in people aged six and over. You can expect this generic inhaler to provide the same effect as the brand. And you’ll likely see a difference in their costs when you purchase the medication.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the FDA approving the first generic version of Symbicort for asthma and COPD patients?

FDA is continuously trying to make efforts to provide affordable and effective medications to patients. It gets proved by the fact that they approved the first generic version of symbicort at such affordable prices.

2. How does the effectiveness of the generic Symbicort compare to the brand-name medication?

The effectiveness of generic Symbicort and brand name Symbicort is the same.

3. Will the availability of the generic Symbicort result in cost savings for patients?

Yes, the availability of generic Symbicort in the market will allow patients and consumers to save a lot on prescription drugs.

4. Can patients easily switch from the brand-name Symbicort to the generic version?

Patients should switch from the brand name Symbicort to its generic version only after consulting with their physician.

5. How can asthma and COPD patients access the generic Symbicort medication?

Asthma and COPD patients can get affordable and genuine symbicort medication at Day Night Drugs.

Sources: - 

1. GoodRx Health Blogs - FDA Approves first generic Symbicort  

2. Drugs.com - Symbicort Inhalers  

3. NCBI Journals - Asthma and COPD  

Medically Reviewed By:

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B. Pharma

(Dr. A. Sharma, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist and a medical writer with 10 years of clinical experience. He strives to empower patients to understand their medications so that they become better healthcare advocates.)

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