From the Guidelines
The cheapest steroid inhaler for asthma is typically beclomethasone (QVAR), which costs approximately $50-100 per month without insurance. Generic versions of fluticasone propionate (Flovent) may also be affordable options, ranging from $30-80 per month depending on dosage and pharmacy 1. For those with financial constraints, several assistance programs can help reduce costs further. Patient assistance programs from manufacturers, discount cards like GoodRx, and programs such as the Partnership for Prescription Assistance can significantly lower prices. The $4 generic medication programs at retailers like Walmart and Target sometimes include older asthma medications.
Key Points to Consider
- Steroid inhalers work by reducing inflammation in the airways, preventing asthma symptoms and reducing the need for rescue inhalers 1.
- The standard starting dose for adults is typically 40-80 mcg twice daily for beclomethasone, but this should be adjusted based on asthma severity and control 1.
- Consistent use is essential for effectiveness, and patients should rinse their mouth after each use to prevent thrush, a common side effect 1.
- Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred controller medication, and studies have demonstrated that when inhaled corticosteroids are used consistently, they improve asthma control more effectively than any other single long-term control medication 1.
Additional Considerations
- Combining long-acting beta agonists and inhaled corticosteroids is effective and safe when inhaled corticosteroids alone are insufficient 1.
- For patients with mild persistent asthma, leukotriene receptor antagonists are an alternative, second-line treatment option 1.
- Increasing the use of short-acting beta agonists or using them more than two days per week or more than two nights per month generally indicates inadequate control of asthma and the need to initiate or intensify anti-inflammatory therapy 1.
From the Research
Cheapest Steroid Inhaler for Asthma
- The cost of steroid inhalers for asthma can vary depending on the specific medication and brand 2.
- A study found that switching to a generic fluticasone propionate/salmeterol multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI) from a brand-name ICS/LABA inhaler resulted in significant prescription cost-savings for patients and accountable care organizations 2.
- The total projected yearly prescription cost-savings for patients who were switched and remained on the generic inhaler was $581,628 2.
Comparison of Steroid Inhalers
- A systematic review compared the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of fluticasone propionate and budesonide, and formoterol fumarate and salmeterol xinafoate administered alone or in combination 3.
- The review found that use of fluticasone was associated with significantly greater improvement in lung function and better asthma symptom control than budesonide 3.
- Single inhaler combination regimens, such as budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol, were frequently more effective in improving treatment outcomes than either monotherapy alone 3.
Generic vs. Brand-Name Inhalers
- A study found that 83% of patients maintained appropriate asthma control after switching from a brand ICS/LABA inhaler to the generic fluticasone/salmeterol MDPI for 12 weeks 2.
- The study concluded that switching to the generic inhaler resulted in significant prescription cost-savings for the accountable care organization 2.
- Another study found that the novel, easy-to-use, breath-actuated fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDPI (AirDuo RespiClick®) was an important emerging treatment option in patients aged ≥ 12 years with asthma 4.