Asthma treatment options
What should I consider when comparing asthma treatment options?
Asthma treatment commonly involves different medicine roles rather than one universal option. Long-term controller treatments are intended to support ongoing management, while oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for an asthma exacerbation. The medicine, strength and form should match the treatment plan provided by an authorised prescriber; products containing different active ingredients are not automatically interchangeable.
How do controller inhalers and oral medicines differ?
Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist combinations are established controller options for some people with asthma. In our range, Advair Diskus is an inhalation powder and Dulera is a metered-dose inhalation aerosol, so the device format is a practical point to discuss with a clinician. Prednisolone is an oral corticosteroid tablet used in prescribed courses for exacerbations. Ventolin tablets contain salbutamol, an oral beta2-agonist bronchodilator; this is a different form and treatment consideration from salbutamol inhalers.
Which asthma medicines do we list?
The comparison below highlights three options in our range by active ingredient, form, strengths, package quantities and starting price. It is a purchasing overview, not a guide to choosing between medicines.
| Product | Active ingredient | Form | Available strengths | Package quantities | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advair Diskus | Fluticasone and salmeterol | Inhalation powder | 100 mcg+50 mcg, 250 mcg+50 mcg, 500 mcg+50 mcg | 1-5 inhalers, depending on strength | A$89.68 |
| Dulera | Mometasone and formoterol | Metered-dose inhalation aerosol | 5 mcg+200 mcg | 2, 4 or 6 inhalers | A$275.12 |
| Prednisolone | Prednisolone | Tablet | 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg | 10-360 tablets | A$95.76 |
We also list Ventolin tablets containing salbutamol in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. The 2 mg option is offered in packs of 60-360 tablets and the 4 mg option in packs of 30-360 tablets, with prices from A$98.80.
What prescription information applies in Australia?
In Australia, fluticasone and salmeterol inhalers are Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicines, and oral prednisolone tablets and oral salbutamol are also Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicines. The Australian prescription classification for the exact Dulera 5 mcg+200 mcg presentation cannot be confirmed from an ARTG entry. An ARTG listing for the Advair Diskus trade name has not been confirmed here, although Australian ARTG entries include fluticasone propionate and salmeterol dry-powder inhalers under another trade name. Local registration or prescription classification should not be assumed from a product's inclusion in our range.
How do delivery, payment and storage considerations work?
We can dispatch the asthma medicines listed in this category to Australia. We offer tracked Express shipping, estimated at 4-7 days, for A$45.58, and Standard shipping without tracking, estimated at 14-21 days, for A$22.78. Free shipping is available for either method when its respective checkout threshold is reached. At checkout, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin and USDT.
Storage requirements vary by product. The listed inhalers and tablets have room-temperature storage guidance, generally around 20°C to 25°C, with protection from moisture, heat and light where specified. Dulera is a pressurised aerosol and should not be exposed to temperatures above 49°C. Our packaging helps protect the order during delivery. Once it arrives, collect it promptly and follow the storage directions on each product. Check the product information and speak with a pharmacist or prescriber if storage or transport conditions are a concern.