Update Your Recipe Now If You Are Using Flovent
If you or your child uses a Flovent inhaler, now is the time to refill it (if possible) and then call the doctor and ask for a prescription update. The company that makes Flovent is discontinuing the branded version, and the generic version (fluticasone) may not be covered by all plans.
Flovent’s manufacturer, GSK, has announced that it will discontinue production of Flovent HFA (metered dose inhaler) and Flovent Diskus (powder inhaler) effective January 1, 2024. In a statement to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, GSK said the closing date to order Flovent is December 31, 2023; they expect remaining supplies to run out “in early 2024.”
Why is Flovent being discontinued?
Because the American for-profit medical system is fundamentally messed up. CNN notes that this timing coincides with a change in Medicaid rules that imposes penalties for increasing drug prices. Flovent’s price has risen sharply in recent years, so this change will likely impact it.
Before shutting down production, GSK began producing “approved generics” of both drugs. As Flovent.com loudly states , authorized generics are still manufactured by GSK, they are just sold by a different company, PRASCO. They have the same active ingredient, the same packaging (no brand name), and the same instructions.
The generic version may not be covered by your insurance.
So your pharmacist will just switch you to generic fluticasone, right? Not necessary. CNN reports that the generic version may not be covered by insurance or may not be the cheapest option. (Again, there could potentially be some pricing shenanigans at play here; according to CNN, CVS structures its prices to encourage people with insurance to use Pulmicort rather than generic Flovent.)
Depending on how your prescription was written, you may have to ask your doctor to call for a new prescription so you can get an inhaler that works for you and that your insurance covers.
What should I do if I have a prescription for Flovent?
First, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends refilling your Flovent prescription as soon as possible. There’s still some Flovent on pharmacy shelves, so you might want to grab that last inhaler while you still can.
Then contact the doctor who prescribes your inhalers and ask what they recommend. (I promise you won’t be the only one calling about this). The AAFA says some of your options may include:
-
Generic version of Flovent HFA or Flovent Diskus from GSK.
-
ArmonAir Digihaler, an alternative to Flovent Diskus with slightly different dosages.
-
Arnuity Ellipta, another drug that is “not a direct replacement” for Flovent, but may be suitable for many people who have previously taken Flovent.
Your insurance company should be able to tell you which ones they cover, and your doctor should be able to help you figure out which one is the best option for you medically. With any luck, everyone will be able to find a new recipe that works and that may even be cheaper than the one they had before.