Inhaler Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare Your Inhaler Costs
Calculate potential savings when switching from your current inhaler to Foracort or other alternatives. Based on current market prices.
Potential Savings
Current Cost
Foracort Cost
Based on current market prices. Actual costs may vary by pharmacy and insurance.
Note: Foracort is not FDA-approved in the United States but is available in many other countries. Check with your doctor about availability in your region.
Foracort Inhaler is a combination medicine used to manage asthma and COPD. It contains two active ingredients: formoterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), and budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Together, they reduce inflammation and open airways to prevent symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. But it’s not the only option on the market. Many patients and doctors look at alternatives based on cost, effectiveness, side effects, or availability. If you’re using Foracort-or considering it-here’s how it stacks up against other common inhalers.
How Foracort Inhaler Works
Foracort delivers 100 mcg or 200 mcg of budesonide with 6 mcg of formoterol per inhalation. Budesonide reduces swelling and mucus in the lungs. Formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier. This combo is designed for daily use, not for sudden attacks. You need to use it consistently-even when you feel fine-to keep symptoms under control.
Studies show that combination inhalers like Foracort reduce asthma exacerbations by 30-40% compared to using a steroid alone. They also cut down on emergency visits. But effectiveness depends on proper technique. If you’re not inhaling deeply and holding your breath, you’re not getting the full dose.
Common Alternatives to Foracort Inhaler
There are several other combination inhalers that work similarly. The main differences lie in the drugs used, dosage strengths, device design, and price.
1. Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol)
Symbicort is the most direct competitor to Foracort. It contains the exact same two drugs: budesonide and formoterol. The doses are nearly identical: 100/6, 200/6, or 400/12 mcg. So why do people switch?
Symbicort is branded and often more expensive. Foracort is a generic version, typically 40-60% cheaper in many countries. Some users report Symbicort’s aerosol feels smoother, but clinical trials show no difference in lung delivery or symptom control. If cost matters, Foracort is just as effective.
2. Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)
Advair uses fluticasone instead of budesonide and salmeterol instead of formoterol. Both are effective, but there are key differences.
- Formoterol (in Foracort) starts working in 1-3 minutes. Salmeterol (in Advair) takes 30 minutes or more.
- Formoterol is faster acting, which can be helpful if you’re feeling tightness and need quick relief between doses.
- Fluticasone is slightly stronger per microgram than budesonide, so lower doses can be used.
- Advair comes in a diskus device, which is dry powder. Foracort uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer. Some people find the diskus easier to coordinate.
Advair is FDA-approved for asthma and COPD. Foracort is approved in many countries but not yet in the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., Foracort and Symbicort are more accessible and affordable than Advair.
3. Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone/Vilanterol)
Breo Ellipta uses fluticasone with vilanterol, another LABA. It’s taken once daily, unlike Foracort, which is usually taken twice.
Once-daily dosing sounds convenient, but studies show it doesn’t work better than twice-daily inhalers for most people. In fact, skipping a dose with Breo means you lose 24 hours of protection. With Foracort, missing one dose still leaves you with 12 hours of coverage.
Breo is also more expensive. It’s designed for patients who struggle with twice-daily routines-but many don’t need it. For most, the twice-daily schedule works fine and costs less.
4. Dulera (Mometasone/Formoterol)
Dulera combines mometasone (a steroid) with formoterol. So it shares formoterol with Foracort but uses a different steroid.
Mometasone is similar in strength to budesonide. Some patients tolerate it better if they’ve had throat irritation with budesonide. But Dulera is only available in the U.S. and is priced like a brand-name drug. In countries where Foracort is sold, Dulera isn’t an option.
Cost Comparison: Foracort vs. Alternatives
Price is often the deciding factor. Here’s a rough comparison for a 30-day supply (120 puffs):
| Inhaler | Active Ingredients | Dose (mcg) | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foracort | Budesonide/Formoterol | 100/6 or 200/6 | $25-$40 |
| Symbicort | Budesonide/Formoterol | 100/6 or 200/6 | $60-$90 |
| Advair Diskus | Fluticasone/Salmeterol | 100/50 or 250/50 | $180-$250 |
| Breo Ellipta | Fluticasone/Vilanterol | 100/25 | $200-$300 |
| Dulera | Mometasone/Formoterol | 100/5 or 200/5 | $170-$230 |
Foracort is often the most affordable option where available. Generic versions of Symbicort are starting to appear in some markets, which could bring prices down further. But until then, Foracort offers the same drug combo at a fraction of the cost.
Side Effects: What to Watch For
All combination inhalers carry similar risks because they use the same classes of drugs.
- Throat irritation or hoarseness: common. Rinse your mouth after each use.
- Oral thrush: fungal infection. Prevent it by rinsing and using a spacer.
- Increased heart rate or tremors: usually from formoterol. Mild and temporary.
- Reduced bone density or adrenal suppression: rare with inhaled doses, more likely with long-term, high-dose use.
Studies show no significant difference in side effects between Foracort, Symbicort, or Advair when used at equivalent doses. The drug combo matters more than the brand.
When to Consider Switching
You might want to switch from Foracort if:
- You’re paying more than $50/month and a generic Symbicort is available in your country.
- You’re using a spacer with Foracort and find it inconvenient-switching to a dry powder inhaler like Advair or Breo might help.
- You’re experiencing side effects that don’t improve with rinsing.
- Your doctor wants to try a once-daily option for better adherence.
Don’t switch without talking to your doctor. Stopping or changing inhalers suddenly can trigger worsening symptoms. Always taper or transition under medical supervision.
What’s Missing from the Market?
There’s no perfect inhaler for everyone. Some patients want:
- A combination with faster-acting rescue properties built in.
- A device that doesn’t require coordination (like a nebulizer but portable).
- A lower-dose option for mild asthma.
Newer options like airway-targeted steroids and combination inhalers with biologics are in development, but they’re still years away from being widely available. For now, the choices remain limited to the ones listed.
Final Thoughts: Is Foracort the Best Choice?
Foracort isn’t the newest or the flashiest inhaler. But it’s one of the most practical. It delivers the same proven drugs as Symbicort, at a much lower price. If you’re managing asthma or COPD and need a reliable, affordable daily inhaler, Foracort is a solid pick.
It’s not ideal if you’re in the U.S., where it’s not approved. But if you’re in India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, or parts of Europe, it’s often the top choice among doctors and patients.
Before switching, ask your doctor: "Is there a cheaper option with the same active ingredients?" You might be paying more than you need to.
Can I use Foracort as a rescue inhaler?
No. Foracort is a maintenance inhaler meant for daily use. It’s not designed for sudden breathing problems. Always keep a short-acting beta agonist like albuterol (salbutamol) on hand for quick relief during asthma attacks.
Is Foracort better than Symbicort?
They contain the same drugs in the same doses, so clinically, they’re equally effective. Foracort is usually cheaper and more accessible outside the U.S. Symbicort may feel smoother to inhale, but that doesn’t mean it works better. Choose based on cost and availability.
Can children use Foracort?
Yes, but only under a doctor’s supervision. Foracort 100/6 is approved for children 12 and older in many countries. Lower doses are not available, so younger children may need other options like fluticasone with salbutamol combinations.
What happens if I miss a dose of Foracort?
If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t double up. Missing one dose won’t cause immediate symptoms, but skipping regularly can lead to worsening control over time.
Are there natural alternatives to Foracort?
No. There are no proven natural substitutes that can replace inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs for controlling asthma or COPD. Supplements like vitamin D or omega-3s may support lung health, but they don’t reduce inflammation or open airways the way medication does. Never stop prescribed inhalers for unproven remedies.
Next Steps
If you’re on Foracort and happy with it, keep using it. Don’t switch just because you heard another brand is "better."
If you’re considering a switch, talk to your doctor. Bring your current prescription and ask: "Is there a generic version with the same ingredients?" or "Would a different inhaler reduce my costs without losing effectiveness?"
Keep your inhaler technique in check. Use a spacer if you’re on an MDI. Rinse your mouth after every use. Track your symptoms in a journal. These simple habits matter more than the brand name on the canister.
Mary Follero
November 19, 2025 AT 18:07Just wanted to say thanks for laying this out so clearly. I’ve been on Symbicort for years and didn’t realize Foracort was the same meds at half the price. My cousin in India swears by it-no more $200 monthly bills. Switched last month and haven’t had a single flare-up. Seriously, if you’re in a country where it’s available, go for it.
Will Phillips
November 21, 2025 AT 13:48Whoa hold up. Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know this. They’re pushing Symbicort because they make billions. Foracort? That’s the real deal. The FDA won’t approve it because they’re in bed with the drug companies. You think that’s a coincidence? Look at the timeline. Same ingredients. Same results. But they make you pay 5x more. Wake up.
Arun Mohan
November 22, 2025 AT 16:24How quaint. You’re all discussing inhalers like they’re groceries at a bazaar. In Delhi, we’ve been using Foracort since 2015. It’s not about cost-it’s about precision. Symbicort’s aerosol is engineered for European lung capacity. Foracort? It’s designed for the humid monsoon air we breathe. You Americans think ‘same drugs = same outcome.’ But the body doesn’t work like a spreadsheet. There’s nuance. You wouldn’t use a Ferrari engine in a tuk-tuk.
Tyrone Luton
November 22, 2025 AT 21:34It’s interesting how we reduce health to cost and convenience. But what are we really optimizing for? Survival? Comfort? Or just the illusion of control? Foracort isn’t better or worse-it’s a mirror. It reflects our relationship with medicine. Do we trust the system? Do we fear the unknown? Or do we just want the cheapest thing that won’t kill us today?
Jeff Moeller
November 22, 2025 AT 22:16Foracort works. No need to overthink it. Same drugs. Same results. Cheaper. Done.
Herbert Scheffknecht
November 22, 2025 AT 23:45Think about it-our entire medical system is built on branding. We pay more for the blue canister than the red one, even when the pills inside are identical. It’s not medicine-it’s marketing theater. Foracort exposes that. It says: ‘You don’t need the logo. You just need the science.’ And yet, we still reach for the branded version because it feels safer. Isn’t that tragic? We’ve outsourced our trust to corporations. The real question isn’t which inhaler works-it’s why we’re so afraid to use the one that doesn’t come with a celebrity endorsement.
Jessica Engelhardt
November 24, 2025 AT 05:17Foracort? That’s an Indian knockoff. You think they test it like we do in the US? Nah. They just slap the same labels on and ship it. My cousin got sick after switching. Turns out the filler had mold. You think Big Pharma cares? They’re just trying to sell you a cheaper version so you’ll stop asking questions.
Martin Rodrigue
November 26, 2025 AT 00:55While the pharmacological equivalence between Foracort and Symbicort is well-documented, one must also consider regional regulatory standards, bioavailability profiles, and patient adherence metrics across diverse demographic cohorts. The economic disparity, while notable, does not inherently validate clinical superiority without controlled longitudinal studies in non-Western populations.
Sherri Naslund
November 26, 2025 AT 08:56okay so like i just found out my inhaler is a fake? and my doctor is in on it? i mean i’ve been using this thing for 3 years and now you’re telling me i could’ve been saving 150 bucks? but wait-what if the indian version has like, secret chemicals? or maybe the canister is recycled plastic and it’s leaking? i’m not even sure i can trust my lungs anymore
Ashley Miller
November 27, 2025 AT 05:37They don’t want you to know this. Foracort is a CIA operation. The same people who made the pandemic vaccines are pushing it overseas to normalize cheap meds. Then they’ll come for your insulin. Your blood pressure pills. Your antidepressants. It’s a slow rollout. First India. Then Brazil. Then Canada. Then you. Don’t be fooled by the price tag. That’s the bait.
Lauren Hale
November 28, 2025 AT 20:29Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been on Advair for years and didn’t realize how much I was overpaying. I live in Canada and we have access to generics here, but I never thought to ask if there was a cheaper combo with the same ingredients. I’m going to bring this up with my doctor next week. I’ve been so focused on brand names that I forgot to ask about the actual medicine inside. This post really opened my eyes.
Greg Knight
November 30, 2025 AT 09:24Hey, if you’re thinking about switching, don’t rush it. I went from Symbicort to Foracort last year and I had a rough week-felt like my lungs were shutting down. Turns out I wasn’t using the spacer right. Took me a few tries to get the timing down. My nurse showed me how to inhale slow, hold for 5 seconds, then breathe out through the nose. It made all the difference. Don’t just swap the canister-learn the technique. Your lungs will thank you. And if you’re worried about side effects, keep a journal. Write down how you feel each day. Small changes add up.
rachna jafri
December 1, 2025 AT 13:04foracort? pfft. i used to work in a pharmacy in mumbai and i saw the factory where they made it. the machines were older than my dad. the workers didn’t even wear masks. the budesonide? half the dose they claimed. but hey-cheaper than a chai stall. so people take it. and they live. but do they thrive? no. they just stop coughing enough to go to work. we’re not treating disease here-we’re managing survival. and they call it healthcare. laughable.
darnell hunter
December 2, 2025 AT 17:54While the cost differential is statistically significant, the absence of FDA approval for Foracort suggests a lack of compliance with U.S. pharmaceutical regulatory standards, including stability testing, batch consistency, and adverse event reporting protocols. Therefore, its use within U.S. jurisdictions remains contraindicated, regardless of pharmacological similarity to branded alternatives.
Hannah Machiorlete
December 3, 2025 AT 14:34so i switched to foracort last month and now i have this weird metallic taste and my throat feels like i gargled with sandpaper. i asked my doc and they said ‘rinse your mouth’ like that’s some magic spell. i’ve been rinsing for 3 weeks. nothing. i think they poisoned it. or maybe the factory used tap water. i’m not sleeping anymore