Trying to pick an inhaler and worried about the price? Breztri and Advair treat similar lung problems but don’t cost the same. I’ll explain why prices differ, give rough price ranges, and show simple ways to lower what you pay.
Breztri (a newer triple-combo inhaler) is usually more expensive than Advair. Because Breztri is newer and still under brand protection, its cash price often sits higher. Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) has been on the market longer and now has cheaper generic versions or authorized generics, so you’ll commonly see lower prices for the same dose type.
Typical cash ranges (U.S., retail pharmacies) look like this: Advair brand can run a couple hundred dollars per month, while generic versions often fall well below that—sometimes under $100 depending on the pharmacy and dosage. Breztri more often lands in a higher band, often several hundred dollars per month. Exact numbers vary by pharmacy, strength, and pack size, so use these as a directional guide, not a bill.
Three main reasons explain the gap: patent status, drug complexity, and competition. Older drugs with generics face competition that pushes prices down. Breztri combines three active ingredients in a single inhaler and is newer, so fewer or no generics exist yet. Insurance also matters: if your plan lists one drug on a lower tier, your copay could make the cheaper option even cheaper for you.
Other cost drivers include required prior authorizations, mail-order vs retail pricing, and whether your plan prefers a specific inhaler. Also remember device type (MDI vs DPI) can affect available generics and pricing.
Want examples? If your plan has a $0–$30 copay for preferred generics, an Advair generic might cost you little at the counter. If Breztri is non-preferred or needs prior authorization, your out-of-pocket could be much higher unless a coupon or assistance applies.
So what should you do next? Don’t pick by price alone—talk to your prescriber about clinical fit and try to get a prescription with alternatives listed if cost is a concern. Ask your pharmacist for price checks across local and online pharmacies.
Practical tip: before filling, call your insurer’s pharmacy help and ask about formulary tier, prior authorization, and step therapy rules for Breztri and Advair. That call often prevents surprise costs at pickup.
Need help comparing prices now? Use pharmacy price tools (GoodRx, singleCare) and check manufacturer savings pages. They can cut branded inhaler costs a lot for eligible patients. If cost still blocks treatment, patient assistance programs or a switch to a covered alternative are common, safe options to discuss with your clinician.
Get the facts on Advair Diskus and Breztri Aerosphere: from real out-of-pocket copay costs to which works better for asthma and COPD. Save on your inhaler today.
