Key takeaways:
Albuterol (Ventolin HFA, ProAir Respiclick) is FDA approved to treat breathing difficulties related to asthma and other respiratory conditions. It’s available as a brand-name and generic inhaler.
Without insurance, the cost of generic albuterol inhalers varies: generic Proventil HFA costs about $32.32, generic ProAir HFA runs about $31.19, and generic Ventolin HFA typically costs $42.49.
Several factors can affect how much an albuterol inhaler costs. These include where you fill your prescription and whether you receive a brand-name or generic inhaler.
You may be able to save on brand-name Ventolin HFA with a manufacturer copay savings card. You can save on generic albuterol inhalers by using a GoodRx coupon or signing up for GoodRx Companion.
Save on related medications
Albuterol (Ventolin HFA, ProAir RespiClick) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) medication that’s FDA approved to treat breathing difficulties related to asthma and other breathing conditions. Known as a rescue inhaler, albuterol works quickly to relax and open the airways.
The cost of certain inhalers is often higher than people expect. This can make it difficult to access them. So you may be wondering how much albuterol inhalers cost without insurance. Thankfully, they’re available as a lower-cost generic. And there are plenty of ways to save on your prescription.
Note: Albuterol also comes as an oral tablet, an oral liquid, and a nebulizer solution. This article focuses on the cost of albuterol inhalers, the most common form of the medication.
How much do albuterol inhalers cost without insurance?
The cost of albuterol inhalers without insurance depends on the product you’ve been prescribed. Even though most have generic versions available, the prices for each product are different. Each albuterol inhaler provides the same dose of medication (90 mcg of albuterol per inhalation). So knowing which one is the most affordable can help you save money.
Search and compare options
There are four types of albuterol inhalers available:
Ventolin HFA (brand and generic versions available)
Proventil HFA (generic version available)
ProAir HFA (generic version available)
ProAir RespiClick (brand name only)
The table below compares the average retail price of different quantities of generic and brand-name albuterol inhalers.
Albuterol inhaler name | Quantity | Average retail price |
|---|---|---|
Generic Ventolin HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic Ventolin HFA | 2 inhalers | |
Generic Proventil HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic Proventil HFA | 2 inhalers | |
Generic ProAir HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic ProAir HFA | 2 inhalers | |
Ventolin HFA (brand name) | 1 inhaler | |
Ventolin HFA (brand name) | 2 inhalers | |
ProAir RespiClick (brand name) | 1 inhaler | |
ProAir RespiClick (brand name) | 2 inhalers |
What factors affect the cost of albuterol?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for albuterol inhalers, including:
Location: Where you live plays a role in your prescription costs. GoodRx research shows that some cities — including New Orleans and Little Rock, Arkansas — tend to have higher prescription prices. But certain other cities, including Atlanta and Houston, often fall below the national average.
Pharmacy: Not all pharmacies charge the same price for prescription medications. The cost can vary between pharmacies, even if they’re just a few blocks apart. GoodRx can help you compare prices at pharmacies near you.
Insurance: If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, determine how much you pay for albuterol inhalers.
Generic vs. brand name: Opting for generic albuterol inhalers when available typically saves you money compared with brand-name versions. But keep in mind that ProAir RespiClick doesn’t have a generic version.
Which generic you receive: There are price differences among generic albuterol inhalers. For instance, a generic ProAir HFA runs about $31.19, and generic Ventolin HFA typically costs $42.49.
Dose: Your albuterol inhaler dosage may depend on your symptoms and response. Treating more severe or persistent asthma symptoms might require more frequent doses. This means you’ll likely need refills more often, which can increase your overall cost.
What to do if albuterol inhalers aren’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover albuterol inhalers, here are some options to consider:
Use GoodRx to help lower your prescription price. (See below for more information.)
See if you qualify for Ventolin HFA’s copay savings card.
Ask your insurance company to make a formulary exception and cover albuterol inhalers. If your request is denied, you have the right to file an appeal to challenge the decision.
During the next open enrollment period, compare plans to see if there’s one that offers better coverage for albuterol inhalers.
Ways to save on albuterol
Whether you have insurance or not, here are six ways to save on albuterol inhalers:
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
GoodRx offers free coupons that can help you lower the cost of albuterol inhalers. These coupons provide savings at many pharmacies.
Here’s what you may pay for different quantities of generic albuterol inhalers when using a GoodRx coupon.
Albuterol inhaler name | Quantity | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
Generic Ventolin HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic Ventolin HFA | 2 inhalers | |
Generic Proventil HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic Proventil HFA | 2 inhalers | |
Generic ProAir HFA | 1 inhaler | |
Generic ProAir HFA | 2 inhalers |
Here’s how to get a coupon:
Go to www.goodrx.com, or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “albuterol,” “Ventolin (brand-name),” or “ProAir RespiClick” in the search bar. You can also type “ProAir HFA (generic),” “Proventil (generic),” or “Ventolin (generic)” if you know you’re receiving a generic version of one of these products.
Click “Start saving,” or tap or click return.
Select the correct dose and quantity, along with your location.
Choose to get your coupon by text or email, or print it out.
If possible, show the coupon to the pharmacy staff before they fill your prescription to avoid delays in processing.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Enroll in GoodRx Companion
You may be able to save even more on albuterol inhalers with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 250 medications are available for free, with hundreds more for under $10 per month (including certain albuterol inhalers).
The GoodRx Companion program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs, such as lower prices for online care visits, discounts on dental care, and other health service savings.
3. See if you qualify for Ventolin’s manufacturer copay savings card
If you’re using brand-name Ventolin HFA, you may be eligible to pay no more than $35 per month. In January 2025, manufacturer GSK capped the monthly cost of several brand-name inhalers, including Ventolin HFA.
To be eligible to pay $35 per month for Ventolin HFA, you must:
Be uninsured or have commercial insurance that charges more than $35 per month for Ventolin HFA
Not have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare
Be at least 18 years old
Live in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
Have a valid prescription for Ventolin HFA
You can access the Ventolin HFA copay savings card by visiting the manufacturer’s website. For questions, call 1-866-475-3678.
4. Ask about a 3-month supply
Some pharmacies and insurance providers offer a discount when you buy a 3-month supply of medication. This may lower your overall monthly albuterol inhaler costs. Plus, it reduces the number of trips you need to make to the pharmacy.
Insurance providers may charge a lower copay or coinsurance amount if you use a preferred mail-order pharmacy to fill a 3-month supply. Ask your insurance provider if this is available for you.
5. See if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help
The Medicare Extra Help program helps reduce Medicare Part D costs for certain people with limited income. If you qualify, you will have no monthly premiums, no annual deductible, and low copays.
You can apply online for Medicare Extra Help. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY users) to apply over the phone.
6. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
Consider using a health savings account (HSA), a flexible spending account (FSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to buy your albuterol inhaler. These accounts let you use pretax dollars for copays, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. This can help you reduce spending through tax savings.
Be sure to review your plan’s rules regarding expiration dates. FSA dollars typically have an expiration date. But HSA funds roll over and can be saved for later. HRA dollars may or may not expire, depending on your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Many brand-name inhalers are capped at $35 per month. Examples include:
Ventolin HFA
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium)
Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)
This is not a full list of all inhalers that have been capped at $35 per month. Ask your pharmacist if your inhaler is included.
Albuterol helps relax the muscles in your lungs. This allows you to breathe easier. Albuterol works within a few minutes, which is why it can help treat sudden symptoms.
No, you can’t buy albuterol over the counter (OTC). It’s a prescription-only medication. There are OTC inhalers available. But they work differently and aren’t a replacement for albuterol.
Many brand-name inhalers are capped at $35 per month. Examples include:
Ventolin HFA
Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide)
Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium)
Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)
This is not a full list of all inhalers that have been capped at $35 per month. Ask your pharmacist if your inhaler is included.
Albuterol helps relax the muscles in your lungs. This allows you to breathe easier. Albuterol works within a few minutes, which is why it can help treat sudden symptoms.
No, you can’t buy albuterol over the counter (OTC). It’s a prescription-only medication. There are OTC inhalers available. But they work differently and aren’t a replacement for albuterol.
The bottom line
Albuterol (Ventolin HFA, ProAir Respiclick) is a commonly used rescue inhaler. Without insurance, the cost of generic albuterol inhalers varies. The average retail cost of generic Proventil HFA is $32.32. Generic ProAir HFA runs about $31.19. And generic Ventolin HFA typically costs $42.49. Your location, prescribed inhaler, and insurance coverage all affect how much an albuterol inhaler costs.
You may be able to save on brand-name Ventolin HFA with a manufacturer copay savings card. You can also save on generic albuterol inhalers by using a GoodRx coupon or signing up for GoodRx Companion.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Health Packaging. (2026). Albuterol sulfate inhalant [package insert]. DailyMed.
Armstrong Pharmaceuticals. (2026). Albuterol sulfate inhalant [package insert]. DailyMed.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2024). What you need to know about the $35 price cap on asthma inhalers.
GlaxoSmithKline. (2024). Ventolin HFA- albuterol sulfate aerosol, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
GSK. (2024). GSK announces cap of $35 per month on U.S. patient out-of-pocket costs for its entire portfolio of asthma and COPD inhalers.
GSK for You. (n.d.). GSK coupons and free trial offers.
GSK for You. (n.d.). Terms and conditions.
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help program.
Teva Respiratory. (2020). ProAir RespiClick- albuterol sulfate powder, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.
