When You Can't Get Striverdi, You Still Have Options

If you've been prescribed Striverdi Respimat (Olodaterol) for your COPD and can't fill your prescription — whether it's out of stock, too expensive, or not covered by your insurance — it's natural to feel worried. After all, your breathing depends on it.

But here's the reassuring truth: Striverdi is not the only maintenance inhaler for COPD. There are several alternatives in the same drug class that your doctor may be able to prescribe instead. In this article, we'll cover what Striverdi does, how it works, and the most common alternatives available in 2026.

What Is Striverdi Respimat?

Striverdi Respimat is a brand-name inhaler containing Olodaterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It's prescribed for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It's manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and delivered through the Respimat soft mist inhaler device. The standard dose is two inhalations (5 mcg total) once daily at the same time each day.

For more details on Striverdi, check out our full guide: What is Striverdi? Uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

How Does Striverdi Work?

Striverdi belongs to a class of drugs called long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs). These medications work by binding to beta2 receptors in the smooth muscle of your airways. When these receptors are activated, the muscles relax, and the airways widen — a process called bronchodilation.

Unlike short-acting rescue inhalers (like Albuterol), which work quickly but wear off in a few hours, Striverdi provides sustained bronchodilation for 24 hours. That's why it's classified as an "ultra-LABA" — it only needs to be taken once a day.

For a deeper dive into the science, read our article on how Striverdi works: mechanism of action explained.

Alternatives to Striverdi Respimat

If you can't get Striverdi, there are several other COPD maintenance inhalers your doctor may consider. Here are the most common alternatives:

1. Arcapta Neohaler (Indacaterol)

Arcapta Neohaler is another once-daily LABA inhaler approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD. Like Striverdi, it provides 24-hour bronchodilation with a single daily dose.

• How it's taken: One capsule inhaled once daily using the Neohaler device
• Dose: 75 mcg once daily
• Key difference: Arcapta uses a dry powder inhaler (DPI) rather than the soft mist Respimat device. Some patients find one easier to use than the other.
• Cost: Cash prices are typically in the range of $300-$400 per month, but coupons may reduce this.

2. Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol)

Serevent Diskus is a twice-daily LABA delivered through a dry powder diskus device. It's been on the market longer than Striverdi and is widely available.

• How it's taken: One inhalation twice daily (morning and evening)
• Dose: 50 mcg per inhalation, twice daily
• Key difference: Requires twice-daily dosing instead of once daily. Some patients prefer the convenience of a once-daily inhaler, while others don't mind the twice-daily schedule.
• Cost: Generic salmeterol inhalers may be available at lower cost than brand-name Striverdi.

3. Perforomist (Formoterol Fumarate)

Perforomist is a twice-daily LABA delivered via nebulizer. It's a good option for patients who have difficulty using handheld inhalers.

• How it's taken: Inhaled via nebulizer twice daily
• Dose: 20 mcg per vial, twice daily
• Key difference: Uses a nebulizer rather than a handheld inhaler. This can be helpful for patients with limited hand strength or coordination issues.
• Cost: Generic formoterol nebulizer solution is available, which may significantly reduce cost.

4. Stiolto Respimat (Tiotropium/Olodaterol)

Stiolto Respimat is a combination inhaler that contains Olodaterol (the same active ingredient in Striverdi) plus Tiotropium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or LAMA). It's a once-daily inhaler for COPD.

• How it's taken: Two inhalations once daily
• Dose: 2.5 mcg Tiotropium / 2.5 mcg Olodaterol per actuation
• Key difference: This is a step-up option. If your doctor feels you need more bronchodilation than Striverdi alone provides, Stiolto combines two bronchodilators in one device. It uses the same Respimat inhaler you may already be familiar with.
• Cost: Typically $350-$500+ per month without insurance, but manufacturer savings programs may help.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative to Striverdi, here's how to have a productive conversation with your doctor:

• Explain why you need to switch. Is Striverdi out of stock? Too expensive? Not covered by your insurance? The reason matters because it shapes which alternative makes the most sense.
• Ask about similar once-daily options. If the convenience of once-daily dosing is important to you, mention that so your doctor can prioritize alternatives like Arcapta or Stiolto.
• Discuss cost. Ask your doctor if any of the alternatives have generic versions available or are better covered by your insurance plan.
• Ask about the transition. Switching COPD inhalers usually involves stopping one and starting another the next day. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

Still Want Striverdi? Here's How to Find It

If you'd prefer to stay on Striverdi, it may still be available at a pharmacy near you. Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies with Striverdi in stock, or read our guide on how to find Striverdi in stock near you.

You can also explore savings options if cost is the issue. Our article on how to save money on Striverdi covers coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs that could bring your cost down significantly.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Striverdi prescription can be stressful, but you're not without options. Several other COPD maintenance inhalers work in similar ways, and your doctor can help you find the one that fits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Whether you switch to an alternative or find Striverdi at another pharmacy, the most important thing is staying on your treatment plan.

Don't let a stocking issue or a formulary change derail your breathing. Talk to your doctor, explore your options, and use tools like Medfinder to stay in control.