How much is Spiriva Handihaler without insurance?

Is Spiriva Handihaler covered by insurance? | How much does Spiriva Handihaler cost without insurance? | How to get Spiriva Handihaler without insurance

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium bromide) is a brand-name prescription drug used as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Spiriva Handihaler helps to prevent COPD exacerbations and bronchospasms. As an anticholinergic bronchodilator, tiotropium blocks a chemical that causes airways to tighten and narrow. Common side effects include dry mouth, sore throat, chest pain, muscle aches, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, and allergic reactions. There are no generic or over-the-counter versions of Spiriva, so people without insurance may find the price higher than other drugs.

What is the brand name/generic for Spiriva Handihaler?

Spiriva Handihaler can only be purchased as a brand-name drug. No generic versions are on the market yet.

Is Spiriva Handihaler covered by insurance?

Health insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans usually cover Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat inhalation powder. Some insurance plans may apply restrictions. Both Spiriva products are typically grouped under higher-copay brand-name drug tiers. However, the final out-of-pocket cost for Spiriva will also depend on insurance plan policies such as co-insurance and coverage gaps.

How much does Spiriva Handihaler cost without insurance?

The average retail price for 30, 18 mcg capsules of Spiriva Handihaler is $630. Remember: each capsule is inserted into the Handihaler device for inhalation. Only one inhalation is required each day. So 30 capsules will last 30 days. If you do the calculation, each day’s dose costs about $21 for cash-paying patients. As a long-term treatment, Spiriva Handihaler will add up to an average annual cost of nearly $8,000.

Uninsured patients cannot purchase generic Spiriva even though tiotropium has been off-patent for several years. One cost-saving solution is to consider other inhaled anticholinergics, including Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium) and Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium bromide). Unfortunately, both are only available as brand-name prescription medications that cost about the same as Spiriva.

Another way to reduce the cost of COPD maintenance treatment is to switch to inhaled corticosteroids, drugs that can be purchased in generic versions. They, too, are FDA-approved to prevent COPD flare-ups. Unfortunately, they are different than anticholinergics. They work differently, may not be as effective, and side effects will differ.

Another possible source of savings is purchasing combination inhalers. Taking two maintenance drugs to prevent COPD flare-ups is common. An anticholinergic like tiotropium or an inhaled corticosteroid is also prescribed with a long-acting beta agonist. These can be combined in one inhaler like Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol). A combination inhaler is sometimes less expensive than buying both separately.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs, if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get Spiriva Handihaler without insurance

Paying for brand-name medications without insurance can be challenging. At an annual cash price approaching $8,000, Spiriva Handihaler is no exception. For uninsured patients, possible help can be found in the manufacturer’s patient assistance program or the occasional manufacturer’s coupon or rebate. Unfortunately, not everyone can meet the strict income eligibility requirements for patient assistance. Right now, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals does not offer manufacturer coupons or rebates. Now what? Here are a few tips, starting with a SingleCare prescription discount card.

1. Use a SingleCare savings card to save almost $300 a month on Spiriva

Using a free coupon from SingleCare, people can pay as little as $346 for a 30-day supply of Spiriva Handihaler capsules. That’s $290 less than the average retail price, a savings that adds up to almost $3,500 annually.  

2. Find the lowest pharmacy price

The highest pharmacy price for Spiriva Handihaler can be as much as $120 higher than the lowest price. Visit SingleCare’s Spiriva Handihaler coupon page for a sample of average pharmacy prices. Buying Spiriva Handihaler at the lowest price could save you significant money annually.

3. Research health insurance

Realistically, serious long-term illnesses like COPD are also a long-term financial obligation. The most cost-effective solution may be getting health insurance, but it will require some calculations. Start by examining the most affordable health insurance policies and weigh the financial benefits against the cost. Consult with an agent to ensure all needed treatments and medications are covered at a reasonable out-of-pocket expense.

4. Enroll in Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help

If private health insurance is out of reach, Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help may be a workable option. The goal of both is to minimize out-of-pocket costs for people with lower incomes. Eligibility requirements tend to be the same. For Medicare Extra Help, visit the Social Security website at ssa.gov for eligibility information and enrollment forms. Each state has its own website for Medicaid with eligibility information, enrollment instructions, and additional information.

5. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider about less expensive treatments

It may be necessary to switch to a more affordable generic COPD maintenance inhaler. Ask the prescribing healthcare professional for medical advice about inhaled corticosteroids as a less expensive treatment option.