Symbicort in Australia: prescription, pharmacy and pricing
Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol) is available in Australia under the regulatory framework of TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). This page summarises how the medication is prescribed and dispensed locally, what insurance or the public system cover, and which options exist for legally and safely accessing Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg.
- Regulator
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- Currency
- AUD
- Active ingredients
- Budesonide, Formoterol
- Available dosages
- 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg
Prescription status in Australia
Australia's medications are scheduled S1 through S10; Schedule 4 (prescription only) and Schedule 8 (controlled drugs) require written or e-prescriptions. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises most prescription costs to a fixed patient co-payment. Symbicort contains the active ingredient Budesonide, Formoterol, in the Respiratory Medications class, and its classification in Australia follows the standard rules of TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
Pharmacy dispensing
Australian pharmacies (Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, TerryWhite Chemmart and many independents) are regulated state-by-state. Pharmacist consultation is a core part of dispensing, with several states allowing pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments under structured programmes. The pharmacist is the most reliable local source of information on stock, authorised substitutions (generic vs brand) and specific precautions for Symbicort at the available strengths (80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg).
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online prescription dispensing in Australia operates through TGA-registered pharmacies and tele-prescribing platforms that have expanded since 2020. Personal importation of prescription medication is allowed under limited conditions for genuine personal use under the TGA's Personal Importation Scheme. Buying Symbicort from unauthorised sellers or without local verification exposes the user to counterfeit medication and unmonitored use of Budesonide, Formoterol.
When Symbicort is prescribed
Symbicort is approved in adults and adolescents from age 12 (younger in some markets) for the regular treatment of asthma when combination therapy of a long-acting beta-2 agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is appropriate, and in some mar…
Pricing and availability in AUD
Retail pricing in Australia depends on the strength (80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg), whether the original brand or an authorised generic is dispensed, and insurance or public-system coverage. The difference between brand and generic is usually the most meaningful economic lever for ongoing use. Comparing prices at two or more locally authorised pharmacies before first refill is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for Symbicort in Australia? ▾
Australia's medications are scheduled S1 through S10; Schedule 4 (prescription only) and Schedule 8 (controlled drugs) require written or e-prescriptions. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises most prescription costs to a fixed patient co-payment. In practice, Symbicort follows the status of its active ingredient Budesonide, Formoterol in the regulatory system of TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
Is generic Symbicort available in Australia? ▾
Authorised generics of Budesonide, Formoterol are typically available in Australia at a lower cost than branded Symbicort, with bioequivalence required by TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). Substitution is handled by the pharmacist under local equivalence rules.
How much does Symbicort cost in AUD? ▾
Prices in AUD vary by pharmacy and by strength (80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg). Authorised generics of Budesonide, Formoterol are usually substantially cheaper than the brand and are the typical economic reference point for ongoing use in Australia.
Symbicort in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
- South KoreaMFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- JapanPMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- AustriaBASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care)
- SwitzerlandSwissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products)
- ColombiaInvima (National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute)
- ChileISP (Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Public Health Institute)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.