Alternative Inhalers: Safer, Cheaper, and Effective Options for Asthma and COPD

When you need to breathe easier, alternative inhalers, devices that deliver medication directly to the lungs to manage asthma or COPD symptoms. Also known as rescue or maintenance inhalers, they come in many forms—not all are created equal, and not all need to be expensive. Many people stick with the first inhaler their doctor prescribes, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit. There are cheaper, just-as-effective options out there, and knowing the difference between them can save you money—and breathing trouble.

Take Foracort inhaler, a combination of formoterol and budesonide used to control asthma and COPD. Also known as a dual-action inhaler, it combines a long-acting bronchodilator with an anti-inflammatory steroid. It’s powerful, but not the only one. Other inhalers like Advair, Symbicort, or even generic versions work similarly, but with different dosing, device designs, or price tags. Then there are the older, single-ingredient inhalers—like albuterol for quick relief or fluticasone for daily control—that still work well for many. The key isn’t just the drug, but how it’s delivered. Some inhalers require precise timing, others are more forgiving. Some need priming, others are ready to use. And if you’re paying $100 a month for a brand name, you’re likely overpaying.

Not everyone needs a steroid. Some people do fine with just a bronchodilator. Others need both, but in different ratios. Your lung condition, your budget, and even how you hold the device matter. A study from the American Thoracic Society found that generic versions of combination inhalers work just as well as brand names in real-world use—same symptom control, same side effects, same safety. Yet most patients don’t ask. They just keep refilling what they’re given. You don’t have to. If your current inhaler causes throat irritation, or if you’re struggling with the technique, there’s probably a better fit. Maybe a dry powder inhaler instead of a metered-dose one. Maybe a different steroid dose. Maybe a cheaper alternative that’s just as effective.

And it’s not just about drugs. The device itself matters. Some inhalers are easier for older adults to use. Others are better for kids. Some come with built-in counters so you know when you’re running low. If you’ve ever used an inhaler and felt like it didn’t work, it might not be your lungs—it might be the device. Switching to a different type of inhaler can make a huge difference in how well your medication works.

Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons of popular inhalers like Foracort, Xalatan (yes, it’s an eye drop, but people mix them up), and other lung treatments. You’ll see what’s in each, how they stack up in cost and side effects, and which ones real patients say work best. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to choose wisely.