Finding Cheap Allergy Medicine for Adults and Kids
high drug prices
If you suffer from allergies, you’re not alone — not even close. A significant number of Americans have allergies in some way, whether environmental or food-based.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. This translates into allergies being the 6th most common cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of treating allergies for this many people every year is high. It’s estimated that allergy treatment — medications for both adults and children, plus hospitalization in severe cases — is upwards of $18 billion.
Of course, some allergens can be avoided. If you’re allergic to shellfish, you can do your best to avoid eating shellfish by carefully checking ingredient labels and not eating food that may be cross-contaminated (like at parties).
But not all allergies can be avoided entirely. Environmental allergies are all around us — pollen, mold, grass, etc. We can avoid things we know trigger our allergies (such as staying indoors when neighbors are cutting the grass, or when the fallen leaves are getting wet on the ground), but in these cases, people typically need a little allergy relief or sinus medication.
If your allergy medicine is too expensive, we just might have a solution for you. Here are 10 popular allergy medications available through the leading international and Canada pharmacy online, NorthWestPharmacy.com.
10 Most Popular Allergy Medications
Remember that efficacy rates vary between allergy medications for adults and children alike. It’s important to find one that works well for you and your specific allergies. If the one you’re using isn’t helping you, be sure to discuss the matter with your doctor.
Nasonex Nasal Spray (Mometasone Furoate) Cost
Nasonex Nasal Spray (mometasone furoate) is a corticosteroid, which is often used to treat inflammation. Given that a common allergy symptom is irritation of tissue (internal or external), which causes inflammation, corticosteroids are frequently effective at providing allergy relief.
The way nasal sprays such as Nasonex work is quite fascinating. When you inhale an allergen, your nose releases chemicals, which is what causes your allergy symptoms.
Unlike oral allergy medications, nasal sprays work at the site by preventing chemical release that triggers the allergic response, resulting in decreased inflammation. With less inflammation, your nasal passages should be wider and allow you easier breathing.
It’s important to note that corticosteroids are meant to be used consistently. If you use it for one or two days and then not again for a couple of weeks, the positive effects of the drug will be negligible.
Nasonex Nasal Spray can be used for seasonal or perennial (year-round) allergies that present symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, sinus inflammation, and itchy, watery eyes.
In the United States, the name brand Nasonex can be difficult to find. Instead, you’ll probably find the generic mometasone furoate. Unfortunately, the generic will still cost you about $60.00.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy name brand Nasonex for about $44.00, a savings of 26%. You could save even more by purchasing the generic, which is about $34.00, a savings of 43%.
Zaditen Cost (Ketotifen)
Zaditen (ketotifen) is an antihistamine that is also sometimes called Zaditor — not to be confused with the eye drops available over the counter with the same name. Ketotifen can be prescribed to adults or children as young as three years old.
Antihistamines work differently than a nasal spray like Nasonex. When you come in contact with an allergen, your body’s mast cells are stimulated, causing them to release a substance called histamine to counteract the allergen.
The release of histamine results in increased blood flow and other chemicals, which causes itchy eyes, runny nose, and congestion. This sequence of reactions can lead to inflamed, swollen airways, which can trigger an asthma attack.
Zaditen not only stops the histamine release, but it works to block H1 receptors from absorbing any histamine that is actually in the system.
Ketotifen is used as a preventative measure to stop an allergy-induced asthma attack. However, Zaditen will not stop an asthma attack that is already in progress.
In the United States, Zaditen may be difficult to find, but at NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy either the brand name or generic drug at a reasonable price through our Canadian discount drugstore and international pharmacy site.
A 60-pill supply of brand-name Zaditen costs about $84.00 ($1.40 per 1mg pill). For a savings of 9%, you can instead purchase a 100-pill supply of ketotifen for $92.00 ($0.92 per 1mg pill).
Dymista Nasal Spray Cost (Azelastine Hydrochloride/Fluticasone Propionate)
Dymista Nasal Spray (azelastine hydrochloride [HCL]/fluticasone propionate) is a combination medicine that can provide allergy relief to people ages 6 and older. It is most often used to treat seasonal allergy rhinitis (hay fever), as opposed to perennial allergies. Pollen (or hay) is the most common allergy for which people are prescribed Dymista.
The first active ingredient — azelastine HCL — is an antihistamine, but it doesn’t block the release of histamines in the way Zaditen does. Instead, it prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and limits the rush of blood supply to the affected area.
The second active ingredient — fluticasone propionate — is very common in nasal and respiratory medications. It’s a corticosteroid that minimizes inflammation in the nasal passages by stopping the release of chemicals that cause it.
In the United States, Dymista is available in both brand name and generic forms. The brand name costs about $260.00 per bottle, while the generic azelastine HCL/fluticasone propionate is about half that — $133.00.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy the brand name Dymista for even less than you’d pay for the generic in the U.S. — about $129.00.
Beconase AQ Cost (Beclomethasone AQ)
Beconase AQ (beclomethasone AQ) is another nasal spray with a corticosteroid as the active ingredient. Beclomethasone AQ blocks the release of histamine to provide allergy relief.
Like all other corticosteroids, they require consistent use, whether they’re being used seasonally or perennially. For them to be effective, you must take them daily for the duration of your allergy symptoms.
In the United States, Beconase AQ costs an average retail price of $370.00 per bottle. A generic version is not available at this time.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy brand name Beconase AQ for about $52.00. Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle of generic beclomethasone AQ for just $30.00.
EpiPen Auto-Injector (Epinephrine) Cost
EpiPen Auto-Injector (epinephrine) is one of the most well-known allergy drugs on the market thanks to the extreme price hikes that resulted in congressional hearings in 2016. At that time, the price of a 2-pack of EpiPen Auto-Injectors cost $600.00, which was up from $100.00.
Aside from the ethical implications of such a dramatic price increase, the other major issue at hand is the emergent nature of the injector. Epinephrine is a drug released by the adrenal glands during times of stress. It essentially helps prepare the body for life-threatening situations.
Some allergies (such as specific food allergies, bee stings, and some medications) cause a reaction so severe that it causes the body to go into anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis develops quickly and can be deadly, but — when administered properly promptly — an EpiPen Auto-Injector can save someone’s life by relaxing the airways to allow easier breathing.
Anyone who has an allergy that can trigger anaphylaxis is recommended to carry an EpiPen Auto-Injector (or similar device) with them at all times. Many school districts require children to have one on file with the nurse’s office for them to attend school. This is also the case with most daycare centers.
Since the congressional hearings, the price has stabilized but is still very expensive. In the U.S., a 2-pack of EpiPen Auto-Injectors is about $400.00, whether you need the adult dose or the junior dose.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy one EpiPen Auto-Injector for as little as $90.00 and a 2-pack for as little as $167.00 — less than half of what you’d pay in the U.S.
Clarinex Cost (Desloratadine)
Clarinex (desloratadine) is a once-daily antihistamine approved for use in adults, as well as children as young as 12 years old. Desloratadine blocks the histamine receptors so they cannot absorb the chemicals, which provides allergy relief.
Unlike some allergy medications, Clarinex is considered a non-drowsy medication because it does not travel to the brain through the bloodstream.
In the U.S., name-brand Clarinex can be quite expensive. A 30-day supply is about $285.00, or $9.50 per pill.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy a 40-day supply of brand-name Clarinex for just $65.00, or $1.63 per pill — about one-fifth of the per-pill price in the U.S. You could also choose to purchase larger quantities for additional savings per pill.
Alternatively, you could purchase a 100-day supply of generic desloratadine for about $73.00, or $0.73 per pill.
For children as young as 6-months-old, there is also a Clarinex Syrup option. You can purchase a 100mL bottle at NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $23.00.
Zaditen SRO Cost (Ketotifen Extended-Release)
Zaditen SRO (ketotifen extended-release) is slightly different from the version of Zaditen previously discussed in this article.
Like regular Zaditen, it blocks histamine receptors from absorbing the chemicals so allergy symptoms do not present themselves. The major difference is that Zaditen SRO is a slow-release formula, so your system gets a steady stream of antihistamines throughout the day.
When used as a supplement to asthma medication, it can help clear excess mucus that forms as a result of allergic reactions to environmental triggers. Again, Zaditen SRO will not be able to stop an asthma attack but can help prevent them from becoming severe.
Zaditen SRO is difficult to find in the U.S., but you can buy it at NorthWestPharmacy.com. You can purchase it in a 30-pill supply for about $65.00, or $2.17 per pill.
Alternatively, you can purchase Zaditen SRO in a 90-pill supply for $103.00, or $1.14 per pill — a savings of about 90% per pill compared to a 30-pill supply.
Oralair Cost (Grass Pollen Allergen Extract)
Oralair (grass pollen allergen extract) is a unique allergy medication the first of its kind. Oralair is specifically formulated to provide allergy relief from symptoms caused by five common kinds of grass in the U.S.: sweet vernal grass, orchard grass, perennial ryegrass, timothy grass, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Oralair is a fast-dissolving tablet that you put under your tongue. It is not intended for immediate allergy relief and must be taken daily. In most cases, doctors will recommend people begin this treatment four months before grass pollen season begins.
Additionally, doctors often administer the first dose in-office so they can monitor you afterward. Sometimes, an EpiPen Auto-Injector is also prescribed in conjunction with Oralair, just in case.
Oralair is difficult to find in the U.S., probably at least in part because doctors typically administer the first dose. Because there is no generic alternative or competition, Oralair is quite expensive.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 3 sublingual Oralair tabs (100 IR) for about $27.00, or $9.00 per tab. You could also purchase 15 sublingual tabs (100IR) for about $88.00, or $5.87 per tab.
The 300IR dose comes in larger quantities, which may be more convenient. You can purchase 30 sublingual Oralair tabs for about $164.00, or $5.47. 90-tab quantities are also available at about $488.00, or $5.42 per tab.
Atrovent Nasal Spray Cost (Ipratropium)
Atrovent (ipratropium) is a nasal spray that can provide fast-acting relief from a runny nose, whether or not it’s related to allergies. Atrovent will help stop a runny nose within 10-15 minutes but is not intended to resolve the issue once and for all (i.e. your cold will not go away because you use the medication).
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic, which means that it blocks receptors from absorbing acetylcholine. The result is less mucus production.
Name-brand Atrovent is difficult to find in the U.S. because the generic equivalent is so prevalent. At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can purchase a 15mL bottle of name-brand Atrovent (180 doses) for about $29.00.
Astelin Nasal Spray Cost (Azelastine)
Astelin (azelastine) is a nasal spray that is similar to Dymista but does not contain the corticosteroid. Remember that azelastine HCL is an antihistamine, so it can provide allergy relief from symptoms like congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing.
Name brand Astelin is difficult to find in the U.S. because generic versions are almost always preferred by insurance companies because they’re cheaper.
At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can purchase a 10mL bottle of brand name Astelin for as little as $38.00.
Can’t Find Your Allergy Medication?
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if your allergy medication isn’t listed here, don’t fret. You can either use the search bar at the top of our website, or you can check out a full list of our allergy medications here.
If you require further assistance or information, our friendly customer service representatives are available via phone seven days a week. They can help you find your medication, answer any questions you have, and even walk you through the ordering process.
Get in touch with us today at 1-866-539-5339 to learn more about how NorthWestPharmacy.com can help you save money on your medications. We look forward to speaking with you!
