How Much Does Airsupra Cost? Ways to save on this rescue inhaler

In this article:

• How much does Airsupra cost?
• Can I get Airsupra for free?
• How to save
• Airsupra alternatives

In this article

• How much does Airsupra cost?
• Can I get Airsupra for free?
• How to save
• Airsupra alternatives

Airsupra, a combination of albuterol (a beta blocker/bronchodilator) and budesonide (a corticosteroid), is a short-acting rescue inhaler used to treat asthma. As an FDA-approved combination inhaler, Airsupra helps relieve asthma attacks in the moment while also helping prevent worsening asthma symptoms. It is not meant to function as daily maintenance therapy for asthma.

Whether you already use Airsupra or are considering this brand-name prescription drug, you probably already know that it’s an expensive inhalation aerosol. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce the full cost of Airsupra, including health insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, and prescription savings cards.

How much does Airsupra cost?

Before insurance or discounts, the average retail price of Airsupra is $665 for one 10.7 g inhaler of 90-80 mcg/act aerosol, which comprises 120 inhalations, or 60 doses. The length of time one Airsupra inhaler lasts depends on how often a person needs to relieve asthma symptoms. These asthma symptoms include feelings of airway constriction and airway inflammation that reduces how much air you can get into your lungs, according to Troy Alexander-El, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician practicing in Portland, Oregon. 

If you have insurance, the cost of Airsupra will vary across insurance companies and policies. AstraZeneca, the drug’s manufacturer, offers the following cost estimates depending on your insurance type:

• The average out-of-pocket cost with employer-provided or commercial insurance policies is $52 per month.
• The average out-of-pocket cost with Medicare Part D coverage is $89 per month.
• The average out-of-pocket cost with Medicaid coverage is $0.99 to $13 per month.

It’s important to remember that these are only estimates. Your insurance plan’s drug formulary, how often you need Airsupra, and even the pharmacy where you fill your prescription can affect your maximum savings potential.

Can I get Airsupra for free?

Some people can get Airsupra for free with the Supra Savings Card or through AZ&ME, which are both financial assistance initiatives by AstraZeneca. 

The Supra Savings Card is only available to eligible patients with commercial insurance. It reduces your copay to as little as $0 when refilling Airsupra prescriptions at participating pharmacies. The Supra Savings Card is not available to everyone. Eligibility criteria are available on the program website.

AZ&ME is an income-based patient assistance program that reduces the out-of-pocket cost of AstraZeneca products, including Airsupra. In some cases, AZ&ME may provide your prescription free of charge. Eligibility criteria include residing in the United States, being treated by a US-licensed healthcare provider, not having private insurance or Medicaid, and not receiving any other financial assistance for Airsupra. You can check your eligibility and apply at the program website. 

How to save money on Airsupra

Even people who are uninsured or underinsured can save money on Airsupra. Here are some savings strategies to consider. 

1. Free Airsupra coupon card

The SingleCare prescription discount card or Airsupra coupon card can help lower the cost of Airupra to as little as $412 for one 10.7 g, 120-inhalation inhaler of 90-80 mcg/act.

This prescription savings card and coupon can be used by anyone to lower the cash price of prescription drugs and treatments. However, SingleCare savings cannot be applied along with insurance — you must choose to either use insurance or the coupon card. 

To save on Airsupra with the free coupon card, search for Airsupra on the SingleCare website, then click “Get free coupon.” You can keep the coupon on your phone or print it out. Simply show it to your pharmacist at a participating pharmacy to get the discounted price.

2. Government assistance programs

Medicare and Medicaid are two government assistance programs that help lower prescription drug costs for eligible patients. 

Medicare eligibility is based on whether you are at least 65 or have specific disabilities. Check your eligibility for Medicare enrollment here. If you are eligible to enroll, you may also qualify for Medicare Extra Help, which can further reduce the out-of-pocket cost of prescription Airsupra.

By comparison, Medicaid eligibility is based on income, and specific requirements vary by state. You can check your household’s eligibility for Medicaid assistance here.

3. AstraZeneca prescription savings program

AstraZeneca’s AZ&Me prescription savings discount program can lower the cost of AirSupra for eligible patients. As mentioned above, only individuals without insurance or with Medicare coverage may qualify for this program. There are also income-based eligibility requirements. To check your eligibility, visit the website and provide information on your medication (Airsupra), insurance coverage (if any), and household income.

4. Shop around at different pharmacies

The cost of Airsupra is set by the pharmacy, so it’s a good idea to shop around. Visit or call several local pharmacies to compare prices for Airsupra refills. 

In some cases, mail-order pharmacies also offer competitive pricing on prescription medications like Airsupra. Talk to your prescriber if you think a mail-order pharmacy is the right choice for you.

5. Talk to a healthcare professional about a cheaper treatment plan 

If you cannot afford your Airsupra prescription, get medical advice from a prescribing healthcare provider or pharmacist about cheaper Airsupra alternatives that may work for your situation. Read about potential options below. 

Is there a cheaper alternative to Airsupra?

Unfortunately, there is no generic version of Airsupra. There is also no cheaper alternative containing the same combination of active ingredients: A short-acting beta agonist (bronchodilator) and corticosteroid. This combination is helpful for a particular type of asthma patient. “I might recommend Airsupra as a rescue inhaler for those with asthma who tend to have at least one asthma exacerbation a year requiring oral corticosteroid treatment,” says Jimmy Johannes, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in California.

Still, asthma inhalers are available at lower prices, and your healthcare provider may be able to suggest an Airsupra alternative or alternatives that will work for you. For instance, some individuals might be able to use a lower-cost rescue bronchodilator inhaler and a separate corticosteroid inhaler for asthma attack prevention. A single-ingredient rescue inhaler might also suffice for patients with infrequent asthma attacks.

Less expensive short-acting beta agonist rescue inhalers include:

• Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA) costs $88 per 18 gm inhaler of 108 (90 base) mcg/actuation. A SingleCare coupon can lower this cost to $21.
• Xopenex (levalbuterol tartrate) costs $134 per 15 gm inhaler of 45 mcg/actuation. A SingleCare coupon can lower this cost to $62.

Less expensive long-acting inhaled corticosteroids include:

• Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate) costs $298 per inhaler of 30 blisters of 100 mcg. A SingleCare coupon can lower this cost to $206.
• Asmanex HFA (mometasone furoate) costs $228 per 13 gm inhaler of 100 mcg/actuation. A SingleCare coupon can lower this cost to $100.

Bottom line: There is no exact low-cost replica of Airsupra because it is a unique asthma treatment that immediately tackles both airway constriction and inflammation. Still, if you struggle to afford your Airsupra prescription, a healthcare provider can help pinpoint the best alternative based on your medical condition(s), side effect tolerance, potential drug interactions, insurance, and budget.