Looking to buy cheap generic Singulair without getting ripped off? You’re not alone - thousands of UK shoppers hunt for affordable asthma relief every week. This guide walks you through what generic Singulair actually is, why you need a prescription, where to find trustworthy online pharmacies, how to spot fakes, and what price you can realistically expect.
When you search for generic Singulair (the off‑brand version of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to prevent asthma attacks and relieve allergic rhinitis), you’re really looking at the same active ingredient that the brand‑name product contains. Montelukast blocks leukotrienes - chemicals your body releases during an allergic reaction that cause airway swelling and mucus buildup.
Because the chemistry is identical, the clinical effect is the same. The difference lies in the filler ingredients, packaging, and price tag.
Montelukast binds to the cysteinyl leukotriene‑1 (CysLT1) receptor in the lungs and nose, preventing leukotrienes from triggering inflammation. This reduces the frequency of asthma exacerbations and eases symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
It’s taken once daily, usually in a 10mg tablet for adults and children over 12kg, and is especially handy for people who find inhalers difficult to use consistently.
In the UK, montelukast (is classified as a prescription‑only medicine (POM) under the Medicines Act 1968). That means any reputable online pharmacy will ask for a valid NHS or private GP prescription before they dispatch it.
If you already have a paper prescription, many sites let you upload a clear photo. Some digital‑only services integrate directly with your GP’s electronic system, sending the prescription electronically after you confirm your eligibility.
Beware of “no‑prescription needed” offers - they’re almost always illegal and risky. The UK’s MHRA (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency that oversees drug safety and pharmacy licensing) has issued warnings about unlicensed sellers offering counterfeit montelukast.
Here’s a quick checklist to verify legitimacy:
Popular, trusted options that meet these criteria include:
Product | Typical price (GBP) | Prescription needed | MHRA‑registered? | Common side‑effects |
---|---|---|---|---|
Singulair (brand) (original brand by MSD) | £15‑£20 | Yes | Yes | Headache, stomach pain |
Generic montelukast (off‑brand, same active ingredient) | £5‑£8 | Yes | Yes | Same as brand, rarely rash |
Zafirlukast (another leukotriene antagonist, less common) | £12‑£16 | Yes | Yes | Dizziness, liver enzyme changes |
As you can see, the generic version saves you roughly 50‑60% compared with the brand. The price gap is primarily due to the lack of brand‑name marketing costs.
Even when a site looks legit, counterfeit meds slip through. Use these visual and data checks before you hit “pay”:
Most reputable UK pharmacies ship within 2‑3 business days and include a tracking number.
While generic montelukast is generally safe, a small percentage of users report mood changes, hallucinations, or severe allergic reactions. If you notice:
Always inform your pharmacist if you’re taking other medicines (e.g., cyclosporine, rifampicin) as they can affect montelukast levels.
No. In the UK, montelukast is a prescription‑only medicine. Any site that offers it over the counter is breaking the law and may be selling counterfeit products.
You can expect to pay between £5 and £8, depending on the pharmacy and whether you’re using an NHS prescription exemption.
Yes. The active ingredient is identical, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency requires bio‑equivalence testing before a generic can be approved.
Check the batch number, expiry date, and imprint (typically “M10”). The packaging should carry the MHRA licence number and the name of the authorised generic manufacturer.
Absolutely. Montelukast is approved for both indications, and the same 10mg tablet works for either condition when prescribed by your doctor.
If you’ve followed the steps above but your order is delayed, first contact the pharmacy’s customer service - they should provide a tracking number or explain any hold‑up. If you suspect the medication is counterfeit, do not take it and report the seller to the MHRA via their online vigilance portal.
Still can’t find a suitable prescription service? Consider using the NHS’s e‑prescribing portal, which lets you upload your GP’s prescription and choose a partnered pharmacy automatically.
By staying informed and double‑checking each part of the process, you can safely buy cheap generic Singulair online and keep your asthma or allergy symptoms under control without breaking the bank.