Budesonide Prices, Total Costs & Coupons

Hands up if you think you're paying too much for prescription medication?

If your hand is in the air, you're not alone.

Studies show that high-priced generic drugs in the U.S. are often more expensive than their brand-name counterparts in other parts of the world.

This shocking statistic is true for many drugs, especially the cost of budesonide. This drug treats several chronic conditions from asthma to Crohn's disease.

Shockingly, some generics in the United States can cost as much as 20 times more than their brand name equivalents in other countries, like Canada.

If you'd like to know more about how to save money when buying budesonide, read on. We'll lay down essential tips for finding cheaper alternatives to this critical medication.

What Is Budesonide?

It's a tricky one to get your head around. So, what is this complicated-sounding drug?

Budesonide is sold under the brand name Pulmicort among others and is a corticosteroid. It's available in an inhaler, pill, nasal spray, and rectal forms.

As an inhaler, it's used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nasal spray is used for allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

The pills in delayed-release and rectal form are used for the long-term management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This includes Crohn's disease, microscopic colitis, and ulcerative colitis.

Budesonide doesn't cure Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. But it effectively decreases the symptoms, such as pain and diarrhea.

How Does It Work?

Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory drug and works by decreasing the body's natural defense response (immune response).

In 1973, Budesonide was patented and its commercial use as an asthma medication started in 1981. The World Health Organization lists it as one of its "Essential Medicines" and states it's one of the most effective and safe medicines in any health system.

Budesonide is a potent corticosteroid drug indicated for the treatment of chronic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and IBD.

For IBD, budesonide is available in a slow-release capsule form, generally used for the treatment of Crohn's disease. It's available as a retention enema for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Prevention Is Better than Cure

When inhaled, budesonide reduces inflammation of the airway and is prescribed for the preventative treatment of chronic asthma.

Usually, budesonide is prescribed for the treatment of asthma when a bronchodilator isn't effective in fully controlling the symptoms. Relief of symptoms may take up to 7 days but can be in as little as three days.

Please note that budesonide is especially valued for its prevention and maintenance effectiveness.

For example, once an asthma attack has started, budesonide doesn't relieve the symptoms. To achieve the maximum preventative benefit, budesonide needs to be used as a preventative, regular treatment.

Budesonide as a nasal spray is prescribed for maintenance therapy of seasonal and perennial hay fever and nasal polyps.

Expensive but Effective

When compared with other corticosteroids, budesonide is associated with fewer bone density losses. It also has a lower overall incidence of systemic manifestations than other similar drugs.

Budesonide controls and prevents symptoms of the varying conditions its indicated for by reducing inflammation. This is true for the lungs, nose, or bowel.

The good news is that it has a low overdose and dependence risk, although it's only available via prescription.

So, now we know that budesonide is a safe and effective drug. But we still need to find ways of accessing it at an affordable rate. In order to do this, follow the pointers and tips below.

Access Budesonide Abroad

Many forms of budesonide are available as a generic medication, although the cost of these are often extremely high the U.S.

For this reason, patients opt to order their budesonide from other countries. In Canada, the drug is drastically more affordable.

Americans struggle in general with prescription non-adherence, with a leading cause pointing toward the growing price of prescription medication in the country.

Research shows that about 110 million prescriptions get abandoned every year. The reason is the mounting cost. This is an alarming find, as no one should have to miss out on prescription medication.

Especially not due to the risk financial ruin.

Financial ruin may sound dramatic, but some medications, like budesonide, are 90% less expensive in countries outside of the United States. This is an outrageous statistic.

Online Pharmacies

The increasingly high cost of budesonide tablets, budesonide ampules, and the growing budesonide generic cost are worrying.

This contributes to the need for alternative options for purchasing this vital medication.

Despite federal prohibition, Americans can buy brand name versions of some high-priced generics, like budesonide, online. This can be done via verified international pharmacies.

The potential savings are huge, making this a popular choice for many.

Canada has emerged as a safe and reliable place to source cheaper prescription medication. It's a widely praised alternative and offers significantly more affordable drugs through online pharmacies.

In contrast to high drug prices in the U.S., Canada offers the accredited sale of cheap, quality prescription medication. It's readily available thanks to Canadian government price controls.

Assisted Searches

In order to access affordable prescription medication, it's helpful to search far and wide for the best deals.

These days, your searches can be assisted by trusted online platforms.

These platforms take into account regulations in the U.S. They acknowledge that without government price controls, pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. are overcharging.

It's been widely reported that in the U.S., people are making choices between food and prescription drugs. This is an unacceptable reality for many in the country.

The FDA reports that the practice of personal drug importation is generally permitted. Individuals are never prosecuted, and studies have demonstrated the safety of international online pharmacies.

In order to help consumers safely save money on medication in the U.S., we've located alternative options for accessing prescription medication.

Websites will assist your search for the lowest drug prices from reputable online pharmacies. In this way, it's quick and easy to check the credentials of online pharmacies and to compare prices.

The Cost of Budesonide

You've probably heard it before: "the United States is a nation of pill poppers."

Most adults take at least one prescription drug and it's not uncommon for older individuals to take five or more pills per day.

But even with insurance, medication is pricey. Without the security of insurance, the price may be overwhelming and you may be tempted to skip medication.

Don't do this. Skipping medication can be very dangerous and may end in disaster. It'll also cost you more than the medication itself in the long run.

Luckily, today there are ways to rein in the cost of prescription drugs.

1. Check Your Formulary

All insurance companies have a different formulary, which is the list of medications they cover. Due to this, the copayments on two similar drugs may be very different.

For example, if you're looking for a drug to treat cholesterol, you could use Crestor or Zocor. These drugs serve the same purpose but each will have their own copayment

So, to avoid paying for the pricier drug, you'll need options.

One way to do this is to ask your doctor to list their top three choices when they prescribe a drug. You can then check with your insurer to find out the copayment on each.

You'll also be able to check for any formulary restrictions that might apply. This means you can choose the best option and let your doctor know the drug you prefer.

2. Buy in Bulk

It's always worth checking if your insurance company will allow you to get more than a month's worth of medication at a time.

While not all will permit this, it's very helpful if they do, as the cost for a three-month supply will often be less than if you bought the same thing per month.

Some insurance options will even allow you to get three months' worth for the price of two. If you don't have insurance, this is definitely a good option for you.

In general, the more medication you get at a time, the cheaper it is per unit purchased.

3. Shop Around

In the U.S., prescription drug prices vary significantly from pharmacy to pharmacy. Different medications and even the same medications are vastly different in price.

For example, one pharmacy may be cheaper for your chronic asthma meds but will not be the cheapest option for blood pressure drugs.

It's almost always worth shopping around for the lowest prices for each medication you need.

Due to the sky-rocketing prices of prescription drugs in the U.S., there are now resources to help you. They'll assist you in shopping around for the best medication prices. These prices will often vary from around the world.

Remember, it's essential to keep note of the medications you use. Especially if you use multiple pharmacies or if you're about to change your medication.

By keeping a list of your current medications, you can inquire about any potentially dangerous drug interactions. You'll also be able to check back about your dosage, previous cost or any other specific requirements.

4. Drug Coupons, Vouchers, and Free Samples

Doctors offices will often have coupons, vouchers, and free samples available. Drug reps are always attempting to boost sales by offering up these freebies.

Doctors will often forget about these so it's a good idea to ask them if they have any in stock.

It's a clever way to try out a new medication or to get you through a few weeks with free samples of the drug you already take.

You can also contact the manufacturer's of the medication to ask if they have any patient assistance programs. They may also offer you coupons or savings vouchers.

If you don't have insurance, a discount savings program can be of great benefit to you. It's an easy way to save on the cost of prescription medications.

Why Is It so expensive?

High generic drug prices in the U.S. are normally attributed to a lack of competition among drug manufacturers in the marketplace.

Supply interruptions when the FDA locates manufacturing problems are one reason for this low competition.

Another reason is the consolidation between pharmaceutical companies making the same medication. Along with perceived or actual low profitability of certain drugs.

While, in some cases, higher generic drug prices are due to arbitrary price increases by retail pharmacies.

It's important to be aware of these reasons, in order to plan ways around them.

The Effectiveness of Budesonide

So, it's expensive but is it effective?

A recent study showed that patients treated with budesonide for microscopic colitis had better outcomes than those treated with prednisone.

The study revealed that recipients who received budesonide were significantly more likely to experience a complete response than those who received prednisone.

These findings prove the effectiveness of budesonide over prednisone in the treatment of microscopic colitis. Along with this, it's also is used much more commonly than prednisone due to fewer side effects.

While it's slightly more expensive than prednisone, the significantly higher effectiveness combined with fewer side effects, make budesonide a better choice.

Prescription Points

In order to get the best value for money from your medication, it's essential to follow the prescribed guidelines.

Remember to read the instruction leaflet inside the packaging and consult a pharmacist for any questions.

If you're already taking another corticosteroid orally, you should never suddenly stop taking it when you begin budesonide treatment.

Some ailments (such as asthma allergies) may worsen if a drug is suddenly stopped.

Unless instructed by a doctor, you run the risk of withdrawal symptoms if you stop the intake of a corticosteroid.

To prevent these withdrawal symptoms, you may be instructed to slowly lower the dose of other medication when you begin budesonide. Consult a doctor if you feel withdrawal symptoms occurring.

It's helpful to take the medication at the same time each day, to promote daily adherence. Avoid increasing your dose, taking it more frequently, or using it for a longer time than prescribed. This may increase your risk of serious side effects.

Money Matters

One in five prescriptions written in the U.S. is never actually filled, which doesn't bode well with doctors or healthcare providers.

The United States has the most expensive health system in the world. American citizens pay on average three times more than the British for top-selling prescription drugs.

So, we know the main reason for this prescription avoidance is cost. Money matters, even if it's awkward to admit in front of your doctor.

We understand that the cost of budesonide may have an impact on your adherence to it.

If there's even a slight chance you may skip your script because of finances, please contact us. We'll help you locate the best and cheapest prescription medication available.

We can work on solutions together.