Inhalers are a device that holds a medicine(s) that you take by inhaling. For patients with asthma, inhalers are often advised, which contain steroids, bronchodilators, and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Several inhalers used to treat asthma are available as generic formulations, including steroids. They are bioequivalent to their branded counterpart, meaning they have the same action on the body.
Generic Steroid Asthma Inhalers
Most brand-name asthma inhalers containing steroids may be more familiar to you than generic versions, especially those who have asthma and use inhalers. You can check with your doctor, pharmacist, and insurer if want to use generics that generally cost less. The below-mentioned generic asthma inhalers are available:
- Beclometasone
- Budesonide
- Ciclesonide
- Fluticasone
- Mometasone
The use of generic steroid asthma inhalers has been increasing since 2016 as the patents of brand-name drugs expired.
Steroid inhalers reduce inflammation, one of the factors responsible for asthma symptoms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says generic drugs are 80% to 85% cheaper than their brand-name counterparts, suggesting that they can save you money.
Typically, preventer inhalers contain a steroid medicine while reliever inhalers contain bronchodilators.
You may have to make a few adjustments if you want to switch from a brand-name asthma steroid inhaler to its generic version.
Generic asthma steroid inhalers have the same active ingredient(s) as the brand name versions so they are bioequivalent to each other. Studies have found that switching from a brand-name inhaler to a generic one does not affect health, as they are equally safe and effective.
However, there are a few issues. For instance, some patients stop taking their steroid inhalers when they switch to a generic version “due to a lack of familiarity with the new dispensing device or a concern that the medication was changed without patient consent,” according to Very Well Health.
Patients with asthma might be using several medications to prevent and treat their symptoms. Usually, inhalers have the brand name and the generic name on the container, which may help you keep track of all of your medications. Check with your doctor for generic alternatives to your brand-name asthma steroid inhalers.
