Although Flovent is considered an effective drug to treat asthma, it is rather expensive, as it is a brand name and does not have a generic alternative. However, there are other drugs used to treat asthma that are cheaper and often sell at discounts.
The first alternative for Flovent and the most widely used drug for asthma is Albuterol. This medication is used to relieve swelling and tightening of muscles around the airways in adults and children with asthma. It is particularly effective in prevention and treatment of exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is available in many forms including oral syrup, extended-release tablet, immediate-release tablet, metered dose inhaler, and nebulizer solution.
Albuterol’s most common side effects include a runny nose, sore throat, dizziness, headache, nervousness, shakiness, and chest pain. The average price for albuterol inhalation solution for 0.63 mg/3 mL (0.021%) is $35 for 75 milliliters, which is only $0.49 per unit (“Albuterol prices, coupons,” 2017).
Another medication similar to Albuterol is a generic version of Singulair called Montelukast. The main focus of this drug is the prevention and treatment of symptoms of year-round or seasonal allergies and asthma. Additionally, it is particularly effective against a night cough and in treating exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Montelukast comes in two forms, namely in the form of tablets which can be either chewed or swallowed and in the form of granules which can be dissolved in food or liquid. Montelukast’s most common side effects include diarrhea, runny nose, stomachache, cough, sore throat, headache, and fever.
The price for Montelukast in oral 10mg tablets varies from $10 to $80 for 30 tablets. The price for Montelukast in chewable 4mg tablets is approximately $55. However, the price for Montelukast in oral granules is rather high and is nearly $125 for 30 granules (“Montelukast prices, coupons,” 2017).
Thus, out of the two most common cheaper equivalents of Flovent, Montelukast is more expensive but more effective, especially against a night cough.
References
Albuterol prices, coupons and patient assistance programs. (2017). Web.
Montelukast prices, coupons and patient assistance programs. (2017). Web.