Symbicort in Canada: prescription, pharmacy and pricing
Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol) is available in Canada under the regulatory framework of Health Canada. 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
- Health Canada
- Currency
- CAD
- Active ingredients
- Budesonide, Formoterol
- Available dosages
- 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg
Prescription status in Canada
Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates. Symbicort contains the active ingredient Budesonide, Formoterol, in the Respiratory Medications class, and its classification in Canada follows the standard rules of Health Canada.
Pharmacy dispensing
Canadian pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs and many independents) are licensed provincially, and pharmacists in several provinces can prescribe for minor ailments. 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 pharmacy is regulated provincially in Canada; cross-border imports are restricted. Tele-prescribing platforms have expanded prescription access since 2020. 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 CAD
Retail pricing in Canada 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 Canada? ▾
Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates. In practice, Symbicort follows the status of its active ingredient Budesonide, Formoterol in the regulatory system of Health Canada.
Is generic Symbicort available in Canada? ▾
Authorised generics of Budesonide, Formoterol are typically available in Canada at a lower cost than branded Symbicort, with bioequivalence required by Health Canada. Substitution is handled by the pharmacist under local equivalence rules.
How much does Symbicort cost in CAD? ▾
Prices in CAD 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 Canada.
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)
- 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)
- AustraliaTGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- 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.