When You Can't Get Arnuity Ellipta, You Still Have Options

If your pharmacy is out of Arnuity Ellipta, or if your insurance won't cover it, you may be wondering: what else can I take? The good news is that there are several effective alternatives in the same drug class that can help you manage your asthma.

This guide covers what Arnuity Ellipta is, how it works, and the best alternative inhaled corticosteroids you can discuss with your doctor. We'll include real details about each option so you can have an informed conversation at your next appointment.

What Is Arnuity Ellipta?

Arnuity Ellipta is the brand name for Fluticasone Furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It was first approved by the FDA in August 2014 for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 and older, and later expanded to include children as young as 5 years old.

Arnuity Ellipta comes in three strengths — 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 200 mcg — and is taken as one inhalation once daily using the Ellipta dry powder inhaler device. It's a maintenance medication, meaning you take it every day to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a rescue inhaler.

For a complete overview, see our article on what Arnuity Ellipta is, its uses, and dosage.

How Does Arnuity Ellipta Work?

Fluticasone Furoate works by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in your lungs. This reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals — like cytokines and leukotrienes — that cause your airways to swell, produce excess mucus, and become more sensitive to triggers.

By reducing this inflammation over time, Arnuity Ellipta helps keep your airways open and less reactive. This means fewer asthma symptoms, fewer flare-ups, and less need for your rescue inhaler. You can learn more in our detailed article on how Arnuity Ellipta works.

All of the alternatives listed below work through a similar mechanism — they're all inhaled corticosteroids that reduce airway inflammation. The main differences are in the specific active ingredient, the inhaler device, dosing frequency, and cost.

Alternative 1: Pulmicort Flexhaler (Budesonide)

Pulmicort Flexhaler contains Budesonide, one of the most widely used inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. It's available as a generic, which makes it one of the more affordable ICS options.

• Dosing: Typically taken twice daily (compared to Arnuity Ellipta's once-daily dosing)
• Available strengths: 90 mcg and 180 mcg per actuation
• Device: Dry powder inhaler (Flexhaler)
• Generic available: Yes — generic Budesonide inhalation powder is available and usually costs less than brand-name Arnuity Ellipta
• Good for: Patients who need an affordable ICS option; also available as Pulmicort Respules (nebulizer solution) for younger children

The main trade-off is the twice-daily dosing schedule. If once-daily convenience was a major reason your doctor prescribed Arnuity Ellipta, talk to your provider about whether twice-daily Budesonide would work for your routine.

Alternative 2: Flovent Diskus / Flovent HFA (Fluticasone Propionate)

Flovent is another inhaled corticosteroid made by GSK. It contains Fluticasone Propionate — a different form of Fluticasone than the Fluticasone Furoate in Arnuity Ellipta. Authorized generics of both Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are now available.

• Dosing: Twice daily
• Available strengths: 44 mcg, 110 mcg, and 220 mcg (HFA); 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 250 mcg (Diskus)
• Device: Metered-dose inhaler (HFA) or dry powder inhaler (Diskus)
• Generic available: Yes — authorized generics of both formulations
• Good for: Patients already familiar with Fluticasone who want a similar medication; available in both MDI and DPI formats

Since Flovent uses a different form of Fluticasone, the dosing is not directly interchangeable with Arnuity Ellipta. Your doctor will determine the right strength if you switch.

Alternative 3: Qvar RediHaler (Beclomethasone Dipropionate)

Qvar RediHaler is a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler containing Beclomethasone. The breath-actuated design means the inhaler automatically releases medication when you breathe in, which can be helpful if you have trouble coordinating the press-and-breathe technique of traditional MDIs.

• Dosing: Twice daily
• Available strengths: 40 mcg and 80 mcg per actuation
• Device: Breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler
• Generic available: Generic Beclomethasone HFA inhalers are available
• Good for: Patients who prefer an MDI over a dry powder inhaler, or who have difficulty with inhaler coordination

Alternative 4: Asmanex Twisthaler (Mometasone Furoate)

Asmanex Twisthaler contains Mometasone Furoate and can be dosed once or twice daily depending on the strength and your asthma severity.

• Dosing: Once daily (evening) or twice daily depending on strength
• Available strengths: 110 mcg and 220 mcg per actuation
• Device: Dry powder inhaler (Twisthaler)
• Generic available: Limited generic availability
• Good for: Patients who prefer once-daily dosing (like Arnuity Ellipta) at certain strengths

Asmanex is one of the closest alternatives to Arnuity Ellipta in terms of once-daily convenience, though the specific dosing may vary.

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

Only your doctor can determine the best alternative for your asthma. Here are some factors they'll consider:

• Your asthma severity: Some medications come in a wider range of strengths
• Dosing preference: Once daily vs. twice daily
• Inhaler technique: DPI vs. MDI vs. breath-actuated
• Insurance coverage: Which medications are on your plan's formulary
• Cost: Generic options like Budesonide tend to be more affordable
• Age: Some formulations are approved for younger children

Don't switch medications on your own. Always talk to your doctor before changing your asthma treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Arnuity Ellipta prescription is frustrating, but it doesn't mean you have to go without asthma control. There are several proven inhaled corticosteroid alternatives that your doctor can prescribe, each with its own strengths.

If you're still hoping to find Arnuity Ellipta, try using Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you, or read our tips on how to find Arnuity Ellipta in stock. And if cost is a factor, check out our guide on saving money on Arnuity Ellipta.