Written on: January 2, 2024 by SprayTM
As of Jan. 1, Asthma inhaler Flovent is no longer available at pharmacies and GSK, manufacturer of the generic version, has stated that an “authorized generic” version has taken its place.
Doctors say that version is just as effective, but it is not as widely covered by insurance companies. Some people will need new prescriptions and have to figure out coverage issues at the height of respiratory virus season. Some doctors are concerned their patients might have trouble replacing it and finding insurance coverage, CNN reported.
“This medication has been the most commonly used inhaled medication for the past 25 or 30 years,” Robyn Cohen, MD, of Boston Medical Center told CNN.
“It’s the one that, overwhelmingly, pediatricians reach for when they decide that their patient needs a daily preventive medication. … The fact that it’s being discontinued is going to be a huge shock to the system for patients, for families and for doctors.”
GSK is making the change “as part of our commitment to be ambitious for patients,” a spokeswoman said.
The generic versions of Flovent HFA, an inhalation aerosol, and Flovent Diskus, an inhalation powder, “will provide patients in the US with potentially lower cost alternatives of these medically important products.”
CNN reported that experts say GSK is making the switch when a change in Medicaid rebates could bring large penalties because of price increases on Flovent over the years.
The price has gone up about 47% in nine years, according to data from GoodRx.
Read the full CNN report HERE.
