Retail pharmacies still dominate — you walk in, show a prescription, buy your inhaler. But online pharmacies (Netmeds, PharmEasy, 1mg) are the fastest‑growing channel. The India respiratory drugs market forecast predicts that online pharmacies will capture 25% of the market by 2035, up from 10% today. Why? Because patients with respiratory conditions often have trouble going out (shortness of breath) and prefer doorstep delivery.

What's driving the shift? Discounts (20‑30% off retail prices), auto‑refill subscriptions, and the ability to compare prices across sellers. The India respiratory drugs market analysis notes that inhalers are particularly well‑suited to online sales — they're small, non‑refrigerated, and have long shelf lives.

But there's a downside: counterfeit inhalers. Fake versions of popular brands like Seretide and Foracort have been found online. They contain no active ingredient or dangerous fillers. That's why you should only buy from verified, licensed platforms.

The message: online pharmacies are convenient and cheaper, but be vigilant. And never buy an inhaler from an unverified website. Your lungs are not a place to save money.