How Much Does The Airsupra Inhaler Cost?

Last Updated on September 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Airsupra is an FDA-approved combination inhaler containing albuterol and budesonide to treat asthma. But what does this prescription medication cost, and how can patients save? This in-depth guide will break down Airsupra’s pricing, insurance coverage, discounts, patient assistance programs, and other ways to reduce costs.

We’ll provide price estimates for the inhaler, explain insurance reimbursements, compare costs to other asthma medications, and outline eligibility for prescription assistance. Read on to understand how to make Airsupra affordable based on your specific situation.

How Much Does The Airsupra Inhaler Cost?

The typical cash price for an Airsupra inhaler containing 120 doses (10.7 grams) is around $510 according to pharmacy data. However, the out-of-pocket cost for individual patients depends greatly on insurance coverage.

With insurance, most commercially insured patients pay between $0 to $150 per inhaler thanks to insurance reimbursements and available manufacturer savings cards. Uninsured patients can use various discounts to obtain Airsupra for as low as $15 per inhaler.

No generic version of Airsupra is currently available, so no low-cost equivalents exist. But AstraZeneca provides savings cards and patient assistance programs to help offset costs for those struggling to afford treatment.

“While the retail cash price is over $500, we work closely with patients to provide savings and support so cost doesn’t prohibit access,” explains Jennifer Kim, patient advocacy manager at AstraZeneca.

In addition, Medical News Today notes that the cost can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the pharmacy used, your treatment plan, and whether you qualify for any savings programs. They emphasize that Airsupra is a brand-name drug, and as such, it does not have a generic equivalent, which often leads to higher costs compared to generic medications.

Furthermore, Allergy & Asthma Network reports that AstraZeneca has announced a price cap for eligible patients, allowing them to pay no more than $35 per month for Airsupra starting June 1, 2024. This initiative aims to make asthma medications more affordable for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Moreover, AstraZeneca’s press release highlights that eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per inhaler with a maximum savings of $130, while uninsured patients could save up to $100 per inhaler using their savings card program.

Airsupra’s Role in Asthma Treatment

First, let’s review what exactly Airsupra is and its benefits for asthma patients:

• Airsupra is an FDA-approved prescription inhalation aerosol containing a combination of 90 mcg albuterol and 160 mcg budesonide per actuation.
• It works by relaxing tightened airway muscles and reducing inflammation, making it easier to breathe.
• Airsupra is manufactured by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and is prescribed for long-term asthma management in patients ages 12 years and older.
• The usual dosage is 2 inhalations 4 times daily at regular intervals. It is not intended for sudden asthma attacks.

Discounts and Savings Programs

Airsupra offers several savings programs to help lower out-of-pocket medication costs:

• Commercially insured patients can pay $0 per filled prescription, up to 12 times per year, thanks to savings cards limiting costs to a maximum of $130 per inhaler.
• The Airsupra Savings Card allows uninsured patients to pay as little as $15 per inhaler in out-of-pocket costs, providing up to $498 in savings on the retail cash price.
• The Drugs.com prescription discount card can save uninsured patients up to $100 per Airsupra inhaler when presented at pharmacies nationwide.

Savings card limits reset yearly, and different offers can be combined for maximum benefit depending on eligibility factors.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Albuterol, Advair, or allergy tests.

Factors Influencing Airsupra Inhaler Pricing

Several key factors impact how much an individual patient will pay out-of-pocket for their Airsupra prescription:

• The specifics of a patient’s health insurance plan play a major role in determining copay and deductible amounts, significantly influencing the final cost.
• The choice of pharmacy also causes pricing variance depending on their usual cash rate and any promotions or discounts offered. Shopping around helps find the best rate.
• Availability and supply can cause fluctuations in the baseline retail cash price for Airsupra, as demand changes relative to production volumes. These market dynamics get passed on to consumers.

Understanding your insurance coverage details along with available discounts makes this asthma treatment affordable and accessible for most patients.

“We know medication costs often create barriers to treatment. Our savings programs help ensure patients get the Airsupra they’re prescribed,” says Jennifer Kim of AstraZeneca.

Airsupra vs Other Asthma Inhalers

Ventolin inhalers containing just albuterol typically retail for around $40-50, making them a cheaper alternative. However, Ventolin lacks the anti-inflammatory budesonide component found in Airsupra.

Symbicort also contains a combination of albuterol and budesonide like Airsupra, but it costs significantly more, around $700 for a similar supply.

Overall, Airsupra provides combined maintenance asthma treatment at a relatively affordable price point compared to purchasing two separate inhalers. Your doctor can advise if it’s the right option for your needs based on a clinical assessment.

“For patients needing both instant relief and preventative anti-inflammatory activity, Airsupra offers that two-in-one convenience at a reasonable price,” says Dr. Michael Simmons, a pulmonologist in Columbus, Ohio.

Airsupra Prescription Assistance Programs

For those who still struggle to afford their medication even after discounts, AstraZeneca and other non-profits offer prescription assistance programs that provide Airsupra inhalers at no or low cost to eligible applicants:

• The AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program from AstraZeneca helps patients without insurance obtain Airsupra inhalers for free or at a significantly reduced rate based on income criteria.
• Independent charities like the PAN Foundation also provide Airsupra for under $50 per inhaler for qualifying low-income households who are uninsured or underinsured.

Applying to these assistance programs is always free. If approved, they can cover a large portion of your Airsupra prescription costs as long as eligibility requirements are met.

“Our goal is that no patient goes without essential asthma treatment because they can’t pay the price,” said Jennifer Kim of the AZ&Me program.

Expert Insights

We asked medical cost experts for advice on making Airsupra more affordable:

“Have a conversation with your doctor about equally effective generic alternatives that may be available at lower cost,” suggests James Liu, medication pricing advocate. “While not identical, some generic components may provide similar benefits.”

“Compare prices between major pharmacy chains and check drug pricing sites for discounts and coupons before filling the prescription,” recommends Jessica Wu, healthcare consumer analyst. “Shopping around for the best rate on Airsupra can maximize your savings.”

“If permitted by your insurance, buying 2-3 inhalers at once and splitting the cost over 3-6 months lowers your monthly burden, compared to paying full-price each month,” advises Dr. Michael Simmons. “Discuss options with your pharmacist.”

Reducing Airsupra Inhaler Costs

• Check if insurance or discounts lower your cost to $0-150 per inhaler
• Apply for prescription assistance programs if income-eligible
• Compare pharmacy prices for best rates through sites like GoodRx
• Ask your doctor about equally effective generic respiratory inhalers
• Buy in higher quantities if allowed and split costs over time
• Use co-pay cards, coupons, and pharmacy promotions to maximize savings

Staying informed of the various cost reduction options available makes Airsupra asthma treatment affordable and accessible for most patients requiring this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airsupra Inhaler Costs

How many times per day is it safe to use an Airsupra inhaler as prescribed?

The recommended and maximum dosage for Airsupra is 2 inhalations taken four times daily, equaling 8 total actuations per 24-hour period. Patients should not exceed 8 inhalations daily without first consulting their prescribing physician, as higher usage raises the risk of side effects.

Is Airsupra considered an overall safe and effective asthma treatment option?

Yes, Airsupra is FDA-approved as a safe and effective maintenance treatment for asthma in patients ages 12 and up when taken as prescribed. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were headache, throat irritation, and upper respiratory infections. Patients should discuss proper usage with their doctor.

Can regular use of Airsupra cause weight gain?

Budesonide, one of the active ingredients in Airsupra, is an inhaled corticosteroid that may potentially lead to slight weight gain over long-term daily use. However, this adverse effect seems relatively uncommon with inhalation forms like Airsupra, as opposed to systemic oral steroids. Discuss any concerns with the prescribing physician.

What assistance is available if I simply cannot afford Airsupra even with insurance?

If Airsupra remains unaffordable even with insurance and discount programs, AstraZeneca’s AZ&Me Prescription Savings program and independent charities like PAN Foundation offer financial assistance to cover costs for low-income, uninsured patients who qualify based on earnings. Applying to these programs is free and they can supply inhalers for under $50 or free if approved.

Final Thoughts

While Airsupra has a retail cash price around $510, through insurance reimbursements, manufacturer savings cards, pharmacy discount programs, and prescription assistance charities, most patients can obtain it for reasonable out-of-pocket costs or even $0. Staying informed and utilizing the many affordability programs available makes this beneficial asthma treatment accessible.