Alvesco

Without insurance

With insurance

Compare prices at 50K+ pharmacies nationwide

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified clinicians

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is Alvesco?

Alvesco is an inhaled corticosteroid used as a once-daily maintenance treatment for asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. Alvesco is a prodrug—it's activated by esterases within the airway tissue into its active form, which means it delivers high local anti-inflammatory activity in the lungs while minimizing systemic and oropharyngeal corticosteroid exposure. This targeted activation reduces the risk of common steroid side effects like oral thrush and hoarseness that can occur with other inhaled corticosteroids. It's not a rescue inhaler and should be used daily even when asthma symptoms are absent.

Lung-activated prodrug

Alvesco is pharmacologically inactive until it is cleaved by airway esterases into its active metabolite des-ciclesonide—concentrating anti-inflammatory activity within lung tissue while limiting oropharyngeal and systemic steroid exposure.

Reduced thrush and local side effects

Because the prodrug remains largely inactive until it reaches the lung, less active steroid is deposited in the mouth and throat—significantly reducing the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis and dysphonia compared to immediately active ICS formulations.

Once-daily maintenance

Provides effective, sustained suppression of airway inflammation with a single daily inhalation—reducing the treatment burden of daily asthma management while maintaining consistent bronchial anti-inflammatory control.

Ongoing support, always available.

Your care doesn’t end after your visit. Message your care team anytime to discuss side effects, ask questions about your medication, or request a refill.

We stay proactive so your care stays steady — adjusting your plan as needed and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Thousands of customers trust us

“I feel like I'm finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It's so refreshing and reassuring.”

—Emerald, Texas

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

—Kaylee, Louisiana

“I couldn't be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

—Nika, Tennessee

Dive deeper: get the support you need

Your health rarely comes down to just one thing. If your clinician identifies related needs during your visit, we can help address them through additional services.

Medications

We will write your prescription and send it to your pharmacy

Lab tests

See cost up front and book your lab test instantly

Dermatology

Get a specialist consult or talk to a clinician about your condition

Travel needs

Going on a big trip? Get the vaccines and medications you need

Everyday care

No waitlist, rushed visits, or hidden fees—get care fast.

Frequently asked questions

What is General Medicine?

What can General Medicine help with?

General Medicine provides convenient care for all of your of health needs, including common and chronic conditions, specialist consultations, and preventative care. We make it easy to get the care you need—whether it's getting the right prescriptions, labs or imaging, or connecting you with the right specialists or in-person providers—ensuring your healthcare experience is seamless and stress-free.

How much does General Medicine cost?

Who is the care team at General Medicine?

How do you protect my health information?