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Details of my attempts to purchase my asthma inhalers as I traveled

Posted by (Pacific Northwest) on

I pay $230 for a Flovent preventative inhaler in the US and about $70 for the Albuterol/Ventolin emergency inhaler. My insurance doesn't cover any of it. I was able to buy these items in Spain last week, over the counter. Flovent was 17 Euros. Ventolin was 3 Euros.

Prices for the Flovent varied considerably from pharmacy to pharmacy, so ask around. I got prices as high as 50 Euros...stopped in at about 5 places.

I just bought a couple of each...for personal use only and it was fine to bring it all back. I speak a little Spanish and it was enough to get me through the transactions, but I also had a picture of each of my inhalers with me and I showed the pharmacists just to be clear.

Just FYI- these items require a prescription in France...I didn't price them there.

Posted by
19092 posts

Does anyone know about price and availability in German, Italy, or Switzerland?

Posted by
5326 posts

Ventolin really should be as cheap as chips. The NHS in the UK buys them for £1.50.

Posted by
9099 posts

I pay $230 for a Flovent preventative inhaler in the US

The list price for the other competing inhalers in the US (Advair & Symbicort)is over $350!!!!!

I use a prescription-only nasal spray for hay-fever called Becaonse. In the US one bottle costs $250. In the UK it's available over the counter and costs $15USD.

Posted by
32704 posts

Beconase

My wife uses it. Pays not a penny. Over 60, prescriptions are free on the NHS.

Posted by
9363 posts

I have found the same in Spain - Ventolin over the counter is 3 euros. I brought back two last time, but will be bringing back a few extras on this trip.

Posted by
5326 posts

Anyone coming to the UK soon, Tesco have a special offer on Beconase. Two for £6.

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks, its good to know this. I pay $45/each with my insurance for the Albuterol inhaler. I'm going to France this summer. I'm just going to have to check on the prices there! I've been wondering about this so thanks!

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