How to Save Money on 14 Common Allergy and Asthma Medications

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, according to the FDA.

Also, make sure to search RxSaver for a coupon for your allergy medication. Simply type your prescription into the search bar on the RxSaver website, or mobile app, 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.

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 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 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 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 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, 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.

Always Chat with Your Health Care Provider

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.