Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are inhaled corticosteroid medicines used as a controller medicine to treat asthma. Flovent HFA is also used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), the manufacturer of Flovent, discontinued production of Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus. As part of this process, GSK is making an “authorized generic” which is the exact same medicine with the same dosing but without the branding.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about this change.
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1. What’s the difference between the brand name Flovent inhalers and the generic fluticasone inhalers?
The authorized generic options for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are the same inhaler devices and medicine (fluticasone) as found in the brand name Flovent. They work exactly the same. They just don’t have the brand label.
2. How do I know if the generic fluticasone will be covered by my insurance?
Access to the authorized generic fluticasone (active ingredient in Flovent) will depend on your health insurance and your pharmacy benefits or formulary. While we hope most insurance plans will replace the brand name Flovent with the authorized generic, there may be some that don’t. It may create delays for people to get the medicine they need.
If you are currently using brand name Flovent HFA or Flovent Diskus, check with your insurance to see if the authorized generic versions are covered. For some people, the out-of-pocket costs may unexpectedly be higher with the generic if your plan doesn’t have the authorized generics on your insurance plans preferred drug lists.
3. What do I do if I have asthma and can’t get the authorized generic fluticasone or if my insurance doesn’t cover it?
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If the authorized generic is not covered by the insurance provider, you can work with the insurance company to ask for a “formulary exception” to determine if your insurance company will provide an exemption and cover the medicine.
If your insurance plan will not cover the authorized generic fluticasone and a formulary exception is not available, there are other inhaler options for the treatment of asthma. Some brand name options may include ArmonAir Digihaler and Arnuity Ellipta. ArmonAir Digihaler is an alternative for Flovent Diskus. The formulation is the same but slightly different doses are available. Arnuity Ellipta is an inhaled steroid but not a direct substitute for Flovent HFA or Flovent Diskus. Check with your doctor on what dose to take if you are prescribed this medicine and ask them to show you how to use these inhalers.
If your prescription changes from fluticasone propionate HFA or fluticasone propionate Diskus to something else, you need to be aware of what medicine you have been prescribed and how to use it. Not all inhalers are used the same way. Some insurers are transitioning to breath-actuated inhalers (like the Diskus versions) on their preferred drug lists, but these are not appropriate for some people with asthma.
4. What do I do if I have EoE and can’t get the authorized generic fluticasone or if my insurance doesn’t cover it?
If your insurance plan will not cover the authorized generic fluticasone, call your doctor to talk about your treatment options. Your doctor may need to follow up with your insurance company to appeal for the generic fluticasone to get covered. There aren’t other substitutes available for the treatment of EoE. Your doctor may talk with you about changing your treatment to a different medicine (budesonide).
5. What can I do now to prepare for a possible switch to the authorized generic or another medicine?
It is really important for people with asthma to continue their asthma control medicines, especially during respiratory illness season. Fluticasone works by controlling inflammation and swelling in the airways to prevent asthma attacks.
If you are currently using Flovent, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist about the best next steps for them. The authorized generic of Flovent is the exact same product without the brand label.
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If you are switching to a different medicine, you should consult your doctor about appropriate dosing and also ask for training on how to administer the medicine.
If you use Flovent, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the best course of action to continue treatment.
6. What do I do if I get a different inhaler than I’ve used before?
Not all inhalers are used the same way. Be sure you are aware of what medicine you are prescribed and ask your doctor about dosing and how to use the inhaler.
7. Why does the authorized generic cost me more? If it is the same exact drug, why isn’t it covered by my insurance?
The authorized generic fluticasone may have higher or lower out-of-pocket costs for patients than the brand name Flovent.
The U.S. has a complicated drug pricing ecosystem. Manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies, and federal policies can create situations that reduce access to critical medicines for patients.
It’s not yet clear what impact this situation will have on pricing. GSK (the maker of Flovent) has released the statement below offering their perspective on this issue.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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