How to Save on Qvar RediHaler: Tips and Alternatives

In 2018, manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals discontinued the popular asthma inhaler, Qvar (beclomethasone), and released a new version containing the same medication. It’s called Qvar RediHaler. This newer version can be easier to use than the original device for some people. But this change means that a generic for Qvar RediHaler may not be available for several years due to patent restrictions.

Generic medications are often the best way for people to save money on their medications. When a generic isn't available, people often worry and wonder about how much their prescription will cost. But don’t fret. Below, you’ll find four tips to help you save on Qvar RediHaler, including information on Qvar alternatives you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

1. Use your insurance

The best way to save on Qvar RediHaler is to fill the prescription under an insurance plan if you have one. Qvar RediHaler is covered by many prescription insurance plans, but some require that healthcare providers submit a prior authorization form before you can get it filled. Insurers may also require you to try other similar inhalers without success first (step therapy) before they’ll cover Qvar RediHaler.

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If you find that Qvar RediHaler isn’t covered by your insurance plan, ask your provider about submitting an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurance. But it often requires that you work with your provider to submit an appeal letter.

2. Pay as little as $15 per month with a copay card

The maker of Qvar RediHaler offers a copay savings card that may lower your copay to as little as $15. Details can be found in the table below.

3. Talk to your healthcare provider about Qvar alternatives

Qvar RediHaler is one of many corticosteroid (“steroid”) inhalers that’s available for use. Steroid inhalers work by lowering inflammation in the lungs and airways. They’re an example of a maintenance inhaler — one you use every day to help prevent symptoms over time.

The inhalers we’ll discuss below all include a steroid that works similarly to beclomethasone, the active ingredient in Qvar RediHaler. If you have insurance, it may cover one of these Qvar alternatives at a lower cost.

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It may be helpful to ask for a copy of your insurance plan’s formulary so you can share it with your healthcare provider. This can help your provider pick a Qvar alternative that’s covered by your plan.

Flovent

Flovent (fluticasone propionate) contains a steroid and works similarly to Qvar RediHaler. Doses of Flovent are usually taken twice a day, as with Qvar. Flovent comes available as two different types of inhalers: a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a dry powder inhaler (DPI). These are both different from Qvar RediHaler.

MDIs are the traditional L-shaped inhaler with a metal canister you push to deliver a dose. Qvar used to come as an MDI until 2018 when the RediHaler version was introduced. The RediHaler device is a breath-activated inhaler. It’s similar to an MDI, but you don’t have to push down on a canister during doses. As you start inhaling, the device will release a puff of medication.

DPIs deliver medication doses in a fine powder that you quickly and deeply inhale. Unlike MDIs, you don’t have to time when you push on the canister with when you breathe in. So DPIs can be easier for many people to use.

The MDI version of Flovent (Flovent HFA) has an authorized generic version available. So this Qvar alternative may be preferred by some insurance plans. The DPI version of Flovent (Flovent Diskus) doesn’t have a generic version available yet.

Pulmicort

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is another steroid inhaler that’s taken twice a day. It’s a DPI, so you’ll have to take fast, deep breaths in order to use it. The active ingredient is a different steroid from those in Flovent and Qvar RediHaler.

Pulmicort Flexhaler doesn’t have a generic version available yet. But sometimes, insurance plans prefer certain brand-name inhalers over others. So this could be a potential Qvar alternative, depending on your plan’s formulary.

Asmanex

Asmanex (mometasone) is another inhaler that contains a different steroid than those above. Depending on your medical history, you may take doses once or twice a day.

Asmanex comes available as an MDI (Asmanex HFA) and a DPI (Asmanex Twisthaler). Both versions are currently only available as brand-name inhalers. But, as with Pulmicort, it’s possible your insurance plan may cover Asmanex at a lower cost than Qvar RediHaler. Check your plan’s formulary for coverage details.

Symbicort

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a bit different from Qvar Redihaler. It’s a combination inhaler that includes two active ingredients. Budesonide is an inhaled steroid. Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). LABAs help widen your airways, making it easier to breathe.

Symbicort comes as an MDI and is typically taken twice a day. This inhaler has an authorized generic version available, with a branded generic version (Breyna) expected to be available soon. This means that insurance plans may be more likely to cover generic Symbicort or charge you lower copays for it.

Keep in mind that Symbicort is a combination inhaler. Depending on your health history, it may not be an appropriate Qvar alternative for you. But it’s still worth discussing with your healthcare provider — especially if it’s more affordable through your insurance.

Advair

Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is another combination inhaler. It’s very similar to Symbicort in how it works. Typically, it’s taken twice daily.

Advair comes as an MDI (Advair HFA) and a DPI (Advair Diskus). Advair Diskus has a few generic versions available, including the well-known Wixela Inhub. Advair HFA, though, is only available as a brand-name inhaler at this time.

As with Symbicort, Advair might not be the right Qvar alternative for you. It’s best to discuss it with your healthcare provider. But if appropriate for you, switching to Advair could be a way to help you save money on your maintenance inhaler.

4. Ask your healthcare team about filling a 90-day supply

Sometimes, getting a 90-day (3-month) supply of your medications can be more cost effective than getting a 30-day supply. For example, some insurance plans provide discounted copays if you fill a 90-day prescription. Talk to your pharmacist to see whether this may be an option for your Qvar RediHaler prescription.

When will generic Qvar RediHaler be available?

Reports suggest a generic for Qvar Redihaler can’t be marketed until at least 2031. This is the year when Teva’s patent is set to expire. Other manufacturers won’t be allowed to launch generic versions of Qvar RediHaler until then.

However, the FDA requires generic inhaler manufacturers to take extra steps when developing their products. This is because inhalers are complex devices. These extra steps help ensure that generic versions for Qvar RediHaler will provide the same effects as the brand-name inhaler. But this also means it may be beyond 2031 before we see generic Qvar on pharmacy shelves.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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