OHIO — People who use an inhaler to help with breathing may need to know about an important change.

What You Need To Know

  •  Flovent inhalers were discontinued as of January 1

  •  Although the inhaler was discontinued, the inhaler has been replaced with a generic one 

  • Medical professionals encourage patients to speak with their insurance companies to see if the generic inhaler is covered 

Flovent inhalers, which are among the most popular, are coming off the shelves this new year. That’s because the manufacturer, GSK has discontinued them as of Jan. 1. And while the inhaler will be replaced by a generic brand, some insurance companies may not cover it. 

“Ohio Medicaid and Indiana and Kentucky Medicaid, there have been discussions with the formularies and the generic Fluticasone, which did not used to be preferred, is now going to be covered,” said Dr. Karen McDowell, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “It’s more complicated with all of the various private insurers.”

Medical professionals encourage patients to check with their insurance providers to see what is covered. That way, they can figure out a plan with their doctors and pharmacists.