Popular Asthma Inhaler Discontinued, Alternatives Exist

Flovent disappeared Jan. 1, when GSK pulled it. Insurers dropping coverage and Medicaid rule changes likely incentivized the move to protect profits.

A Flovent inhaler. Colleen Michaels/Shutterstock

For millions suffering from asthma, the common symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness are controlled effectively with Flovent. But on Jan. 1, this very common asthma inhaler was abruptly discontinued by manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Now, blindsided patients are wondering why this crucial medication that keeps their condition in check was pulled from shelves and what last-ditch alternatives remain for them to manage their symptoms, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Insurers Were Already Shifting Away From Flovent

Earlier this month, a post from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) revealed that GSK would remove its popular, brand-name inhaler, Flovent, from the market to offer only a generic version of the drug.