I have encountered the problem of having to use the albuterol inhaler a bit more often than normal during a given month. I've gone to the pharmacy to buy another, and was told the insurance company would not pay for it because they said I should only use a certain number of puffs in a certain number of days.
I'd be lost without Albuterol. I buy what I have to have, regardless of cost. IMO the lives of many asthmatics, including mine, would be greatly shortened without this drug.
I remember as a kid in the early 50's how it was before the stuff existed.
First, have your doctor write the prescription for three inhalers at once. That's how our doctor writes it. Then my son can have one at home, one at school, and one to carry around with him.
Two, have your doctor also re-assess how your asthma is being managed. You may need some additional meds (like an inhaled corticosteroid, or some of the other new alternatives). You should not be so dependent on the rescue inhaler that you're in danger of running out quickly.
Third, sign up with a different health insurance carrier. This one's protocol stinks.
I, er, meant, uh, three things. (sheepish grin)
I agree with the other poster that if you're burning through albuterol inhalers you may need additional medication. However, the price of a generic albuterol inhaler is about $15, so paying for it out of pocket isn't much worse than buying an over the counter inhaler, and a lot more effective.
Buy one each month whether or not you use it. Stockpile if you can. Granted the insurance company limiting the number puffs from the {rescue inhaler} is insane. A couple of months ago I was having to juggle Flovent, Combivent, and Singular. They paid for two out of three of my choice.