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| | | Albuterol is a medication used to treat wheezing and other breathing difficulties among people with chronic lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The drug can also be used to prevent shortness of breath and wheezing during exercise. Brand names include Accuneb, Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA and Proventil HFA. The generic drug is known as Salbutamol. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Patients without insurance can expect to pay between $30 and $60 for their albuterol and the inhaler. The cost varies depending upon the dosage and brand of medication. Those with insurance will pay typical co-pays and co-insurance rates, which can range from $5 for the generic version to $50 for a brand name.
- A refill will include both the albuterol and the inhaler device, so the cost will be the same as the original prescription.
- Physicians will prescribe albuterol treatments through a nebulizer machine for some patients, including children under age four and those with severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Without insurance, nebulizers typically cost $200 to $300. Some hospitals, urgent care clinics and pharmacies will allow patients to rent a nebulizer. Cost for rental will vary.
- Generic albuterol nebulizer solutions cost about $.40 for 10 doses and brand name versions can cost up to $12.10 for 10 doses, according to an analysis of national average sales prices by the Office of the Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Patients with insurance will pay typical co-pays and co-insurance rates.
What should be included: | - Each prescription will include an inhaler, which is a plastic device that propels the medication down into the lungs. Most inhalers include about 200 metered doses. The University of Illinois provides information on proper inhaler use.
- Some prescriptions require that a nebulizer be used. Nebulizers are machines that mix air with the medication, creating a fine mist that is easily breathed deep into the lungs. Nebulizers often come with a mask or mouthpiece, a cup to hold the medication and tubing through which the air flows. Treatments with a nebulizer can take between 5 and 15 minutes, depending upon the medication and the dose. Nebulizer solutions should include a dosage tool to determine how much medication to place in the nebulizer cup.
- In 2008, pharmaceutical companies were required to switch from inhalers using a chemical called chloroflourocarbon as a propellant to a more environmentally friendly propellant called hydrofluoroalkane. Inhalers using the new propellant may taste different and the spray of medication may not seem as strong. This is normal and does not mean that less medication is dispensed.
Additional costs: | - A peak flow meter, which measures how fast a patient can push air out of their lungs, is often needed to determine the appropriate albuterol dose. Most physicians recommend that patients take their peak flow before each use of the medication. Peak flow meters typically cost $20 to $70 at a drugstore or pharmacy. If a physician recommends that the patient use a peak flow meter prior to each dose, the device should be purchased before any medication is taken.
Discounts: | - The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America can provide assistance for people having difficulty affording their albuterol inhalers and nebulizers.
- Prescription assistance for low-income individuals and families may also be available at your local health department.
- National prescription assistance programs for low-income families include the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and the Together RX Access Program. These programs will require that patients prove their income. Participation requirements vary.
- For patients over age 55, the National Council on Aging provides a program called Benefits Checkup to help people find the services they need, including prescription drug coverage.
Shopping for an albuterol inhaler: | - Patients or guardians of patients with chronic respiratory illnesses should begin by consulting their physician regarding treatment options. Albuterol is a medication commonly prescribed to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. It is not usually necessary to see a specialist.
- If a visit to a specialist is necessary, ask the patient's primary care physician for a referral.
- Make sure that the prescribing physician knows about any other medications the patient might be taking or any drug allergies. Also be sure to tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant. These factors may make the physician consider another form of treatment.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated January 2010 |
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