Is there a cheaper alternative to Flovent HFA?

Aug 29, 2023

Flovent HFA is a brand-name prescription medication that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older. It is also sometimes used to help manage the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If Flovent HFA or its generic alternative does not work for you, there are many other FDA-approved metered-dose asthma inhalers, dry powder inhalers, or nebulizer solutions you can try. Or if your insurance does not cover it or your copay is still too expensive, there are other options as well. Keep reading to find out.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)

Inhaled steroids can help reduce inflammation and swelling in your airways to prevent asthma attacks. These are maintenance asthma medications and need to be taken every day to work. These drugs come in an inhalation powder as well as metered dose inhalers and nebulizer solutions. Some other meds in this class include Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate), Pulmicort Respules (budesonide), Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone), Qvar Redihaler (beclomethasone), Alvesco (ciclesonide), and Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate). Some of these products are available as generic drugs so you may be able to find a cheaper alternative to Flovent HFA.

Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)

For some people, inhaled corticosteroids are not effective or they can’t tolerate them. In this instance, an inhaled long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) may be appropriate. These bronchodilators relax the smooth muscles in your lungs to open up your airways so you can breathe. These are also maintenance meds like ICS and need to be taken daily to be effective. Some examples of LABAs include Serevent (salmeterol), Foradil (formoterol), Brovana (arformoterol), and Striverdi (olodaterol).

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)

Another alternative to inhaled steroids is LAMAs. These maintenance medications work by blocking the constricting effects of acetylcholine, which leads to bronchodilation and open airways. Some examples of LAMAs include Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium), Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium), and Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium).

Combination medications

Several studies have shown that combination therapy with 2 or more of these medications provides better control of your asthma symptoms. There are many different combinations that are available. These tend to be expensive as they are not usually generic medications. Some examples of combination inhalers include Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol), Advair HFA (fluticasone/salmeterol), Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol), Dulera (mometasone/formoterol), Airduo Respiclick (fluticasone/salmeterol), Breztri (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol), Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol), Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium/vilanterol), and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol).

Flovent HFA FAQs

What does Flovent HFA treat?

Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) is an ICS that is used to manage and prevent asthma symptoms. When used properly, this maintenance inhaler will reduce the number and severity of your asthma attacks.

Flovent HFA does not replace your rescue inhaler that is used to treat sudden breathing problems. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol (Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, or Ventolin HFA) to treat acute bronchospasms associated with asthma attacks.

How does Flovent HFA work?

The active ingredient in Flovent HFA is an inhaled corticosteroid called fluticasone propionate. When you inhale it into your lungs, it reduces swelling and inflammation to help open up your airways. This helps relieve symptoms of asthma such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of Flovent HFA?

The most common side effects of Flovent HFA include:

Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation
Hoarseness
Sinus infection
Sneezing
Stuffy or runny nose
Fungal infection in your mouth (thrush)
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Cough
Headache

Rarely, Flovent HFA may cause serious side effects such as:

Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing)
Sudden bronchospasm (wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, and chest tightness)
Stress hormone level (cortisol) changes
Stunted growth in children
Cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye problems
Worsening infections including tuberculosis

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flovent HFA. You should always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You should also read all the patient information, including your Medication Guide that comes with Flovent HFA. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Who should not take Flovent HFA?

You should not take Flovent HFA if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the inactive ingredients in its formulation, including milk proteins.

You should be sure your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions as you may need increased monitoring during treatment. This includes:

Liver disease
Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
Immune system problems
Cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye problems
Exposure to chickenpox or measles
Active infection
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as it’s not known if this medication may harm your unborn baby
Are breastfeeding as it’s not known if the medicine passes into your breast milk or if it can harm your baby

What drugs interact with Flovent HFA?

When Flovent HFA is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the risk of side effects. Some drug interactions with this medication include:

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin

What doses are available for Flovent HFA?

Flovent Diskus is available as an inhalation aerosol that contains 44 mcg, 110 mcg, or 220 mcg of fluticasone propionate per actuation.

What is the cost of Flovent HFA?

The cost of Flovent HFA or its generic version will depend on your insurance coverage. To find out if this medication is covered and what your copay will be, contact your insurance company. Without insurance, the average cost of a brand-name Flovent HFA 44 mcg inhaler is about $260, while the generic version is around $230. The cost of a brand-name Flovent HFA 110 mcg inhaler is over $320. The generic version is not much cheaper and is around $300. The cost of a brand-name 220 mcg inhaler of Flovent HFA is over $550. The generic version is still around $500.

Is Flovent HFA cheaper in other countries?

You don’t need a coupon or GoodRx discount card to save money on Flovent HFA from Universal Drugstore (UDS). The average cost of a brand-name Flovent 44 mcg inhaler is around $35. The cost of the brand name and generic Flovent HFA 110 mcg inhaler is around $60 while it is $80 for both of the Flovent HFA 220 mcg inhalers.

At UDS, you can save up to 80% off of the retail cost you might pay at local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. It can be delivered to your doorstep with a valid prescription. We are the global leader in online prescription drug savings with almost 20 years of experience supplying prescription and OTC drugs to our customers. We work with several Canadian pharmacies and international partners from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Turkey, all licensed by the qualified governmental regulatory bodies of their respective countries. Check out our online pharmacy in Canada for the lowest price on this and many other medications.

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