How Much Does Advair Cost?

Last Updated on October 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Advair is one of the most commonly prescribed daily maintenance inhalers used to effectively treat persistent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But what price range can patients realistically expect to pay out-of-pocket based on their insurance coverage, preferred pharmacy, dosage strength, and other contributing cost factors?

While certainty not cheap, especially for uninsured cash-pay patients, taking Advair consistently and as prescribed helps control respiratory symptoms, reduces frequency of dangerous flare-up incidents, and lowers risks of costly ER visits or hospitalizations from asthma attacks when used properly over the long term.

How Much Does Advair Cost?

The typical retail cost of Advair, for a standard 30-day supply, ranges widely, usually falling between $30 to $600 depending on the formulation (Diskus vs. HFA), strength (100/50 vs 500/50), and discounted purchase channel utilized.

While containing the same active ingredients, the different inhaler technologies used to deliver the fluticasone/salmeterol combination impact pricing:

Advair Diskus

• Dry powder formulation delivered via a proprietary breath-activated inhaler device.
• Requires adequate inspiratory force to correctly trigger the dose release.
• Available strengths: 100/50 mcg, 250/50 mcg, 500/50 mcg. Higher strengths cost more.
• Typical 30-day cost ranges from $170 to $300for common strengths.

Advair HFA

• Liquid formulation inhaled through a pressurized metered dose aerosol actuator.
• No special inspiratory force needed to properly release; easier to use.
• Available strengths: 45/21 mcg, 115/21 mcg, 230/21 mcg. The higher the mcg, the greater the price.
• Typical 30-day costs range from $120 to $350across strengths.

While the delivery methods differ, both name brand Advair Diskus and Advair HFA range around the same average monthly costs to patients depending on negotiated discounts. But breathing technique and ideal device choice may make one form preferable for some patients.

According to Drugs.com, the price for Advair Diskus (100 mcg-50 mcg) inhalation powder is approximately $57.43 for a supply of 14 doses. This price can vary based on the pharmacy and is typically quoted for cash-paying customers, as it does not account for insurance coverage.

For different dosages, the prices also fluctuate. For example, the 250 mcg-50 mcg version of Advair Diskus costs about $57.43 for 14 doses, while the 500 mcg-50 mcg variant is priced higher at around $87.62 for 14 doses. The per-unit costs reflect a common pricing structure across various pharmacies, with larger quantities generally offering better value per dose.

Another source, Medical News Today, emphasizes that the cost of Advair can depend on several factors, including insurance coverage and the specific pharmacy used. They note that generic versions of Advair are available, which can help reduce costs significantly. For instance, generic fluticasone/salmeterol can be more affordable compared to brand-name Advair.

According to a report from Statista, the average cost for one inhaler of Advair Diskus in the U.S. is around $187, highlighting a significant price point when compared to international prices, where it may be available for less than $40.

What is Advair?

Before weighing the price, it’s important to understand how Advair works when taken routinely:

• Advair contains two synergistic active ingredients – fluticasone (a corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting bronchodilator).
• Fluticasone acts to reduce airway inflammation. Salmeterol works to relax tight airway muscles. Together these effects make breathing easier.
• Taken daily on a scheduled regimen, Advair helps prevent asthma or COPD flare-up incidents for patients by keeping chronic lung inflammation under control when used properly.
• Available in two forms – Advair Diskus dry powder inhaler or Advair HFA metered liquid inhaler – that both deliver the same medication combination to manage symptoms.
• Works best paired with a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler for acute attacks along with activity and environment management guidance from a doctor.

While not curative, Advair as a daily maintenance controller therapy plays an important role keeping many respiratory patients active and breathing easier when incorporated into comprehensive care regimens.

Advair at Major Pharmacies

To illustrate potential out-of-pocket costs, here are current cash prices quoted at popular pharmacies for a 30-day supply of Advair 250/50:

• CVS: Around $725 for one Advair 250/50 Diskus inhaler
• Walgreens: Approximately $815 for one Advair 250/50 Diskus inhaler
• Walmart: Around $658 for one Advair 250/50 Diskus inhaler
• Sam’s Club: Approximately $550 for one Advair 250/50 Diskus inhaler
• Costco: Around $540 for one Advair 250/50 Diskus inhaler

Compare chains for any cash discount programs. Warehouse pharmacies like Costco and Sam’s Club offer lowest cash rates for uninsured patients. Independent local pharmacies may also have lower quotes.

Insurance Coverage

With most types of commercial or government insurance plans, typical out-of-pocket 30-day costs for Advair fall between:

• Most commercial plans: $30 to $75 co-pay depending on brand tier placement, deductibles met, and cost-sharing coverage.
• Medicare Part D plans: $40 to $100 co-pay or up to 25% coinsurance. Out-of-pocket depends on plan details.
• Medicaid public assistance programs: Little to no co-pay, from $0 to $8 for Advair. Deep subsidization makes it widely accessible.

Having any insurance, particularly government-subsidized coverage, significantly lowers personal medication expenses on controller maintenance treatments like Advair, making them affordable and readily accessible for patients who might otherwise struggle to pay full retail cash pricing.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a chest ray, Albuterol inhaler, or Nebulizer machine.

Generic Versions of Advair

With generic versions recently launched, typical 30-day prices for generic fluticasone/salmeterol run:

• Generic Advair Diskus – Around $120 to $260 through most major pharmacy chains.
• Generic Advair HFA – Approximately $100 to $300 depending on specific mcg strength.
• Prices are discounted roughly 15% to 60% off brand name Advair, with cost savings around $100 or more per refill.

While the generic offers major per-unit savings over branded Advair for cash payers, the actual dollar discount amount can vary by specific pharmacy. Compare options to find the deepest discount locally.

Savings Options for Patients With No Insurance

Uninsured patients can lower costs through:

• Manufacturer coupons and rebates – GlaxoSmithKline’s Advair savings offers can lower costs by as much as 50% for uninsured or commercial policy holders. Offers vary over time, so check frequently.
• Third-party pharmacy discount programs – Prescription savings clubs like GoodRx and WellRx can reduce cash register prices by an additional 20% to 80% through discounted negotiated rates and coupons. Worth comparing against manufacturer offers.
• Non-profit charity and free medication assistance programs – Groups like Patient Advocate Foundation and RxAssist provide applications where qualifying uninsured patients can get free name brand Advair through charity care programs or by coordinating donated samples with local doctors.

Check eligibility requirements through various programs before enrolling. Reduced costs make maintenance inhaled medications more accessible.

Final Words

While common 30-day out-of-pocket costs for Advair range widely from $30 to $600, understanding the variables that influence pricing allows patients to make informed decisions balancing effectiveness, affordability, insurance coverage, and convenience when selecting the optimal Advair product, strengths, pharmacy, and savings programs for their budgetary circumstances and therapy needs.

With good planning, access to affordable inhaled steroid maintenance medications helps respiratory disease patients stay active and breathe easier for the long term. Consult doctors to determine if Advair or equally effective alternatives make sense for your health history.

Answers to Common Questions

How often can I use an Advair inhaler?

Advair is a long-term maintenance medication, so it is designed for regular daily use for optimal asthma or COPD control. Patients prescribed Advair should follow dosage guidance from their doctor, but typically it is administered twice per day at regular intervals to keep respiratory symptoms managed.

Is generic Advair as effective?

The FDA requires generic Advair to be bioequivalent to branded Advair in terms of dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, performance, and intended use. For most patients, generic Advair controls symptoms equally well when taken as directed, at a lower cost. Consult your prescriber.

Can I drink water after using ADVAIR DISKUS?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink water and eat as normal soon after properly inhaling your Advair dose. Simply rinse and wipe your mouth after use. Avoid eating or drinking right before dosing to get the full medication amount. Follow any specific guidance from your prescribing physician.