How Much Does Theophylline Cost — and How Can You Pay Less?

Here's some good news if you're on a budget: Theophylline is one of the most affordable prescription medications for asthma and COPD. But "affordable" doesn't mean free — and if you don't have insurance, even a cheap generic can add up over time.

In this guide, we'll break down what Theophylline costs in 2026, how to find the lowest prices, and what programs can help if you're struggling to pay.

What Does Theophylline Cost Without Insurance?

Theophylline is available as a generic, which keeps costs low compared to brand-name respiratory medications. Here's what you can expect to pay out of pocket in 2026:

• Generic Theophylline ER tablets (30-day supply): $10-$40 at most retail pharmacies, depending on the strength and pharmacy
• Common price range by strength:
  • 100 mg: $8-$20/month
  • 200 mg: $10-$25/month
  • 300 mg: $15-$35/month
  • 400 mg: $15-$40/month
• Oral solution (if available): $20-$50 for a bottle, depending on the pharmacy

These prices are without any insurance or discount card. The actual cost varies by pharmacy — sometimes significantly. It's worth comparing prices at 2-3 pharmacies in your area.

How to Save With Discount Cards and Coupons

Even though Theophylline is already a relatively inexpensive generic, discount cards can bring the price down even further — sometimes to as low as $4-$10 per month.

Here are the most popular discount card options:

• GoodRx: Shows prices at pharmacies near you and provides free coupons. Theophylline ER tablets are often listed at $4-$15 with a GoodRx coupon.
• SingleCare: Another free discount card that works at most major pharmacies. Prices for Theophylline are typically comparable to GoodRx.
• RxSaver: Compares prices across pharmacies and provides printable or digital coupons.
• Optum Perks: Offers competitive pricing on generics including Theophylline.
• BuzzRx: Free card with discounts at over 60,000 pharmacies.

How to use a discount card:

1. Visit any of the websites above and search for "Theophylline"
2. Enter your zip code to see prices at nearby pharmacies
3. Show the coupon (on your phone or printed) to the pharmacist when you fill your prescription
4. You can use these cards even if you have insurance — sometimes the discount price is lower than your copay

Pro tip: Prices can vary by $10-$20 between pharmacies for the exact same medication. Costco and Walmart tend to have some of the lowest generic prices, and you don't need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy.

Theophylline With Insurance

If you have health insurance, Theophylline is almost always covered. Here's what to expect:

• Tier placement: Generic Theophylline is typically on Tier 1 (preferred generic), which means the lowest copay tier
• Typical copay: $0-$10 per month with most insurance plans
• Prior authorization: Uncommon for Theophylline — most plans cover it without extra paperwork
• Step therapy: Some plans may require trying an inhaled bronchodilator first, but this is rare for patients with an established Theophylline prescription

If your insurance copay is higher than the discount card price, you can often save money by using the discount card instead of your insurance. Ask your pharmacist to run it both ways.

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and struggling to afford Theophylline, these programs may help:

• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org): A database of patient assistance programs, including those covering generic medications like Theophylline. They also offer a free discount card.
• RxAssist (rxassist.org): A comprehensive resource for finding assistance programs, including state and federal programs.
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs to help residents afford medications. Check your state's health department website.
• Medicaid: If you qualify, Medicaid covers Theophylline with little to no cost to you. Income eligibility varies by state.
• Medicare Part D: Theophylline is covered under most Medicare Part D plans as a Tier 1 generic. If you're in the coverage gap ("donut hole"), you'll still pay a reduced cost for generics.
• Manufacturer assistance: Since Theophylline is a generic, there's no branded manufacturer savings program. However, some generic manufacturers offer indigent patient programs — ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Other Ways to Save on Theophylline

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Don't assume every pharmacy charges the same. Prices for generic Theophylline can vary by $10-$30 depending on where you go. Use GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver to compare before filling.

Ask About 90-Day Supplies

Many pharmacies and insurance plans offer a discount for 90-day supplies. Instead of paying $15/month for three months ($45 total), you might pay $30-$35 for a single 90-day fill. Mail-order pharmacies often offer the best pricing on 90-day supplies.

Try Walmart's $4 Generic List

Walmart offers many generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply or $10 per 90-day supply. While specific availability varies, Theophylline has been included on discount generic lists at some pharmacies. Ask your Walmart pharmacist.

Use Medfinder to Find the Best Price Nearby

In addition to showing which pharmacies have Theophylline in stock, Medfinder.com can help you find pharmacies in your area with availability — so you can combine your search for stock with your search for the best price.

Final Thoughts

Theophylline is already one of the most affordable respiratory medications available, but every dollar counts — especially if you're paying out of pocket. Between discount cards, patient assistance programs, and smart pharmacy shopping, most patients can find Theophylline for $4-$15 per month or less.

If cost isn't your main concern but availability is, check out our guides on how to find Theophylline in stock near you and the 2026 shortage update.

And if your provider is looking for ways to help patients access and afford Theophylline, share our provider's guide to helping patients save money on Theophylline.