If you have asthma and use the inhaler Flovent made by GSK, listen up. LSU Health New Orleans Pulmonologist Dr. Kyle Happel said they just learned it’s being removed from the shelves beginning Monday. And while there are other options…
“It’s going to be a lot of work on the part of the doctor’s offices to make sure that patients get their prescriptions changed over either to a different inhaler or to the generic equivalent which is called fluticasone,” said Happel.
Happel unfortunately said many insurance companies do not cover the alternatives for Flovent so he’s encouraging users to be proactive about refilling their maintenance medication…
“What we’re afraid of is people are going to go to their pharmacy and not be able to get this stuff and then just walk away. And we’re concerned that people may lose control of their asthma,” said Happel.
GSK is reportedly discontinuing Flovent due to Medicaid rate changes that would force the company to pay larger penalties for hiking prices. Happel said you might want to get in touch with your doctor now so a prescription for an alternative is ready to go…
“Or maybe even contract your pharmacy. Your pharmacy may actually have in many cases more detailed information about what the insurance plan wants you to do since Flovent is leaving the marketplace on January 1st,” said Happel.
Happle said the generic fluticasone, ironically which is also made by GSK, works just as well as Flovent.
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