Flovent Inhaler Discontinued: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Facts at a Glance:

1. January 1, 2024 - GSK discontinued the production of both Flovent HFA MDI and Diskus DPI formulations and replaced them with generic versions distributed by Prasco LLC.
2. Generic Fluticasone may result in higher copayments for patients or may not be covered by insurance at all.
3. Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) like the AEROCHAMBER? Brand of VHCs reduce the timing issues often seen with using an MDI alone.
4. Use of the AEROCHAMBER PLUS? FLOW-VU? aVHC with other inhaled corticosteroids on the market that may be offered as a substitute for Flovent shows improved medication delivering and decreased oropharyngeal delivery.

Flovent, a popular corticosteroid inhaler used to treat and control asthma symptoms in children and adults has now been discontinued. As of January 1, 2024, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has discontinued the production of Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, replacing them with a generic version of each device at the same previous strengths.1 In a statement made to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), GSK stated “The authorized generic will contain the same medicine, in the same familiar device, with the same instructions for use as Flovent”.1

GSK claims that this transition aims to provide patients in the U.S. with potentially lower-cost alternatives to these medically important products.1 However, some medical professionals express concerns about potential impacts on patients' health and finances.?

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS' CONCERNS:

The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concerns and warns of higher copayment and delayed access due to authorization requirements.2 Additionally, pediatricians worry about alterations to the drug's delivery mechanism, as some insurers only cover breath-actuated inhalers, which may not be suitable for children with specific asthma conditions.2 Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) can be used by children and adults alike and improved medication delivery can be recognized by the addition of a VHC.3

AEROCHAMBER PLUS? FLOW-VU? aVHC

The AEROCHAMBER PLUS? FLOW-VU? Anti-Static VHC has been designed to deliver the intended dose of medication established by pharmaceutical companies.? These devices contain a one-way valve to hold the medication that is emitted from the MDI so that it is available to inhale when the user breathes in through the chamber.?

The AEROCHAMBER PLUS? brand of VHC:

• Reduces the need to coordinate the inhaled breath with MDI activation.3
• Reduces oral medication deposition that can cause systemic side effects.3
• Improves lower respiratory tract deposition.3

Data shows improved medication delivery and decreased oropharyngeal delivery using an AEROCHAMBER PLUS? FLOW-VU? aVHC with other inhaled MDI corticosteroids such as Alvesco? and QVar.?

In uncertain times of medication transitions, the AEROCHAMBER PLUS? brand of VHC remains a reliable and consistent choice for effective inhalation therapy. Available in your local pharmacy.

For any questions or concerns, make sure to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and ensure the best outcomes for your respiratory health.

?REFERENCES

1.???? Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). (2024, Jan 4). Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus Asthma Medicines Being Discontinued. Retrieved on January 10, 2024 from https://community.aafa.org/blog/flovent-hfa-and-flovent-diskus-asthma-medicines-being-discontinued

2.???? Jenco, M. (2023 Dec 8). Experts call on insurerers to prioritize corticosteroid medicines appropriate for children. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/27474/Experts-call-on-insurers-to-prioritize?autologincheck=redirected

3.???? ?McIvor, R. Devlin, H. Kaplan, A. (2018). Optimizing the delivery of inhaled medication for respiratory patients: The role of calved holding chambers. Canadian Respiratory Journal 2018:5076259.? Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5904796/

4.???? Harkness H, Doyle C, Ali R, Avvakoumova V, Mitchell J, Nagel M. Valved Holding Chambers are non-interchangeable: Development of a Universal VHC that provides assurance of drug delivery to patients and health care providers. Presented at 2012 Canadian Respiratory Conference.

5.???? Nagel, M. Suggett, J. (2022).? Assessment of potential oropharyngeal deposition and lung delivery of suspension and solution formulated inhaled corticosteroid formulations delivered by pressurized metered dose inhaler without and with spacer using an anatomic upper airway.? Poster presented at Canadian Respiratory Conference April 7-9 in Victoria BC.

6.???? Suggett, J. Nagel, M. Mitchell, J. (2017). Assessment of potential mouth/throat deposition and lung delivery of suspension-and solution formulated inhaled corticosteroid formulations delivered by pressurized meterdose inhaler without and with valved holding chamber using an anatomic adult upper airway. Poster presented at Drug Delivery to the Lungs (DDL) December 6-8, 2017 in Edinburgh Scotland.