Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my albuterol

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your albuterol using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for albuterol, Canadian Prescription Savings for albuterol, albuterol Drug Coupons, albuterol Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is albuterol available in?

Accepted Answer

albuterol is a dry powder inhaler that meters 117 mcg of albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 97 mcg of albuterol base) from the device reservoir and delivers 108 mcg of albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol base) from the mouthpiece per actuation. The inhaler is supplied with 200 inhalation doses.

Question 3

What is albuterol used for?

Accepted Answer

albuterol inhalation powder is a beta2-adrenergic agonist which is indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease. or the Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients 4 years of age and older.

Question 4

How does albuterol work?

Accepted Answer

albuterol is a bronchodilator and works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. This prevents and treats wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems.

Question 5

How do I take albuterol?

Accepted Answer

albuterol is for oral inhalation only. When used in the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and older, 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. In some patients, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient. When used in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and older, 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take albuterol?

Accepted Answer

albuterol is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use PROAIR RESPIHALER if you have hypersensitivity to albuterol or have severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins.

Question 7

albuterol Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of albuterol include:  back pain pain gastroenteritis viral sinus headache urinary tract infection nasopharyngitis oropharyngeal pain vomiting

Question 8

albuterol Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with albuterol, however, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur. Discontinue albuterol immediately and treat with alternative therapy.

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on albuterol

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with albuterol:  other short-acting sympathomimetic aerosol bronchodilators and adrenergic drugs may potentiate effect. beta-blockers may decrease effectiveness of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm. diuretics, or non-potassium sparing diuretics may potentiate hypokalemia or ECG changes digoxin may decrease serum digoxin levels monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate effect of albuterol on the cardiovascular system

Question 10

Who makes albuterol?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is albuterol safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

albuterol is safe to use at prescribed normal doses if you have difficulty breathing during your pregnancy.

Question 12

What is the brand name for albuterol?

Accepted Answer

PROAIR RESPICLICKACCUNEBPROAIR DIGIHALERPROVENTIL

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my albuterol prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your albuterol prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient albuterol savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient albuterol savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for albuterol	Canadian Prescription Savings* for albuterol	albuterol Drug Coupon*	albuterol Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of albuterol?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for albuterol	Canadian Prescription Savings* for albuterol	albuterol Drug Coupon*	albuterol Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the albuterol savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the albuterol drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for albuterol, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the albuterol prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, albuterol is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed albuterol for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the albuterol prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the albuterol prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for albuterol

If you are having trouble paying for your albuterol medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for albuterol you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
albuterol is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers albuterol
If albuterol is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for albuterol

If you are having trouble paying for your albuterol medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for albuterol you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers albuterol
If albuterol is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for albuterol

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your albuterol treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for albuterol you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for albuterol
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.