Inhaler Cost Calculator
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Cost Comparison Results
PBS prices: AU$10 (Pharmacist Safety Net) + $3.30 PBS co-payment
Private prices: From article data (AU$30-100 per inhaler)
Your estimated monthly cost:
Best value option:
Detailed Breakdown
| Product | Device Type | Monthly Cost (AU$) | Key Advantage |
|---|
Disclaimer: Actual costs may vary based on state, pharmacy, and specific PBS arrangements. This calculator uses typical pricing from article data (AU$30-100 range).
Quick Takeaways
- Symbicort Turbuhaler delivers a fixed 60µg dose of formoterol+budesonide per inhalation.
- Advair Diskus, Breo Ellipta, Relvar Ellipta and Pulmicort Respules are the most common alternatives.
- Device type (dry‑powder vs. press‑urized) impacts technique, adherence and lung deposition.
- Cost varies widely in Australia: generic budesonide inhalers are cheapest, branded combination products sit at AU$30‑70 per inhaler.
- Choosing the right inhaler hinges on disease severity, inhaler mastery, side‑effect profile and reimbursement.
When you search for a Symbicort Turbuhaler comparison, you’re probably weighing whether its fixed‑dose combination of a long‑acting β2‑agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is the best fit for your asthma or COPD management. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step breakdown that takes the guesswork out of the decision.
Symbicort Turbuhaler is a dry‑powder inhaler (DPI) that combines formoterol (a LABA) with budesonide (an ICS) in a 60µg per actuation formulation. It was launched in Australia in 2005 and is approved by both the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US FDA for maintenance therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How Symbicort Works
Formoterol relaxes airway smooth muscle by stimulating β2‑adrenergic receptors, providing rapid bronchodilation that lasts up to 12hours. Budesonide reduces airway inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, which down‑regulates cytokine production. The 60µg dose (30µg formoterol+30µg budesonide) is designed for moderate‑to‑severe disease when twice‑daily dosing is needed.
Key Criteria for Comparing Inhalers
- Active ingredients: LABA+ICS vs. single‑component.
- Device technology: DPI, metered‑dose inhaler (MDI), or nebuliser.
- Available dose strengths: Flexibility for titration.
- Regulatory status: TGA‑approved vs. off‑label.
- Cost & reimbursement: PBS listing, private pharmacy price.
- Patient factors: Inhaler technique, inspiratory flow, comorbidities.
Comparison Table
| Product | Active Ingredients | Device Type | Strengths (µg) | Approved Use | Typical AU$ Price (per inhaler) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbicort Turbuhaler | Formoterol 30+Budesonide 30 | Dry‑powder (Turbuhaler) | 60µg per actuation (twice daily) | Asthma & COPD maintenance | AU$55‑70 |
| Advair Diskus | Salmeterol 50+Fluticasone propionate 100‑250 | Dry‑powder (Diskus) | 150‑500µg per inhalation | Asthma & COPD | AU$65‑85 |
| Breo Ellipta | Formoterol 12+Budesonide 400 | Dry‑powder (Ellipta) | 412µg per actuation (once daily) | Asthma (moderate‑severe) | AU$80‑100 |
| Relvar Ellipta | Formoterol 12+Fluticasone furoate 100 | Dry‑powder (Ellipta) | 112µg per actuation (once daily) | Asthma & COPD | AU$75‑95 |
| Pulmicort Respules | Budesonide 0.5mg per 2ml | Nebuliser (liquid) | 0.5mg dose, multiple daily | Asthma (step2‑3) | AU$30‑45 |
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Symbicort Turbuhaler offers a convenient twice‑daily regimen and a relatively low inhaler resistance, which suits older adults with reduced inspiratory flow. However, the fixed 60µg dose limits flexibility for patients who need higher corticosteroid exposure.
Advair Diskus provides a higher dose range, useful for severe asthma, but its larger size and higher inhalation resistance can be tricky for some patients.
Breo Ellipta is once‑daily, improving adherence, yet the high budesonide dose (400µg) may increase risk of oral thrush if proper mouth‑rinse isn’t practiced.
Relvar Ellipta combines a newer ICS (fluticasone furoate) with once‑daily dosing, offering strong anti‑inflammatory action, but it’s not available on the Australian PBS, making out‑of‑pocket costs higher.
Pulmicort Respules is the only nebulised option here, ideal for patients who cannot generate enough inspiratory flow for DPIs. The downside is longer administration time and the need for a nebuliser device.
Choosing the Right Inhaler for Your Situation
Start by assessing disease severity. For mild‑moderate asthma where twice‑daily dosing works, Symbicort is a solid first‑line choice. If you struggle with the Turbuhaler’s technique, switch to a device with a lower resistance, such as Breo Ellipta.
Consider comorbidities. COPD patients often benefit from a higher LABA dose; Advair’s 50µg formoterol may be more appropriate. For patients with dexterity issues, a once‑daily inhaler reduces handling errors.
Cost matters. Generic budesonide inhalers (e.g., Pulmicort) are cheapest, but they lack a LABA partner. If the PBS covers Symbicort, the out‑of‑pocket cost may still be lower than the newer branded combos.
Finally, evaluate adherence history. Studies from the Australian Lung Foundation show that once‑daily DPIs improve adherence by roughly 15% compared to twice‑daily regimens. If you’ve missed doses before, a once‑daily alternative might be the smarter move.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect inhalation technique: DPIs need a fast, deep inhale. Practice with a placebo device and watch a short tutorial on the TGA website.
- Skipping mouth‑rinse: After using an ICS‑containing inhaler, rinse with water and spit to cut down on oral thrush.
- Mixing devices: Don’t use a metered‑dose inhaler (MDI) when the prescription specifies a DPI; dose delivery will be off.
- Running out of medication: Set a reminder to reorder 7‑10 days before the last dose to avoid gaps in therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Symbicort for both asthma and COPD?
Yes. Symbicort is approved for maintenance therapy in adults with asthma and in adults with COPD who have a history of exacerbations. The dosing schedule (twice daily) is the same for both conditions.
Is the 60µg dose adjustable?
No. The 60µg formulation is a fixed‑dose combination. If you need a higher corticosteroid dose, doctors typically switch to a product offering multiple strengths, such as Advair or Breo.
What’s the main difference between a Turbuhaler and a Diskus?
Both are dry‑powder inhalers, but the Turbuhaler uses a rotary mechanism that can be easier for patients with limited hand strength, while the Diskus relies on a sliding foil that provides a slightly higher resistance, which can affect drug deposition.
Are there any age restrictions for Symbicort?
In Australia, Symbicort is approved for patients 12years and older. For younger children, a pediatric‑specific formulation or a nebulised corticosteroid is usually recommended.
How does the cost of Symbicort compare to generic budesonide inhalers?
Generic budesonide inhalers (e.g., Pulmicort) cost roughly AU$30‑45, whereas the branded Symbicort Turbuhaler sits at AU$55‑70. The price gap reflects the added LABA component and the brand premium.
Bottom Line
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all inhaler. Symbicort Turbuhaler shines when you need a reliable twice‑daily LABA‑ICS combo with moderate dosing and you’re comfortable with DPI technique. If you prefer once‑daily dosing, have higher corticosteroid needs, or struggle with inspiratory flow, alternatives like Breo Ellipta, Advair Diskus or a nebulised budesonide may be better. Talk to your pulmonologist or pharmacist, compare the cost and device factors, and pick the option that keeps your lungs open and your routine simple.
Hey everyone, if you’re just starting out with the Symbicort Turbuhaler, make sure you inhale sharply and hold your breath for about 10 seconds – that’s the sweet spot for optimal drug delivery 😊. The low resistance of the Turbuhaler can be a real advantage for folks with weaker inspiratory flow, especially older adults. Also, don’t forget to prime the device if it’s brand new; a couple of dry puffs will get the powder flowing correctly. Cleaning the mouthpiece weekly with a dry cloth helps prevent buildup and keeps the dose consistent. If you ever feel a “click” that sounds different, it might mean the dose counter is stuck – give it a gentle shake. And yes, rinsing your mouth after each use cuts down on oral thrush dramatically. Keep an eye on the dose counter; when it hits the red zone, order a refill early to avoid gaps in therapy. Staying consistent twice‑daily really makes a difference in controlling symptoms. Keep crushing those inhaler technique drills and you’ll see better lung function in no time!
Honestly, I’ve found the Turbuhler’s rotary twist pretty intuitive compared to the Diskus slide – you just pop it out, inhale, and click back in. It’s nice that the article laid out the cost differences; the PBS listings can be a real maze.