Flovent to be discontinued 12/31/2023
December 11, 2023
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is discontinuing production of Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) and Flovent Diskus. Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are inhaled corticosteroid medicines used as a controller medicine to treat asthma (and sometimes off-label for a gastrointestinal illness called Eosinophilic Esophagitis or EoE.)
GSK notified the FDA of this decision on June 2, 2023. The last date the product will be available for ordering is Dec. 31, 2023. GSK believes a supply of these products will be gone by early 2024.
If you use Flovent HFA or Flovent Diskus, here are some steps you can take:
- Refill your current Flovent prescription as soon as possible.
- Your child will need to switch to another medication in 2024. Some brand name options may include ArmonAir Digihaler and Arnuity Ellipta. These are dry powder inhalers approved for ages 5 and older, but cannot be used with a mask/spacer. Qvar is a breath-activated device with similar issues, but can be adapted to use with a spacer/mask with some manipulation of the device (not ideal.)
- A generic fluticasone metered dose inhaler is available. However, some insurers are not covering the generic and others don’t consider it a preferred treatment, which can lead to higher copays and the need for prior authorizations that delay access.
- Asthmanex HFA is a similar, but not identical, inhaled corticosteroid (mometasone) that may also be substituted, but needs to be covered by insurance.
Bottom line, CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE NOW to find out what they will cover in place of Flovent in 2024.