How to Save Money on 14 Common Allergy and Asthma Medications
By Jennifer Hadley•
Seasonal allergies and worsening asthma symptoms in the Spring can make you feel miserable as seasons change. But these conditions are not unique. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and roughly 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. So, if you’re one of the millions who suffer from allergies or asthma, you may need medication. Here’s how to save money on 14 common allergy and asthma medications
10 Common Allergy Medications
Medication can help alleviate the symptoms of allergies. Common prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications include:
- Azelastine
- Cetirizine
- Clemastine
- Cyproheptadine
- Desloratadine
- Fluticasone
- Hydroxyzine HCl
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate
- Mometasone Furoate
- Olopatadine
Azelastine
[Azelastine][1] is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergy symptoms such as a runny, itchy, or stuffy nose. Azelastine is the generic form of brand name allergy drugs Astelin, and Astepro. It is available by prescription only.
Cetirizine
[Cetirizine][2] is the generic name for the brand drug Zyrtec. It is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms including watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter and at the pharmacy with a prescription.
Clemastine
[Clemastine][3] is prescribed to treat allergies and hay fever. It may help reduce symptoms including rash, sneezing, and itchy ears, nose, or throat. Clemastine is an antihistamine medication. It is available over the counter and at the pharmacy with a prescription.
Cyproheptadine
[Cyproheptadine][4] is an antihistamine that blocks histamine (a natural substance) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. It is prescribed to reduce allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. Cyproheptadine is available by prescription and over-the-counter.
Desloratadine
[Desloratadine][5] is the generic form of the brand drug Clarinex. It is an antihistamine medication. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription and helps to reduce symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Fluticasone
[Fluticasone][6] is available by prescription or over-the-counter. It is the generic for the brand drug Flonase. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. As a nasal spray, fluticasone helps to block the effects of substances that cause allergy symptoms.
Hydroxyzine HCl
[Hydroxyzine HCl][7] is a prescription antihistamine allergy medication. It is not available over-the-counter. It helps to treat itching caused by allergies.
Hydroxyzine Pamoate
[Hydroxyzine pamoate][8] is a prescription allergy medication. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It is the generic form of the brand drug Vistaril. It helps to reduce symptoms of allergies including itching.
Mometasone Furoate
[Mometasone furoate][9] is generic for the brand drug Nasonex. It is a prescription corticosteroid used to treat allergies by decreasing swelling. It helps to reduce symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies.
Olopatadine
[Olopatadine][10] is the generic form of the brand drug Patanase. It is an antihistamine medication used to reduce itchy, red eyes caused by allergies. Olopatadine is available by prescription or over-the-counter.
How can I afford prescription allergy medications?
To save money on prescription allergy medications, be sure to ask your health care provider for a generic medication instead of a brand drug. Generic medications are as effective as their brand drug counterpart and can be up to [85% cheaper][11], according to the FDA.
Also, make sure to search [RxSaver][12] for a coupon for your allergy medication. Simply type your prescription into the search bar on the [RxSaver website][13], or [mobile app][14], to find discounted pricing at pharmacies near you. Then simply show the coupon to the pharmacist when you pick up your medication.
RxSaver can be used if you don’t have insurance, or in place of your insurance if you have a high copay. Using an RxSaver can help you save up to 80% on the cost of your medication.
| Medication | Lowest Price for Common Dosages* |
|---|---|
| [Azelastine][15] | $21.46 |
| [Cetirizine][16] | $12.49 |
| [Clemastine][17] | $21.97 |
| [Cyproheptadine][18] | $9.88 |
| [Desloratadine][19] | $25.29 |
| [Dexamethasone][20] | $19.49 |
| [Fluticasone][21] | $15.22 |
| [Hydroxyzine HCL][22] | $10.00 |
| [Hydroxyzine Pamoate][23] | $2.21 |
| [Mometasone Furoate][24] | $52.49 |
| [Olopatadine][25] | $26.26 |
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride/coupons
[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clemastine-fumarate/coupons
[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cyproheptadine-hydrochloride/coupons
[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/desloratadine/coupons
[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluticasone-propionate/coupons
[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-hcl
[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate/coupons
[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/mometasone-furoate/coupons
[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/olopatadine-hcl
[11]: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts#:~:text=Generic%20medicines%20tend%20to%20cost,to%20demonstrate%20safety%20and%20effectiveness.
[12]: https://www.rxsaver.com/
[13]: https://www.rxsaver.com/
[14]: https://www.rxsaver.com/pharmacy-apps/
[15]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/azelastine-hcl/coupons
[16]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cetirizine-hydrochloride/coupons
[17]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clemastine-fumarate/coupons
[18]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cyproheptadine-hydrochloride/coupons
[19]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/desloratadine/coupons
[20]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/dexamethasone/coupons
[21]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluticasone-propionate/coupons
[22]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-hcl/coupons
[23]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate/coupons
[24]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/mometasone-furoate/coupons
[25]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/olopatadine-hcl/coupons
How to Use RxSaver Discount Card with OTC Meds
To save money on over-the-counter allergy medications, you can still save off the sticker price by using an RxSaver Discount Card.
Just request a prescription from your health care provider for an OTC medication, and then show your RxSaver Prescription Savings Card when paying for your medication for additional savings.
Request your free RxSaver Discount card today!
Four Common Asthma Medications
Medication can help to prevent asthma attacks. Four commonly prescribed asthma medications include:
- Albuterol
- Budesonide/Formoterol
- Budesonide
- Fluticasone/Salmeterol
Albuterol HFA
[Albuterol HFA][1] is also internationally known as salbutamol. It is the generic name for brand drugs such as ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA. Albuterol HFA is a bronchodilator that is a fast-acting rescue inhaler. It works to quickly relax the muscles around the airways so you can breathe easier. Albuterol HFA is available by prescription only.
Budesonide/Formoterol
[Budesonide/formoterol][2] is the generic form of Symbicort. This combination product contains a corticosteroid medication. Budesonide/formoterol is not a fast-acting or “rescue” inhaler. It should be taken regularly to prevent and control episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath. Budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate is available by prescription only.
Budesonide
[Budesonide][3] is a corticosteroid used to prevent asthma attacks. It helps reduce irritation and swelling in the airways. It is not a fast-acting inhaler. Budesonide needs to be taken regularly to be effective. Budesonide is generic for the brand drug Pulmicort. It is available by prescription only.
Fluticasone/Salmeterol
[Fluticasone/salmeterol][4] is the generic name for Advair Diskus. It contains two different medications, one of which is a corticosteroid. Fluticasone/salmeterol is available by prescription only. It is prescribed to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. It is not a fast-acting inhaler, and should not be used in place of a rescue inhaler.
How can I afford asthma medications?
Always request a generic asthma medication if available. Generic medications are less expensive than brand drugs. When you search for your asthma medication on [RxSaver][5], the search results will provide pricing for the generic form of the medication, if a generic is available.
Then, just show your RxSaver coupon price when you pick up your medication, to get the coupon price. You can use the RxSaver coupon in place of your insurance if your copay price is higher than the coupon price.
| Medication | Lowest Price for Common Dosages |
|---|---|
| [Albuterol][6] | $11.92 |
| [Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate][7] | $146.20 |
| [Budesonide][8] | $62.37 |
| [Fluticasone/Salmeterol][9] | $38.20 |
If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies or asthma, stay in regular contact with your health care provider. There are many types of asthma and allergy medications available. Together with your doctor, you can determine the best medication to alleviate symptoms of allergies and control symptoms of asthma.
Azelastine: 137 mcg / 1 squeeze btl
Cetirizine: 1 mg/ml / 150 ml
Clemastine: 2.68 mg / 30 tablets
Cyproheptadine: 4 mg / 30 tablets
Desloratadine: 5 mg / 30 tablets
Dexamethasone: 6 mg / 30 tablets
Fluticasone: 50 mcg / 1 aer w/adap
Hydroxyzine HCL: 25 mg / 30 tablets
Hydroxyzine Pamoate: 25 mg / 30 capsules
Mometasone Furoate: 50 mcg / 1 canister
Olopatadine: 0.1 % / 1 drop btl
Albuterol: 2.5 mg/3ml / 30 vials
Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate: 160-4.5mcg / 1 aer w/adap
Budesonide: 0.5 mg/2ml / 30 ampuls
Fluticasone/Salmeterol: 113-14 mcg / 1 aer pow ba
Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/9/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/albuterol-sulfate-hfa/coupons
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide-formoterol-fumarate-dihydrate/coupons
[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide/coupons
[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluticasone-propionate-salmeterol/coupons
[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/
[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/albuterol-sulfate/coupons
[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide-formoterol-fumarate-dihydrate/coupons
[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide/coupons
[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/fluticasone-propionate-salmeterol/coupons
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
