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Flovent, an asthma medication, has been discontinued by its manufacturer, leaving many patients with questions about alternative treatments and insurance coverage. Flovent is a brand name for fluticasone, a steroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. Its discontinuation has prompted patients to seek advice from healthcare providers on substitute medications and has raised concerns about insurance coverage for alternative treatments. This development raises the question of whether Flovent is banned from basketball, and if so, what implications this has for players who rely on this medication. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has a history of disciplinary actions, including suspensions, fines, and permanent bans, for various offences, including substance abuse. It is important to understand the NBA's stance on Flovent and how it affects players who depend on this medication for their asthma management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand name | Flovent HFA, Arnuity Ellipta |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Type | Inhaler |
| Availability | Discontinued |
| Substitute | Inhaled steroids, e.g. beclomethasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, mometasone |
| Substitute | Combination inhaler with formoterol and a steroid |
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What You'll Learn
Flovent: an asthma medication
Flovent, or fluticasone, is a medication used to treat asthma. It is a steroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. Flovent was available as a prescription metered-dose inhaler (Flovent HFA) and a dry powder inhaler (Flovent Diskus).
In January, GlaxoSmithKline stopped producing Flovent, leaving many asthma patients looking for alternative treatments. The drug manufacturer has licensed an authorized generic of both Flovent products, but insurance may not cover the cost. As a result, patients may need to switch to another brand of inhaler to manage their asthma.
There are several alternative inhaled steroids that patients can use, including beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), ciclesonide (Alvesco), and mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler, Asmanex HFA). These steroids use different molecules to do the same job as fluticasone. Additionally, new studies suggest that a combination inhaler, which combines a medicine called formoterol with a steroid, may be effective for those who use Flovent daily for symptom control. Symbicort provides this combination in one inhaler, although it is not yet approved by the FDA.
It is important to note that the use of inhalers containing stimulants, like epinephrine and levmetamfetamine, are prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) but are permitted out of competition. All beta-2 agonists are prohibited at all times, except for four that have permitted uses when used therapeutically and within the dosage and schedule set forth by WADA.
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Flovent's discontinuation
Flovent (fluticasone) inhalers were frequently prescribed to help control asthma by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways. The product was available as a prescription metered-dose inhaler (Flovent HFA) and a dry powder inhaler (Flovent Diskus). In January, GlaxoSmithKline stopped producing Flovent, leaving users with questions about what to substitute and which medicines their insurance will cover.
The drug manufacturer has licensed an authorized generic of both Flovent products: the metered-dose inhaler and the dry powder inhaler. However, insurance coverage may not pay for the authorized generic because it may cost an insurer more than some other branded medicines. So, you may need to switch to another brand to stay healthy. It is recommended to call your insurance company to check.
This is a good chance for you and your doctor to review your asthma treatment plan. If you had been using Flovent daily for symptom control, your doctor may recommend trying an inhaled steroid similar to Flovent. Many types of steroids will work, including beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), ciclesonide (Alvesco), and mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler, Asmanex HFA).
New studies also suggest that switching to a combination inhaler may help many people who use Flovent daily for symptom control. This combines a medicine called formoterol with a steroid. Symbicort provides this combination in one inhaler. Although not yet approved by the FDA for this specific use, it is approved in many other countries.
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Flovent's manufacturer
Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid medicine used as a controller medicine to treat asthma. It is also used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Flovent HFA is also a metered-dose inhaler that comes in 3 strengths, while Flovent Diskus is a dry powder inhaler that comes in 3 strengths. The lowest strength of Flovent HFA is approved for use in children aged 4 to 11 years, while the two lowest strengths of Flovent Diskus are approved for the same age group. Flovent is not approved for use in children younger than 4 years old.
GSK's decision to move towards authorized generics for Flovent may be influenced by the complex drug pricing ecosystem in the United States. This ecosystem involves various factors such as manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance companies, and federal policies, which can collectively impact the affordability and accessibility of medications for patients.
While GSK's move to authorized generics may have financial implications for patients, it is important to note that the FDA defines an authorized generic as "an approved brand-name drug that is marketed without the brand name on its label." Essentially, the authorized generic offers the same medicinal benefits as the brand-name Flovent, but without the associated brand label. This generic version will still be manufactured by GSK and distributed by Prasco LLC, ensuring continuity in the production and distribution process.
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Flovent alternatives
Flovent, an inhaled corticosteroid, is used to prevent bronchial asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the lungs and airways. In June 2023, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Flovent, announced that they would be discontinuing the product on January 1, 2024. This left millions of parents and patients scrambling to find alternative medications.
If you are currently using brand-name Flovent inhalers, it is recommended that you contact your pharmacy, medical care team, or healthcare provider to discuss alternative medications. Your pharmacist can work with your medical team to help get a prescription for your insurance's preferred inhaler. It is also a good idea to check your health insurance's medication formulary, which can often be found online or requested by mail.
There are several alternatives to Flovent, including:
- Arnuity Ellipta (contains fluticasone furoate)
- ArmonAir Digihaler
- QVAR Redihaler (a different type of corticosteroid)
- Pulmicort Respules
- Symbicort
- Trelegy Ellipta
- Singulair
- Dupixent (for eczema, eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma)
- Eohilia (suspension used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis)
- Entocort EC (for mild to moderate Crohn's disease)
For those who do not benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, the following options may be considered:
- Inhaled long-acting beta agonists (LABA)
- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA)
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LRAs), which are oral alternatives to inhaled options for asthma control
Natural alternatives for asthma control include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation. However, it is important to note that any change in medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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NBA bans and suspensions
The NBA commissioner has the power to issue disciplinary actions, including suspensions or fines of less than $60,000, for on-court incidents, conduct that does not conform to standards of fair play, conduct that does not comply with federal or state laws, and conduct that is detrimental to the game or league. If a suspension is longer than 12 games or a fine exceeds $50,000, an appeal can be made to an arbitrator, who can uphold or reject the commissioner's decision.
In the case of serious incidents, such as point shaving or substance abuse, players can be permanently banned from the league. Most player bans are due to the league's anti-drug policy, which was established in 1983 in response to the rising use of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. Under this policy, a third illegal drug use offense can result in a ban, with the possibility of reinstatement after a minimum of two years.
Some notable suspensions in the NBA include Metta Sandiford-Artest and Latrell Sprewell, who were suspended for 86 and 68 games, respectively, for on-court altercations. Gilbert Arenas was suspended for more than half of a regular season for bringing firearms into an arena and drawing them during a dispute with his teammate Javaris Crittenton, who was also suspended for the rest of the season.
In addition to players, other individuals associated with NBA teams have also been subject to suspensions or bans. Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was permanently banned from the NBA for a leaked conversation in which he made racist remarks, specifically condemning the attendance of Black people at his games, including former Los Angeles Lakers player Magic Johnson. Golden State Warriors minority owner Mark Stevens, then-Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver, and then-Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka have also received season-long suspensions for actions considered detrimental to the league.
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Frequently asked questions
Flovent is an asthma medication that was recently discontinued by its manufacturer. It is not banned from basketball, but athletes must check with the relevant sporting authority to ensure they comply with anti-doping rules.
Flovent (fluticasone) inhalers were frequently prescribed to help control asthma by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways.
Consult your healthcare provider about alternative treatments. Studies suggest that a combination inhaler, which combines a medicine called formoterol with a steroid, may be a good alternative.
