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Flovent Discontinuation Leaves Asthma Patients Struggling to Find Alternatives
Many asthma patients across the country are facing difficulties finding alternative medications after Flovent, a popular asthma inhaler, was discontinued in January 2024. This has led to frustration, delays in treatment, and even some hospitalizations.
Why is Flovent No Longer Available?
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Flovent, discontinued the brand-name medication but ensured an authorized generic version would be available. However, several factors are causing issues:
- Insurance Coverage: Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who influence which drugs insurance plans cover, haven’t included some generic alternatives in their formularies (covered medications). This means insurance may not pay for them.
- Cost: While generic, the new versions might be more expensive than the original Flovent, leading to higher costs for patients and potentially discouraging PBMs from covering them.
Impact on Patients
The situation has caused significant challenges for patients:
- Difficulties Finding Alternatives: Many patients, especially those with young children, struggle to find suitable replacements due to insurance restrictions or difficulty using alternative inhalers.
- Treatment Delays: The process of finding a covered medication can take weeks, leaving patients vulnerable to uncontrolled asthma symptoms.
- Increased Hospitalizations: Some patients, like Trey Currie, have experienced severe asthma attacks requiring hospitalization due to a lack of proper medication.
What’s Being Done?
- Changes in Coverage: Some Medicaid programs and private insurers are making adjustments to cover alternative medications for asthma patients.
- Advocacy: Doctors and healthcare professionals are advocating for improved access to affordable asthma medications.
Looking Forward
While the situation is improving, there’s still work to be done to ensure all asthma patients have access to the medications they need. This includes collaboration between drug manufacturers, PBMs, and insurance companies to find cost-effective solutions and prioritize patient health.
Sources:
- American Lung Association: https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/families-childrens-hospital-colorado-feeling-impacts-months-after-asthma-medication-is-discontinued
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://allergysa.com/allergysa-blog/flovent-discontinued
