When Your Flovent Prescription Can't Be Filled

If you've been prescribed Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate) for asthma and can't get it filled, you're not stuck. While brand-name Flovent was discontinued by GSK in January 2024, the authorized generic Fluticasone Propionate HFA inhaler is widely available. But if even the generic is hard to find in your area, or if your insurance doesn't cover it well, there are several effective alternatives in the same drug class.

In this guide, we'll explain what Flovent does, how it works, and walk through your best alternative options.

What Is Flovent and What Does It Treat?

Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients aged 4 and older. It's not a rescue inhaler — you don't use it during an asthma attack. Instead, you use it every day (typically twice daily) to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring.

Flovent was one of the most widely prescribed ICS medications in the United States, available as:

• Flovent HFA — metered-dose inhaler (44, 110, 220 mcg)
• Flovent Diskus — dry powder inhaler (50, 100, 250 mcg)

How Does Fluticasone Propionate Work?

Fluticasone Propionate works by reducing inflammation in the airways. When you inhale it, the corticosteroid acts locally in your lungs to suppress the immune cells and chemical mediators that cause airway inflammation, swelling, and mucus production.

Over time (usually 1-2 weeks of regular use), this reduces:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Coughing, especially at night
• Chest tightness
• Frequency of asthma attacks

Because all inhaled corticosteroids work through a similar mechanism, switching to another ICS is usually straightforward — your doctor just needs to find the right equivalent dose.

Alternatives to Flovent

Here are the most commonly prescribed alternatives, all in the same inhaled corticosteroid class:

1. Budesonide (Pulmicort)

Budesonide is one of the most popular alternatives to Fluticasone Propionate. It's available in multiple forms:

• Pulmicort Flexhaler — dry powder inhaler (90 mcg, 180 mcg) for ages 6+
• Pulmicort Respules — nebulizer suspension (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg) for children 1-8 years
• Generic budesonide inhalation suspension — widely available and often less expensive

Budesonide is particularly useful for young children because the nebulizer suspension (Respules) can be used with a mask, making it easier than an MDI with spacer. Generic budesonide nebulizer suspension is widely available and affordable, often costing $30-$60 with a discount card.

Typical dose conversion: Fluticasone 88 mcg twice daily ≈ Budesonide 180 mcg twice daily

2. Beclomethasone (QVAR RediHaler)

Beclomethasone dipropionate is another well-established ICS option. The QVAR RediHaler is breath-actuated, meaning it automatically releases the medication when you inhale — no need to coordinate pressing and breathing simultaneously.

• Available in 40 mcg and 80 mcg per actuation
• Approved for ages 4 and older
• Uses an HFA propellant with extra-fine particle technology for better lung deposition

The breath-actuated design makes QVAR RediHaler a good choice for patients who struggle with the press-and-breathe technique required for standard MDIs. Cash price ranges from $200-$300, but insurance coverage and coupons can significantly reduce cost.

Typical dose conversion: Fluticasone 88 mcg twice daily ≈ Beclomethasone 80 mcg twice daily

3. Mometasone (Asmanex)

Mometasone furoate is available as:

• Asmanex Twisthaler — dry powder inhaler (110 mcg, 220 mcg) for ages 4+
• Asmanex HFA — metered-dose inhaler (100 mcg, 200 mcg) for ages 12+

One advantage of Mometasone is that it can be dosed once daily for patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, which can improve adherence. For more severe asthma, twice-daily dosing is used.

Typical dose conversion: Fluticasone 88 mcg twice daily ≈ Mometasone 220 mcg once daily

4. Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

Ciclesonide is a unique ICS because it's a prodrug — it's inactive when inhaled and gets activated only in the lungs by enzymes. This means less medication is active in your mouth and throat, which may result in fewer local side effects like oral thrush and hoarseness.

• Available as Alvesco HFA inhaler (80 mcg, 160 mcg per actuation)
• Approved for ages 12 and older
• Can be dosed once or twice daily

Ciclesonide is a particularly good choice if you've experienced oral thrush or voice problems with Fluticasone Propionate.

Typical dose conversion: Fluticasone 88 mcg twice daily ≈ Ciclesonide 80 mcg twice daily

Combination Inhalers: Another Option

If your asthma isn't well-controlled on an ICS alone, your doctor may recommend a combination inhaler that includes both an ICS and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA):

• Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) — contains the same fluticasone plus a bronchodilator
• Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) — budesonide with a different LABA
• Dulera (Mometasone/Formoterol) — mometasone-based combination
• Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol) — once-daily combination

Note: Combination inhalers are typically more expensive and are usually prescribed when a standalone ICS isn't providing enough control.

How to Switch Safely

Switching between inhaled corticosteroids should always be done under your doctor's guidance. Here's what to expect:

1. Your doctor will calculate the equivalent dose — Different ICS medications have different potencies, so the numbers on the canister won't be the same.
2. There may be a transition period — It can take 1-2 weeks to feel the full benefit of a new ICS. Don't stop your current medication abruptly.
3. Technique may differ — MDIs, DPIs, and breath-actuated inhalers each require a slightly different inhalation technique. Ask your pharmacist for a demonstration.
4. Keep your rescue inhaler handy — During any transition, make sure you have your short-acting rescue inhaler (typically Albuterol) available.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your Flovent prescription doesn't mean losing control of your asthma. The authorized generic Fluticasone Propionate HFA inhaler is the most direct replacement, and tools like Medfinder can help you find it in stock near you. If that's not an option, Budesonide, Beclomethasone, Mometasone, and Ciclesonide are all proven, effective alternatives that your doctor can prescribe.

Talk to your doctor about which alternative makes the most sense for your situation, and don't let a medication access issue become an asthma control issue.