Asthma Inhaler Online

Getting an asthma inhaler online

Asthma is one of the most common conditions managed by GPs in Australia, affecting a large proportion of the population across all age groups. Most asthma treatment involves inhalers, which fall into two broad categories: relievers (used when symptoms occur) and preventers (taken daily to reduce inflammation). A NewDoc telehealth consultation lets you discuss your current symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, receive an eScript for a reliever or preventer inhaler.

Your GP will assess your symptom pattern, review any recent attacks, discuss triggers, and check whether your current treatment plan is working. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, and the eScript is included at no extra charge.

How online inhaler prescription works

Book a telehealth consultation, join the video or phone call at your scheduled time, and discuss your asthma with an AHPRA-registered GP. If your GP determines that an inhaler prescription is clinically appropriate, an eScript is sent to your phone by SMS, typically within minutes of the call ending.

You can fill the script at any Australian pharmacy. PBS-listed inhalers are subsidised, so the out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy is limited to the standard PBS co-payment (lower for concession cardholders).

When to see a GP in person

Telehealth is well suited to ongoing asthma management and repeat scripts, but your GP may recommend an in-person review if your symptoms have changed significantly, if you are having frequent attacks, if you have never been formally assessed for asthma, or if spirometry or another physical assessment is indicated.

If you are having a severe asthma attack, call 000 immediately or attend the nearest emergency department. Telehealth is not appropriate for acute emergencies. Live hospital ED wait times are available if you need to decide where to go.

Asthma action plans

An asthma action plan is a written document that sets out your personal asthma management strategy, including which medications to take, when to step treatment up or down, and when to seek urgent help. Having an up-to-date asthma action plan is associated with better outcomes. Your NewDoc GP can develop or update your plan during a telehealth consultation alongside issuing your inhaler eScript.

References

Asthma, Healthdirect Australia
Australian Asthma Handbook, National Asthma Council Australia
Managing asthma, Asthma Australia

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP, Chief Medical Officer, NewDoc

Last reviewed 22 April 2026. Editorial policy

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an asthma inhaler prescription online in Australia?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP can assess your asthma during a telehealth consultation and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe reliever and preventer inhalers as an eScript sent to your phone.

Is an online inhaler prescription bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare cardholders. The consultation is bulk billed to Medicare at no out-of-pocket cost, and the eScript is included. You only pay the pharmacy dispensing fee at the time of collection. PBS-listed inhalers are subsidised.

Can I get a reliever inhaler without a script?

Some over-the-counter reliever inhalers are available directly from Australian pharmacies after a brief assessment by a pharmacist. Preventer inhalers and stronger reliever options are prescription-only. If you have ongoing asthma symptoms, a GP consultation is strongly recommended for proper assessment and a written asthma action plan.

Can I get a preventer inhaler via telehealth?

Yes. Preventer inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids, combination inhalers) can be prescribed via telehealth when clinically appropriate. Your GP will assess your symptom frequency, peak flow if available, and any triggers before issuing the script.

Do I need a spirometry test before getting an inhaler?

Not always. Your GP will decide based on your history, symptoms, and any prior diagnosis. If spirometry is indicated to confirm or reassess your diagnosis, your GP can arrange a referral to a pathology or respiratory clinic as part of the telehealth consultation.

What should I have ready for my inhaler consultation?

Have your current inhaler packaging available (or the medication names), a note of how often you use your reliever, a summary of any recent asthma attacks, your peak flow reading if you measure one, and your Medicare card. This helps your GP make safe prescribing decisions quickly.

Can I get an asthma action plan via telehealth?

Yes. Your NewDoc GP can develop or update your written asthma action plan during a telehealth consultation. The plan outlines what medication to take, when to step treatment up or down, and when to seek urgent care. A clear action plan is a key part of asthma self-management.