Is there a generic for Flovent Diskus?

Aug 29, 2023

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrows your airways. It can lead to recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. There are several options used to treat this condition including short and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled and oral corticosteroids.

Flovent Diskus is a brand-name inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is FDA-approved for the treatment of asthma in people 4 years of age and older. It is also used to help manage symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

All of the patents for Flovent Diskus are expired and Lannett Company, Inc. entered into an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement for the generic of Flovent Diskus in 2020. However, there is still no generic version of Flovent Diskus available in the US and the cost can be expensive. Generic drugs typically cost less and contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications, although the exact formulations and combinations of inactive ingredients may be different. The average cost of name-brand Flovent Diskus can range from around $250 to over $350, depending on the strength.

Flovent Diskus FAQs

What is Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus (fluticasone propionate) is an inhalation powder that is used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. When used properly, this maintenance inhaler will reduce the number and severity of your asthma attacks. Flovent Diskus does not replace your fast-acting bronchodilator used to treat sudden breathing problems. Your doctor will prescribe a beta-agonist like Proventil HFA (albuterol) to treat acute bronchospasm associated with asthma attacks.

How does Flovent Diskus work?

The active ingredient in Flovent Diskus is fluticasone propionate, which is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). When you inhale it into your lungs, it reduces inflammation and swelling to open up your airways. This helps you breathe easier and relieves symptoms of asthma such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of Flovent Diskus?

The most common side effects of Flovent Diskus include:

Upper respiratory tract infection
Throat irritation and hoarseness
Sinusitis
Rhinitis (sneezing, itchiness, and a blocked or runny nose)
Thrush (fungal infection in your mouth)
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Cough
Bronchitis
Headache

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

Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing
Sudden bronchospasm with symptoms such as wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, and chest tightness
Stress hormone level (cortisol) changes with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure
Stunted growth in children
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Worsening of infections (tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, and ocular herpes simplex)

These are not all of the possible side effects of Flovent Diskus. 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 and drug information, including your Medication Guide that comes with Flovent Diskus. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What warnings and precautions are there with Flovent Diskus?

You should not take Flovent Diskus 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 drug interactions are there with Flovent Diskus?

When Flovent Diskus 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 Flovent Diskus may include:

Strong cytochrome CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, saquinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and telithromycin

What doses are available for Flovent Diskus?

Flovent Diskus is available as an inhalation powder that contains 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 250 mcg of fluticasone propionate per actuation.

What is the difference between Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus?

Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus both contain the same active ingredient, fluticasone propionate. They are both used in the treatment of asthma and have most of the same side effects, warnings, and drug interactions. The main differences between these 2 products are the doses they are available in and how they get the medication to your lungs. Also, you cannot use a spacer with Flovent Diskus like you can with Flovent HFA.

Flovent Diskus is a dry powder inhaler that is different from a metered-dose inhalation aerosol like Flovent HFA. Flovent HFA uses a propellant to disperse the medication. The HFA in its name stands for hydrofluoroalkane. HFA is an environmentally friendly propellant that does not destroy the Earth's ozone layer. Flovent Diskus does not contain any propellant. Instead, it relies on your ability to inhale the powder to get the medicine to your lungs.

These 2 products are available in different strengths. Flovent HFA is available in strengths of 44 mcg, 110 mcg, and 220 mcg, while Flovent Diskus is available in 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 250 mcg strengths.

How long does it take for Flovent Diskus to start working?

After you start using Flovent Diskus twice a day, it can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer before you begin to notice any improvements in your asthma symptoms.

How much does Flovent Diskus cost?

Flovent Diskus can be expensive as there is no generic version available at this time. A Flovent Diskus 50 mcg inhaler costs around $250 in the US. A 100 mcg inhaler has an average cost of around $260 and a 250 mcg inhaler is over $350. At Universal Drug Store (UDS), you can save on the price of Flovent Diskus. Using our network of international pharmacies, you can have an inhaler shipped to your doorstep for a fraction of the cost. A 50 mcg inhaler at UDS costs $69, a 100 mcg inhaler costs $78, and a 250 mcg costs $92. Check out UDS for up to 80% off of your local retail price of thousands of medications.

How should you store your Flovent Diskus inhaler?

Flovent Diskus should be stored in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep your inhaler at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Short periods are allowed in temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.