Key Takeaways
- Generic montelukast works the same as brand Singulair and costs a fraction of the price.
- Only UK‑registered online pharmacies can legally dispense prescription medicines.
- Check the MHRA registration number, physical address and contact details before you click ‘Buy’.
- Typical price for a 30‑tablet pack of generic montelukast is £3‑£6, versus £12‑£15 for the brand.
- Fast delivery, secure payment and a clear return policy are hallmarks of a trustworthy service.
When you’re hunting for a cheap generic Singulair, the internet feels like a gold mine - discounts everywhere, “no prescription needed” promises, and a swipe‑and‑pay checkout that looks too good to be true. But buying medication online isn’t a gamble if you follow a clear, step‑by‑step plan. This guide shows exactly how to score genuine, low‑cost generic montelukast in the UK, stay on the safe side of the law, and avoid the common traps that leave people with empty wallets or fake pills.
Generic Montelukast is the off‑label name for the same active ingredient found in Singulair - a leukotriene receptor antagonist that eases asthma and seasonal allergies. It comes in 4mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets, and the therapeutic effect matches the brand in clinical studies.
Before you jump into the checkout, answer two quick questions: Do you already have a prescription from your GP or specialist? And are you comfortable confirming that the online pharmacy you choose is fully licensed by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)?
Why Choose Generic Over Brand?
People often wonder if generics are “just cheaper copies”. In reality, the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency tests every batch for purity, bioavailability and safety. The only difference is the branding and, sometimes, inactive fillers.
Here’s a quick side‑by‑side snapshot:
| Attribute | Singulair (brand) | Generic Montelukast |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Montelukast sodium 10mg | Montelukast sodium 10mg |
| Price (30 tablets) | £12‑£15 | £3‑£6 |
| Formulation | Film‑coated tablet | Film‑coated tablet (varies by manufacturer) |
| NHS reimbursement | Yes, with prescription | Yes, with prescription |
| Regulatory status | MHRA‑approved brand | MHRA‑approved generic |
The efficacy gap is essentially zero. If you’re prescribed a 5mg dose for a child, both the brand and the generic will deliver the same clinical outcome. The only reason to stick with the brand is if you have an allergic reaction to a particular filler - a rare scenario.
Step1 - Get a Valid Prescription
In the UK, montelukast is a prescription‑only medication (POM). That means you’ll need a legitimate script from a registered prescriber - your GP, a respiratory specialist, or an NHS walk‑in clinic.
If you already have a paper prescription, scan or photograph it clearly. For digital scripts, ask your GP to forward the e‑prescription directly to your chosen online pharmacy - many NHS‑linked services accept this format automatically.
Tip: Keep a copy of the prescription handy throughout the buying process. Some online pharmacies request a photo of the script before they release the medication.
Step2 - Spot a Reputable Online Pharmacy
Not every website that says “Buy cheap Singulair online” is legit. Follow this checklist to verify authenticity:
- Look for the MHRA registration number - it should be displayed on the homepage or the “About Us” page.
- Confirm the pharmacy lists a physical UK address and a landline telephone number (not just a Gmail contact).
- Check if the site displays the NHS logo and states they work with NHS prescriptions.
- Read the privacy policy and see how they handle personal data - a reputable pharmacy will be GDPR‑compliant.
- Search online for reviews on independent consumer forums (e.g., Trustpilot, Which? Buying Guide).
Websites that promise “no prescription needed” or “cash‑only payment” are red flags. Buying prescription meds without a script breaks the law and puts your health at risk.
Step3 - Compare Prices and Shipping
Now that you have a shortlist of vetted pharmacies, it’s time to compare the total cost. Remember to include:
- Medication price per pack.
- Delivery fee - many UK services offer free standard shipping for orders over £20.
- Packaging - discreet, tamper‑evident packaging is a sign of professionalism.
- Estimated delivery time - most reputable sites ship within 2‑4 business days.
Below is a quick price snapshot for a 30‑tablet pack of 10mg generic montelukast from three well‑known UK‑registered online pharmacies:
| Pharmacy | Price (per pack) | Delivery fee | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy A (MHRA‑registered) | £4.50 | Free | £4.50 |
| Pharmacy B (NHS‑linked) | £5.20 | £2.00 | £7.20 |
| Pharmacy C (large chain) | £5.80 | Free (orders > £20) | £5.80 |
Step4 - Place Your Order Securely
When you’re ready to checkout, follow these safety steps:
- Enter the prescription reference number or upload the scanned script.
- Double‑check the dosage and quantity before confirming.
- Choose a payment method that offers buyer protection - credit cards or trusted payment gateways (e.g., PayPal).
- Read the return or refund policy. Legit pharmacies will accept returns for unopened medication within a reasonable window.
- Save the order confirmation email. It contains the tracking number and contact details for any follow‑up.
Step5 - Verify the Received Medication
When the parcel arrives, open it in a well‑lit area and compare the tablets to the description on the pharmacy’s website. Look for:
- Correct tablet shape, color, and imprint - Montelukast 10mg tablets typically bear the code “M10”.
- Clear expiry date on the blister pack.
- Sealed, tamper‑evident packaging.
If anything feels off, contact the pharmacy’s customer service immediately. Keep the original packaging until you’re sure the product is genuine.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned shoppers slip up. Here are the top mistakes and quick fixes:
- Skipping the prescription. It may seem harmless, but without a script you’re breaking the law and risking counterfeit meds.
- Choosing the lowest price without verification. A £2 pack sounds great until you discover the tablets are empty or the site disappears with your money.
- Ignoring the MHRA number. Fake sites often omit this detail or display a random string.
- Using unsecured Wi‑Fi. Always shop on a private, password‑protected network or use a VPN.
- Not checking the return policy. Some sites lock you out of refunds once the medication is shipped.
By keeping these points top of mind, you can enjoy the cost savings without compromising safety.
What to Do If You Spot a Scam
Report any suspicious pharmacy to the MHRA’s online medicines fraud team. You can also alert Action Fraud and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Providing the website URL, email correspondence and transaction details helps authorities shut down illegal sellers quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is generic montelukast as effective as brand Singulair?
Yes. The generic contains the same active ingredient, dosage strength and has passed the same bioequivalence tests required by the MHRA. Clinical outcomes are identical for asthma and allergy control.
Can I buy generic montelukast without a prescription?
No. Montelukast is a prescription‑only medicine in the UK. Any site offering it without a valid script is operating illegally and may be selling counterfeit pills.
How do I verify that an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Check for an MHRA registration number, a physical UK address, a landline phone, NHS affiliation, and GDPR‑compliant privacy policies. Look up the registration on the official MHRA site.
What price should I expect for a 30‑tablet pack?
In 2025, reputable UK online pharmacies list generic montelukast between £3 and £6 per pack, plus any delivery charge. Anything significantly lower should raise a red flag.
How long does delivery usually take?
Most registered online pharmacies ship within 2‑4 business days for mainland UK. Express options may be available for an extra fee.
Can I return unused generic montelukast if I change my mind?
Yes, if the pharmacy’s policy allows it. Usually, you must return unopened packs within a set period and may need to cover the return shipping cost.
Next Steps - Your Quick Action Plan
1️⃣ Get a current prescription from your GP. 2️⃣ Pick an MHRA‑registered online pharmacy and verify its details. 3️⃣ Compare the three price tables above and pick the best total cost. 4️⃣ Place the order using a protected payment method. 5️⃣ When the box arrives, match the tablet imprint and check the expiry date.
Following these five moves gets you the same relief as Singulair at a fraction of the price, without compromising safety. Happy, affordable breathing!
