Quick Takeaways
- Generic singulair (montelukast) costs 50‑70% less than the brand.
- Only TGA‑approved Australian online pharmacies are safe.
- Compare pricing, shipping, and accreditation before you click ‘buy’.
- Use a valid prescription or Telehealth consult to stay legal.
- Watch out for unusually low prices - they often mean counterfeit.
Looking for a way to get buy cheap generic Singulair online without risking your health? You’re not alone. Hundreds of Australians with asthma or allergic rhinitis search the internet for a lower‑cost alternative to the brand‑name tablet. This guide walks you through everything you need to know - from what the generic actually is, to how to spot a trustworthy e‑pharmacy, to the best price‑breakdown for 2025.
Singulair is the brand name for montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to prevent asthma attacks and relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. It was first approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in 1998 and has since become a staple in chronic asthma management. After patent expiry, multiple manufacturers introduced a generic version that contains the same active ingredient - montelukast - at a fraction of the cost.
What is Generic Montelukast?
Generic montelukast delivers the exact same therapeutic effect as Singulair. In Australia the TGA requires that any generic meet strict bio‑equivalence standards, meaning the blood concentration curve must fall within 80‑125% of the brand. That guarantees you get the same symptom control without paying the premium price.
Typical strengths are 4mg (children) and 10mg (adults). The tablets are once‑daily, taken in the evening, and can be swallowed with or without food. Side‑effects are rare but may include headache, stomach upset, or a brief change in mood - the same as the original.
Why Buy Online in Australia?
Australian pharmacies are required to list the price on their website, which makes price‑shopping transparent. Online stores often have lower overhead, so they can pass savings onto you. In 2025 the average price for a 30‑day supply of generic montelukast is $12‑$18, compared with $30+ for the brand name.
Another advantage: you can order from the comfort of home, especially useful if you live in regional areas where physical pharmacy visits are a hassle. Just remember the legal framework - you still need a valid prescription, either paper or digital, to receive the medication.
How to Spot a Safe Online Pharmacy
Not every website that claims to sell cheap asthma tablets is legit. Follow this checklist before you enter any payment details:
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) accreditation - look for the TGA’s green logo or a registration number ending in “TGA”.
- ePharmacy accreditation - the Australian Pharmacy Guild runs the e‑Pharmacy Accreditation Scheme. Accredited sites display the “e‑Pharmacy” badge.
- Clear contact details - a physical address in Australia and a working phone number are must‑haves.
- Prescription requirement - reputable sites will ask for a valid prescription or a Telehealth consultation. If they sell the drug without any verification, walk away.
- Secure payment - URLs should begin with https:// and show a padlock icon.
- Customer reviews - check independent review platforms, not just the pharmacy’s own testimonials.
If a site ticks all the boxes, you’re likely dealing with a safe provider.
Top 3 Australian Online Pharmacies - Price Comparison 2025
| Pharmacy | Price (30‑day supply) | Shipping (AU mainland) | Accreditation | Prescription Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PharmacyOne | $13.50 | Free (3‑5 business days) | TGA + e‑Pharmacy | Upload PDF or use Telehealth chat (15‑min) |
| HealthDirect | $14.20 | $2.99 (express 1‑2 days) or free standard | TGA | Phone verification with pharmacist |
| OzMedsOnline | $12.80 | Free over $30 order, otherwise $4.50 | TGA + e‑Pharmacy | Doctor’s e‑prescription link (no upload needed) |
Prices fluctuate with bulk discounts and seasonal promotions, so it’s worth checking the site’s “Deals” page before you commit. The cheapest option above, OzMedsOnline, also offers free shipping on orders above $30, which can shave a few dollars off a typical four‑month supply.
Pricing & Delivery Tips
- Subscribe to a 3‑month repeat order - many sites give 5‑10% off regular shipments.
- Combine orders with other OTC products (e.g., saline sprays) to hit free‑shipping thresholds.
- Watch for “PBS” listings - the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidises certain asthma medicines, though montelukast is usually not covered unless you have a specific health card.
- Use a Medicare-linked e‑prescription if your doctor participates - it can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
Risks and How to Stay Protected
Buying cheap medication online can tempt you into shortcuts, but counterfeit tablets are a real danger. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Never buy from marketplaces that don’t verify sellers (e.g., Facebook Marketplace).
- Check the packaging - genuine Australian packs have the TGA batch number, expiry date, and a holographic seal.
- If the price looks too good to be true (e.g., $5 for a 30‑day supply), assume it’s fake.
- Read the pharmacy’s return policy - reputable sites will accept returns for damaged or incorrect items.
Should you suspect a counterfeit, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). They investigate fraudulent health product sales.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Order Generic Singulair Online
- Get a valid prescription from your GP or via a Telehealth service.
- Choose one of the accredited pharmacies from the comparison table.
- Create an account - you’ll need your Medicare number for verification.
- Upload the prescription (PDF, photo, or e‑prescription link).
- Select the 10mg strength and the quantity you need (e.g., 30 tablets).
- Review the price breakdown, apply any promo code, and choose a shipping option.
- Enter payment details on the secure https:// checkout page.
- Confirm the order. You’ll receive an email with an order number and estimated delivery date.
- When the package arrives, check the label for the TGA batch number and expiry date before using.
Most Australian e‑pharmacies process orders within 24hours, so you can usually start your medication within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is generic montelukast as effective as brand‑name Singulair?
Yes. The TGA ensures that generics meet the same bio‑equivalence standards as the original, so you’ll get the same asthma control and allergy relief.
Do I need a prescription to buy montelukast online?
In Australia, a valid prescription - either a paper copy or a digital e‑prescription - is required. Some online pharmacies offer a quick Telehealth consult that can issue a prescription on the spot.
Can I use my Medicare card to get a discount?
Montelukast is generally not listed on the PBS, so Medicare doesn’t subsidise it. However, if you have a specific health card that includes asthma medication, you may qualify for a partial rebate.
How can I tell if an online pharmacy is TGA‑approved?
Look for the TGA logo and a registration number (e.g., “TGA 12345”). The pharmacy’s “About Us” page should list this information, and you can verify it on the TGA’s public registry.
What should I do if I receive a suspect product?
Stop using it immediately, contact the pharmacy for a refund, and report the incident to the ACCC. Keep the packaging and any correspondence as evidence.
Saving money on your asthma medication is doable, but never at the expense of safety. Stick to TGA‑approved, accredited online pharmacies, keep a valid prescription on hand, and compare prices before you hit ‘buy’. With the right approach, you’ll have affordable relief and peace of mind.
Look, the pharma giants have been inflating brand‑name Singulair for decades and the whole system is rigged to keep us paying more.
Generic montelukast cuts out the middlemen, but you still have to dodge a web of counterfeit ops that pop up on shady sites.
The TGA accreditation is the only real shield, and even that can be faked if you don't verify the registration number yourself.
Keep your prescription handy and never trust a pharmacy that doesn't ask for one – that's a red flag for a scam.
Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you could be feeding a black‑market pipeline.