Proair hfa. It is covered and works just as good.

Proventil, ProAir and Ventolin inhalers are brand names of the same drug (albuterol).

http://allergies.about.com/od/medicationinformation/a/Albuterol-Inhalers-For-Asthma.htm

I buy my albuterol inhaler online from All Day Chemist. At ADC it costs $5.50. (You read that right.) I also buy a 6 month supply of the generic symbicort and generic spiriva plus a couple of rescue inhalers for around $130 and that includes $25 flat rate shipping!

While on the topic of inhalers, we were chatting about Spiriva with people who were having issues with it.....so then it clicked why others in the past did not use Spiriva but Seebri......I use neither as My Main inhaler is a combined ndacaterol/glycopyrronium (Ultibro Breezhaler 110/50) is an inhaled powder containing two bronchodilators with different modes of action.

http://www.nps.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/247933/NPS-Medicine-Update-Glycopyrronium-Bromide-Seebri_Apr-2014.pdf

I just picked up my Ventolin and my insurance paid. Maybe find out what your insurance will pay for and ask your Doc if it is suitable for you.

Like BoldPrint said...it's just a Brand name.

looks like you got good advice.
Sad when to have to pay twice (in my mind); 1st for Part D & then 2nd to go to india because part D doesn't pay. (& a 3rd time if you don't participate in Part D one year; then you get a late enrollment penalty)

I am grateful to have Part D for my prescriptions, but having to change it every year is really a pain.
I have been really happy with a couple I have had, but then they change what they cover the next year so I have to chose every year.
( i had humana last year, but this year the program wouldn't pay for over half of my meds they paid the previous year---go figure!)

it seems that i spend oct, nov & dec figuring out a Part D for the following year
then jan feb & march trying to get my meds worked out with my dr to get ones that are covered & won't put me into "the gap/donut hole."
I guess it keeps my mind active & me off the streets ;)

I hope you get this worked out! (((HUGS))))

Part D is a ripoff .we are made to buy...then have to get most of our meds from India ...so as to not fall head first into the donut hole...what a joke.....arghhhhh

you said it much better than I did Machug.

In fact where i wrote;
'I am grateful to have Part D for my prescriptions, but ..."
i meant to say
i'm grateful to have 'INsurance for my prescriptions, but..."

as i continue to pay "Late enrollment Penalty" for the 4th or 5th year now i still am amazed that only our government can penalize you for the rest of your life if you did not buying their insurance!.
can you imagine your home or car insurance having the rules part D does?

and who the hell came up with "the donut" hole in the 1st place? what kind of brain could even think of that?
okay---off my soap box. (it just makes me mad that an "insurance" can rip off so many sick & old.

sorry jcalkins for going off topic on your post, but many of us can relate to your dilema, However, I am happy that you have a choice of other medications that have the same ingredients. :)

qwapo; i was reading your link about spiriva & seebri= it sounds like seebri is same class as spiriva, but cheaper. from what i'm finding it looks like it isn't available in the USA (of course-irony)

" Yes very hard for me to suggest anything as we get our Prescription Meds no matter what they are and just about everything is on the list for chronic diseases....So a flat or cheaper cost around $6.15 AUD.

Anyway this site is really good if you want to find out all about medication n different inhalers etc...

http://www.drugs.com/ "

Thanks for all the advice. I can always count on you folks!

I use Xopenex== levalbuterol tartrate. It's supposed to be better for the heart. ProAir just about knocked me over. Made me really ill.

Xopenex was moved from type 3 to type 4 on my formulary, but my doctor put in a tier change request for me. Just got a call from the pharmacy people and my cost went from $150 a month to $47 !!. I use two canisters a month, 2 inhalations 4 times a day.