Quick Take
- Generic Montelukast works the same as brand Singulair but costs 40‑70% less.
- Only buy from FDA‑registered or NABP‑verified online pharmacies.
- Use discount codes, tele‑health visits, or insurance formularies to shave off extra dollars.
- Check a simple price table before you checkout.
- Keep a copy of your prescription and the pharmacy’s credentials for peace of mind.
Generic Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. It contains the same active ingredient as the brand name Singulair but is sold at a lower cost because it doesn’t carry the original manufacturer’s branding.
What Is Generic Montelukast and Why It Matters
Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that cause airway inflammation and mucus buildup. By doing so, it reduces asthma attacks and eases symptoms of hay fever. The drug class, leukotriene receptor antagonist, includes a few other products, but Montelukast is the most widely prescribed because of its once‑daily dosing.
When the patent on brand Singulair expired in 2012, manufacturers rushed to produce generic versions. The FDA evaluated each generic for bio‑equivalence, meaning the blood levels and therapeutic effect match the brand within a tight margin. That guarantees you get the same relief without paying the brand premium.
Why Do Prices Fluctuate So Much?
Several forces drive the cost of generic Montelukast:
- Manufacturing scale. Large‑volume producers can spread fixed costs, lowering the price per tablet.
- Insurance formularies. Some health plans place the generic in a preferred tier, making your out‑of‑pocket cost a flat copay.
- Pharmacy discount programs. Networks like GoodRx or single‑prescription coupons cut the price by up to 50%.
- Supply chain dynamics. Bulk purchases, import regulations, and seasonal demand can cause short‑term spikes.
Understanding these variables helps you time your purchase and choose the platform that yields the best deal.
How to Spot a Safe Online Pharmacy
Scams abound, especially for popular drugs like Montelukast. Follow this checklist before you click “Buy”:
- Check the pharmacy’s FDA verification or NABP accreditation. Both agencies maintain searchable databases of legitimate online sellers.
- Look for a physical address and a working customer‑service phone line.
- A legitimate site will require a valid prescription. Beware of “no‑prescription needed” offers for prescription‑only drugs.
- Review the privacy policy - your health information should be encrypted (HTTPS) and not shared with third‑party marketers.
- Search for user reviews on independent forums, not just the pharmacy’s own testimonial page.
Best Ways to Get Cheap Generic Montelukast Online
Combine the following tactics for the lowest price:
- Tele‑health visit. Many tele‑medicine platforms (e.g., Teladoc, Amwell) provide a rapid consult, issue an electronic prescription, and partner with discount pharmacies.
- Use coupon codes. Sites like GoodRx aggregate manufacturer coupons and pharmacy‑specific deals. Enter the code at checkout.
- Shop price‑comparison tools. Tools such as RxSaver or Blink Health show real‑time pricing across dozens of licensed online pharmacies.
- Leverage insurance. If you have coverage, log into your insurer’s portal to see the preferred pharmacy list - often the cheapest tier is a mail‑order pharmacy.
- Buy in bulk. A 90‑day supply typically drops the per‑tablet cost by 15‑20% versus a 30‑day pack.

Price Comparison: Generic Montelukast vs Brand Singulair vs Zafirlukast
Drug | Typical 30‑tablet price (US$) | Prescription required? | FDA approval year | Insurance tier (common) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Generic Montelukast | 12‑18 | Yes | 1998 | Tier 1 or 2 |
Brand Singulair | 45‑55 | Yes | 1998 | Tier 3 |
Zafirlukast (Accolate) | 38‑44 | Yes | 1996 | Tier 3 |
The table makes it clear that the generic saves you roughly $30 per month compared with the brand, while a less‑common alternative, Zafirlukast, sits in the middle.
Related Concepts You Should Know
Understanding the broader context helps you make smarter choices:
- Asthma - a chronic airway disease where Montelukast is often prescribed as a maintenance drug.
- Allergic rhinitis - hay‑fever symptoms that respond well to leukotriene blockade.
- Insurance coverage - knowing your plan’s formulary tier can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs dramatically.
- Pharmacy discount programs - programs like GoodRx, Blink Health, or manufacturer coupons act as a price‑negotiator between you and the pharmacy.
- Tele‑health consultation - a convenient way to get a legitimate prescription without a physical visit.
Red Flags: How to Avoid Counterfeit or Unsafe Purchases
Even with a verified pharmacy, watch out for these warning signs:
- Prices dramatically lower than the market average - could indicate counterfeit tablets.
- Absence of a pharmacist’s name on the packaging or invoice.
- Requests for payment via unconventional methods (gift cards, crypto).
- Missing batch number or expiration date on the product label.
- Unsolicited emails offering “free” medication without a prescription.
If any of these appear, abort the transaction and report the site to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Purchasing Safe, Cheap Generic Montelukast
- Confirm your diagnosis (asthma or allergic rhinitis) and that Montelukast is appropriate.
- Schedule a tele‑health appointment or obtain a valid prescription from your primary doctor.
- Visit an FDA‑verified online pharmacy website. Look for the NABP seal.
- Enter the prescription details and select generic Montelukast as the product.
- Apply any coupon codes from GoodRx or manufacturer offers.
- Choose a shipping method that includes tracking and discreet packaging.
- Save the order confirmation and the pharmacy’s contact info for future reference.
- When the medication arrives, verify the imprint code on each tablet matches the FDA’s label (e.g., “MONT 10 MG”).
Following these eight steps will keep you safe, compliant, and well‑stocked without overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy generic Montelukast without a prescription?
No. Montelukast is a prescription‑only medication in the United States. Any site offering it without a valid prescription is violating federal law and likely selling counterfeit product.
How much can I expect to pay for a 30‑day supply of generic Montelukast?
Prices range from US$12 to US$18 when purchased from reputable online pharmacies, especially after applying discount coupons.
Will my insurance cover the generic version?
Most major insurers place generic Montelukast in a preferred tier (Tier 1 or 2), resulting in a low copay. Check your plan’s formulary or call the pharmacy benefits manager for exact numbers.
Are there any side‑effects I should watch for?
Common side‑effects include headache, stomach pain, and mild mood changes. Rarely, it can cause serious neuropsychiatric events; if you notice unusual thoughts or behavior, contact a doctor immediately.
Can I get a 90‑day supply online?
Yes, many licensed online pharmacies allow 90‑day fills if your prescriber authorizes it. Larger quantities usually lower the per‑tablet cost.
What should I do if the medication looks different from what I expect?
Check the imprint code printed on each tablet against the FDA’s online drug label database. If it doesn’t match, contact the pharmacy immediately and consider reporting the incident.
Is buying from overseas pharmacies safe?
It can be risky. Some foreign sources are not subject to FDA oversight, increasing the chance of counterfeit drugs. Stick to pharmacies that are FDA‑registered or verified by the NABP, even if they ship internationally.
Josh Grabenstein
September 27, 2025 AT 19:27Sounds like a scam but okay :)