How Much Does Atrovent Cost Without Insurance in 2023?

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide) is used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and costs about $530 without insurance for one inhaler. Atrovent Nasal Spray (ipratropium) treats seasonal allergies and costs about $204 without insurance but can be purchased at a more affordable price for the generic brand. 

Cost of Atrovent HFA Without Insurance

If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, your doctor may prescribe you Atrovent HFA. Without insurance, one inhaler of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide) costs about $530 out-of-pocket. Unlike other prescription medications, there are no generic forms of Atrovent HFA available, making it a very costly medication.  

Atrovent HFA is a long-term treatment medication that is only available in one strength, delivering a dosage of 17 micrograms of the medication for each ‘puff’ from the inhaler. The typical starting dose for COPD is two puffs of Atrovent HFA taken four times a day. If your doctor suggests you use this dosage, one inhaler that contains 200 puffs will last about 25 days. Therefore, you may use about 15 inhalers of Atrovent HFA per year, costing upwards of $7,950 annually without insurance.  

The table below shows the price of Atrovent HFA at various pharmacies if paying without insurance. 

Cost of Atrovent HFA (Ipratropium Bromide) at Different Pharmacies Without Insurance

Source: GoodRx

The Cost of Atrovent Nasal Spray Without Insurance

Atrovent nasal spray is a prescription medication used to treat cold and allergy symptoms. Atrovent nasal spray comes in different dosages, forms, and brands. 

Ipratropium is the generic version of Atrovent nasal spray and usually comes in the form of a nasal spray. The average cost of brand name Atrovent is $204, but the generic brand nasal spray (Ipratropium) typically costs around $62. The table below shows cost estimates of different dosages of the generic and brand name versions of Atrovent nasal spray.   

Cost of Atrovent Nasal Spray (Ipratropium) by Brand Without Insurance

Source: GoodRx 

Factors that Influence the Cost of Atrovent

Several factors can affect how much you pay for Atrovent HFA and Atrovent nasal spray. We break down these factors below. 

Atrovent HFA

Unfortunately, there are no generic forms or Atrovent HFA that can help decrease its price. In addition, there is only one dosage of Atrovent HFA available. Factors that affect the price of Atrovent HFA are listed below. 

• Location: the price of your medication can vary depending on which pharmacy you go to. Try checking the price at different pharmacy chains and small pharmacies to find the lowest price.
• Quantity: the more frequently you need to use Atrovent HFA, the more money you will spend on supply. Talk to your doctor about how often they think you need to take this medication and ask your pharmacist if there are any discounts for buying this medication in bulk.
• Type of insurance: the price you will pay for this medication also depends on whether you have private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Check with your insurance provider to see if this medication is covered and how much you will need to pay out of pocket. If you do not have insurance, you will be responsible for covering 100% of the cost of this medication.

Atrovent Nasal Spray

In addition to the factors that affect the price of Atrovent HFA, the price of Atrovent Nasal Spray can be influenced by:

• Brand: purchasing the generic version of Atrovent Nasal Spray (ipratropium) will reduce costs.
• Quantity: the more frequently you need to use Atrovent, the more money you will spend on supply. However, you likely will not need to use this medication regularly, as it is often used as an add-on treatment when other medications don’t work.

Ways to Reduce the Price of Atrovent

Since Atrovent HFA is a maintenance medication (long-term treatment), individuals who are prescribed the medication usually take it as long as they do not experience side effects. As a result, the cost of this medication can quickly add up. To reduce the price of this medication when paying without insurance, consider these options:

• Prescription assistance programs: prescription assistance programs help patients pay for medications at an affordable rate. Pharmaceutical companies create these programs to provide free or discounted prescriptions to individuals who need them. Patients usually have to apply to receive assistance.
• Coupons: before purchasing your prescription, look online or ask your pharmacy about coupons that can help reduce the cost.
• Calling different pharmacies: the price of medications varies between pharmacies, and there may be different coupons or discounts that can help reduce the price of your medication. Before getting a medication, you should contact a few pharmacies to see if the cost of your medication differs.
• Discount health programs: discount health programs provide reduced fees for products and services, ranging from 5 to 70 percent off. They are relatively new and affordable with a monthly and enrollment fee; however, make sure to research the specific discount health program you are interested in. A lack of regulations has led to many companies with exaggerated offers or non-existent provider networks.
• Ask for a 90-day supply: Asking for a 90-day supply is appropriate when using a maintenance medication like Atrovent HFA. A study showed that getting a 90-day supply rather than a 30-day refill option has saved patients a significant amount of money.  
• Use Mira’s prescription portal  (MiraRx): Mira is an alternative to health insurance that offers affordable health care services, such as urgent care visits, lab tests, and prescription discounts. Mira’s prescription portal allows you to easily search for lower prices at pharmacies in your area and use discount codes to get up to 80% off prescription medications.

Atrovent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While researching the cost of Atrovent HFA and nasal spray, you may also have some general questions about the medication. Below, we answer some common questions regarding these medications and their appropriate use. 

Is Atrovent HFA a rescue inhaler?

Atrovent HFA does not work fast enough to act as a rescue medication for COPD attacks, as it takes about fifteen minutes to feel relief. Instead, use Albuterol, Albuterol sulfate, or Levalbuterol for quick relief. Atrovent HFA is used to control and prevent symptoms of ongoing lung disease by relaxing the muscles around the airway to open up and allow for easier breathing. 

When should I go to the emergency room?

You should go to the ER if symptoms of COPD “flare-up” (become worse), last longer, and occur suddenly. Symptoms that warrant a visit to the ER include chest pain, rapid breathing or heart rate, fever, blue or gray color in lips or nails, disorientation, slurring speech, and high fever. COPD flare-ups are a common reason to go to the ER. Experts say that patients with COPD have more ER visits than those with other chronic health problems.

Consider calling your doctor if you are coughing or wheezing more than usual and shortness of breath has become worse or more frequent. These symptoms may indicate that your prescription needs to be changed.   

Can Atrovent HFA be prescribed for asthma?

Atrovent HFA is not FDA-approved as a maintenance medication to treat asthma. However, it is recommended for managing moderate to severe flare-ups of asthma that require treatment in the ER. The medication in a typical asthma inhaler is different from the medication in Atrovent HFA.

Bottom Line

Atrovent HFA is an expensive long-term prescription medication that relieves symptoms of COPD. Prescription assistance programs and coupons can help reduce the cost without insurance. Atrovent Nasal Spray is also a prescription medication used to treat the common cold or seasonal allergies and can be purchased in the form of a generic brand nasal spray to help reduce costs.

If you’re looking to save up to 80 percent on Atrovent HFA or Atrovent Nasal Spray, you may want to consider a Mira membership. For an average of $45 per month, members have access to exclusive discounts on prescription medications, low-cost urgent care visits, and affordable lab testing. Sign up today to prioritize your health!