How much does an inhaler cost?
How much does an inhaler cost?
$10 – $35 cost per month (generic)
$35 – $300+ cost per month (brand name)
Average inhaler cost
An inhaler costs $10 to $35 per month for generic medication or $35 to $300+ per month for brand-name medications. Inhaler prices depend on the type, pharmacy, your treatment plan and how often you use the inhaler, and your insurance coverage. Inhalers are used to treat breathing-related symptoms of asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and other conditions.
| Inhaler type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Generic | $10 – $35 |
| Brand-name | $35 – $300+ |
Three major inhaler manufacturers have agreed to cap the out-of-pocket price of their inhaler products and medications at $35 per month for insured and uninsured patients. This cap includes products from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Inhaler price factors
The following factors impact the cost of an inhaler:
Generic vs. brand name: Generic inhalers often cost much less than brand-name inhalers. For example, a generic albuterol inhaler costs $15 to $35, while prices for brand-name versions like Ventolin, Proventil, and ProAir range from $35 to $100. Some companies offer discount cards to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of their inhalers.
Type of inhaler & drug: In most cases, patients are prescribed a short-acting rescue inhaler and a long-acting daily-use inhaler. Short-acting inhalers like albuterol are cheaper than long-acting beta-agonists, while combination inhalers that feature multiple long-acting beta-agonists and corticosteroids cost the most.
Insurance coverage: Your out-of-pocket cost will typically be lower with health insurance. Coverage for inhalers depends on your insurance plan and deductible. The insurance company may also require your doctor to submit a request for prior authorization before covering the cost.
Pharmacy: Prices vary by pharmacy and location. Filling your prescription through a mail-order pharmacy is usually cheaper than through a brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
Prescription length: A 90-day supply costs less than filling a new prescription each month.
Check prescription coupon sites like GoodRx and SingleCare for discounts on inhalers. But remember, the coupon code replaces your insurance, meaning the amount you pay does not go toward your annual deductible.
FAQs about inhalers
What does an inhaler do?
An inhaler is a small device that delivers medication directly to your lungs to treat breathing problems caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are four types of inhaler medications, and each works in a different way:
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), typically used in rescue inhalers, are bronchodilators that relax the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier and provide quick relief for a sudden attack.
Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) also help to relax the muscles in the airways but last 12 to 24 hours. These medications are intended for daily use to reduce the risk of severe symptoms or sudden attacks.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are used once or twice a day to reduce inflammation in your lungs to prevent flares and severe symptoms.
Combination inhalers typically include either two long-acting bronchodilators, a long-acting bronchodilator, and a corticosteroid, or two long-acting bronchodilators and a corticosteroid.
Inhaler devices come in three forms: pressurized metered-dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), and soft mist nebulizers. MDIs are the most common type and are sometimes referred to as "puffers."
Though inhalers are most often prescribed for asthma and COPD, they are also used for other respiratory conditions like bronchitis, emphysema, or the flu.
How often can you use an inhaler?
How often you can use an inhaler depends on the type of inhaler, your specific health condition, and your treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend a schedule tailored to your needs.
Some inhalers are meant to be used once or twice per day, while short-acting inhalers are intended for use only when you experience a sudden shortness of breath. The standard recommendation for most rescue inhalers is two puffs every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding twelve puffs within 24 hours.
Do inhalers expire?
Yes, inhalers expire. Both the inhaler and the box in which it came in should have an expiration date printed on them. Most inhalers expire within one year of issue and begin to lose their potency. Do not use an expired inhaler, as the reduced strength may not be effective enough to help your breathing.
Can you buy inhalers over the counter?
You can buy inhalers over the counter, but OTC inhalers do not contain the same drugs found in prescription inhalers and are only approved to treat mild asthma symptoms. The two OTC inhalers approved by the FDA are:
Primatene Mist, an epinephrine inhaler designed to relieve symptoms of mild intermittent asthma, the mildest and less common type of the disease
Asthmanefrin, a racepinephrine medication sold in liquid form that requires a portable nebulizer device to turn it into a fine mist
How long after using an inhaler can you drink water?
You should rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out after taking your second puff from the inhaler. This prevents residual medication in your mouth from causing oral thrush, a fungal infection. Do not swallow the water. After rinsing your mouth and spitting, you can drink water normally.
Can an inhaler help a cough?
Some inhalers, such as fast-acting bronchodilators like albuterol, can help a cough caused by asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other conditions. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid inhaler to relieve inflammation.
Questions to ask your doctor about inhalers
Ask these important questions to ensure you understand why your doctor is prescribing an inhaler, how to use it correctly, and the potential risks involved:
What symptoms will the inhaler help me with?
How often should I use the inhaler?
Is there anything specific I should avoid immediately before or after using it?
How long will I need to use the inhaler?
Can you prescribe a 90-day supply to lower my costs?
Is the inhaler available in a generic version?
Is the generic version as effective as the brand-name version?
What is the cost difference between the brand-name and generic versions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.