Coping with Asthma and COPD: Medication Savings Tips

Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D

Living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be challenging. Managing symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and keeping up with medication costs can be overwhelming. If you're looking for ways to save on asthma and COPD medications while ensuring the best care, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Difference Between Asthma and COPD

Both asthma and COPD affect breathing, but they are distinct conditions:

• Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway inflammation and constriction. It is often triggered by allergens, exercise, or cold air. Asthma can occur at any age and is usually reversible with medication.
• COPD is a progressive lung disease, commonly caused by smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Unlike asthma, COPD’s lung damage is irreversible, but treatments can slow its progression and improve quality of life.

Asthma Medications

Managing asthma effectively requires both long-term control and quick-relief medications. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:

1. Long-term Asthma Control Medications:

   • Inhaled corticosteroids: Fluticasone, Budesonide, and Mometasone
   • Leukotriene modifiers: Montelukast, Zafirlukast
   • Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs): Salmeterol, Formoterol (Perforomist). LABAs should not be used alone in asthma but are often combined with inhaled corticosteroids to reduce risks.
   • Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs): Tiotropium (Spiriva)
   • Combination inhalers: Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair), Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort), Mometasone/Formoterol (Dulera), Fluticasone/Vilanterol (Breo)

2. Biologics: Benralizumab (Fasenra), Dupilumab (Dupixent), Mepolizumab (Nucala), Omalizumab (Xolair), and Reslizumab (Cinqair)

3. Quick-relief Medications:

   • Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): Albuterol (ProAir), Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
   • Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
   • Oral corticosteroids (for severe attacks): Prednisone (Rayos), Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

COPD Medications

People with COPD may need a combination of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and additional treatments.

1. Bronchodilators:

   • Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): Albuterol (ProAir), Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
   • Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs): Arformoterol (Brovana), Formoterol (Perforomist), Salmeterol
   • Short-acting anticholinergic: Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
   • Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs): Tiotropium (Spiriva)
   • Combination bronchodilators: Albuterol/Ipratropium (Combivent)

2. Corticosteroids:

   • Inhaled corticosteroids: Fluticasone, Budesonide, and Mometasone
   • Oral corticosteroids (for exacerbations): ): Prednisone (Rayos), Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

3. Combination Inhalers (Bronchodilator + Corticosteroid):

   • Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair).
   • Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort).
   • Mometasone/Formoterol (Dulera).
   • Fluticasone/Vilanterol (Breo).

4. Additional COPD Medications:

   • Phosphodiesterase inhibitors to reduce inflammation: Ensifentrine, Roflumilast
   • Mucolytics to help clear mucus: Carbocysteine, Erdosteine, N-acetylcysteine
   • Antibiotics for frequent infections: Azithromycin (Zithromax)

How do you Save on Asthma and COPD Medications?

Managing a chronic respiratory condition requires consistent medication use, which can be costly. Here are the top strategies to help cut costs:

1. Compare Prices and Use the RxLess® Assurance Plan Medication prices can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another. The RxLess® Assurance Plan provides a reliable way to lower prescription costs without the hassle of searching for multiple discounts. By downloading the free RxLess® app, you get:

   • Consistently low, accurate prices on asthma and COPD medications
   • No membership fees or sign-ups required
   • Savings at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide Simply download the free app from the Apple or Google Play store, search for your medication, and show the coupon at your preferred pharmacy. The RxLess® Assurance Plan ensures you pay the lowest available price, helping you stay on track with your treatment without financial stress.

2. Opt for Generic Medications Generic versions of popular asthma and COPD medications are just as effective but cost significantly less. For example:

   • Albuterol (generic of ProAir, Ventolin)
   • Montelukast (generic of Singulair)
   • Budesonide/Formoterol (generic of Symbicort)

3. Explore Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) Many pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs for eligible patients that provide medications for free or at a reduced cost. Examples include:

   • GSK for You (Advair, Breo)
   • AZ&Me (Symbicort)
   • Xolair Co-Pay Assistance Program

4. Check Manufacturer Discount Cards Drug manufacturers sometimes offer co-pay savings cards for brand-name medications. These can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly, especially for newer inhalers and biologics.

The cost of asthma and COPD medications shouldn’t prevent you from getting the care you need. By exploring the discounts found through the RxLess® Assurance Plan, comparing prices, and looking into assistance programs, you can reduce expenses and focus on your health.