The cost of the Breztri inhaler can vary significantly depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. However, without insurance, the list price can be substantial. For example, a prescription for one inhaler has been reported to cost around $450 to $500 [1].
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Breztri?
Patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses through various programs. AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Breztri, offers savings programs for eligible commercially insured patients [2]. These programs can potentially lower the cost to as little as $10 per prescription [2]. Details and eligibility requirements for these savings cards are available on the manufacturer's website.
Does Insurance Cover Breztri?
Insurance coverage for Breztri varies by plan. Many insurance plans include Breztri on their formulary, but patients may still be responsible for a co-payment, deductible, or co-insurance. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider or your pharmacist to understand your specific coverage and the associated costs.
What Is Breztri Prescribed For?
Breztri (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) is a once-daily inhalation therapy approved for the maintenance treatment of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema [3]. It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or asthma [3].
How Does Breztri Work?
Breztri combines three active ingredients: budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation; glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic that helps open airways; and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that also helps open airways [3]. This combination targets different pathways to improve breathing in individuals with COPD.
What Are the Side Effects of Breztri?
Common side effects of Breztri can include nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms), pneumonia, bronchitis, oral thrush, and hoarseness [3]. Patients should discuss any concerns about side effects with their healthcare provider.
What Are the Alternatives to Breztri for COPD?
There are several other inhaled medications and combinations available for COPD management. These include other inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA), as well as dual and triple therapies from different manufacturers [4]. The choice of alternative therapy depends on individual patient needs, severity of disease, and response to treatment.
When Was Breztri Approved?
Breztri Aerosphere was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019 [5].
Sources:
1. https://www.goodrx.com/breztri
2. https://www.breztri.com/savings-and-support
3. https://www.astrazeneca.com/products/breztri.html
4. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/treatment-and-prevention/medications.html
5. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-approval-packages-inhalations-and-respiratory-drugs