The Cost of Albuterol Sulfate Without Insurance

More than 24 million Americans suffer from asthma according to the CDC. Unfortunately, even though 7.7% of adults and 7.5% of all children in the United States suffer asthma, there is no cure for the condition.
In addition to those who suffer from asthma, more than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, which also leads to difficulty breathing. There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) either.
However, there are medications available that can help treat asthma and breathing difficulties brought on by COPD. One such medication you may be prescribed for asthma or COPD is albuterol sulfate.
Albuterol sulfate is also called salbutamol internationally, and it is sold under the brand names Ventolin and Proventil in the US. Fortunately for millions of Americans with breathing problems, the cost of albuterol sulfate without insurance may cost less than a trip to your favorite sandwich shop.
How much does albuterol sulfate cost without insurance?
The cost of albuterol sulfate without insurance starts at $10.94* 2.5 mg/3ml for 25 vials using an RxSaver coupon.
If you do not have insurance, the cost of albuterol sulfate can be very manageable, especially if you use an RxSaver prescription drug coupon. If you have insurance and you’ve been prescribed albuterol sulfate to treat your asthma or to help with symptoms of COPD, you’ll have to check with your insurance to determine your copay obligations.
Be sure to then compare your copay to the RxSaver price, as the coupon price may be less than your copay.
What is albuterol sulfate?
As a bronchodilator, albuterol sulfate belongs to a class of drugs known as Beta2 Agonists. It is an inhalable solution that is typically taken 3-4 times per day to treat bronchospasm symptoms caused by asthma and COPD. It is a fast-acting “rescue” inhaler used in a sudden attack of breathing difficulty.
If you suffer from asthma attacks, be sure to request a quick-relief inhaler such as albuterol from your health care provider, to carry with you at all times.
What conditions does albuterol sulfate treat?
Albuterol sulfate is an FDA approved medication used to treat asthma and COPD. It is used to prevent the narrowing of airways in the lungs, which causes difficulty breathing.
Common Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease that causes your airways to narrow and swell, making it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. Asthma is a chronic condition and affects each person who has it a little bit differently.
Some people with asthma find it to be nothing more than an annoying inconvenience. For others, it can greatly reduce your quality of life and can be a potentially life-threatening condition. Although there is no cure for asthma, the symptoms of it can be controlled. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
- Inability to exercise, due to breathing problems
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Chronic cough
Common Symptoms of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD can make breathing difficult and may limit your ability to work, perform daily activities, or exercise. Common symptoms of COPD include:
- Excessive phlegm
- Trouble taking a deep breath
- Frequent wheezing
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath
How does albuterol sulfate work?
Albuterol sulfate relaxes muscles and opens airways and breathing passages. It does so by acting on the predominant receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi. This helps to widen the breathing tubes, making it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Common Side Effects of Albuterol Sulfate
Albuterol sulfate, like all medications, can lead to side effects. Commonly reported side effects include shakiness or trembling of the hands, legs, arms, feet. Some people have also reported a rapid, or irregular heartbeat. Other, more serious, but rare side effects may include:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Redness and flushing of the skin
- Tightness in chest
- Noisy breathing
- Hoarseness
- Irregular breathing
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
If you experience any side effects from albuterol sulfate, be sure to inform your health care provider.
Can you buy albuterol sulfate over the counter?
Albuterol sulfate and the brand name drugs Ventolin and Proventil will require a prescription from a health care provider. This medication is not available over the counter and will need to be purchased at a pharmacy.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription
If you’ve been prescribed albuterol sulfate to treat symptoms of asthma or COPD, be sure to look for savings from RxSaver. Prescription drug coupons for generic drugs, such as albuterol sulfate may help you to save up to 80%. If you are prescribed the brand name drug, be sure to ask your health care provider if a generic is available, as generic medications are generally cheaper. RxSaver coupons can be used if you don’t have insurance, or in place of your insurance, if the coupon price is less than your copay.
Albuterol Sulfate: 2.5 mg/3ml / 25 vials
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/12/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.

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.
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