New Generic for Flovent® Asthma Inhaler: What You Need to Know
Published: March 19, 2026
People with asthma may now have a more affordable option for a controller inhaler. It’s one that many are already familiar with.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic of Flovent® HFA (fluticasone propionate) in March 2026. Flovent was discontinued as a brand-name inhaler in 2024. Authorized generics of Flovent remain available from GSK, the device manufacturer.
Just like Flovent, the new FDA-approved generic is an inhaled corticosteroid. It is typically used daily as a maintenance treatment for asthma. The generic is not a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler. It is designed to prevent asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It keeps inflammation in the airways from causing trouble breathing and prevents asthma attacks.
The generic, available by prescription only, is made by Glenmark Specialty SA. It is approved for adults and children ages 4 and older.
Because it is FDA-approved, the generic is expected to be covered by more insurance providers. This should also help reduce out-of-pocket costs for the inhaler.
If you want to obtain or switch to the new FDA-approved generic of Flovent, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your doctor or healthcare provider. Ask about available asthma medicine options, including generics.
- Check your health insurance coverage before getting a new inhaler prescription. Find out what asthma medications are covered.
The new generic may also be good news for people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The generic is indicated for treatment of asthma, but some doctors may also prescribe it off-label to treat EoE. For EoE, the medication spray must be swallowed rather than breathed in.
Visit our online store to download our free respiratory treatment poster or purchase print copies.
The respiratory treatment poster is an asthma medication chart. It lists asthma inhalers by brand name as well as biologic medications used to treat asthma.
How the New Flovent Generic Could Lower Costs for Asthma Patients
On Jan. 1, 2024, GSK discontinued its brand-name drugs Flovent HFA and Flovent Discus. GSK replaced both inhaler devices with authorized generic versions of fluticasone propionate.
Authorized generics do not have to go through FDA approval. GSK’s Flovent authorized generics offered fewer rebates than their brand-name counterparts. As a result, they were left off of drug formularies because they ended up costing more than the brand-name product on some health plans.
Some patients were unable to get the authorized generic drugs due to high out-of-pocket costs. Many had to switch to alternative controller inhalers. A 2025 study found that some children stopped using inhaled corticosteroids after Flovent was discontinued. This increased their risk of having an asthma attack.
The new generic version from Glenmark is more likely to be listed on insurance formularies, as they do not face the same pricing dynamics. It will likely be a more attractive option for health plans, leading to greater coverage, lower costs and expanded access.
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Are the Authorized Generics Still Available?
Yes. GSK has authorized generics for both Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus. (The HFA is a metered-dose inhaler, the Diskus is a dry powder inhaler). They are distributed by Prasco Laboratories. Another Flovent HFA generic is available from RPK Pharmaceuticals. Each of these are available by prescription.
Similar Flovent treatment options include ArmonAir Digihaler and Arnuity Ellipta. Both are also available by prescription.
- ArmonAir Digihaler contains fluticasone propionate but at different doses than Flovent.
- Arnuity Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate. This is a different medication and not a substitute for Flovent, but it is similar in treatment.
Generics are cheaper than brands. They contain the same ingredients and work the same way as brand-name drugs. But some health insurers may choose not to cover the generic, making it more expensive. Insurers may prefer that you obtain a brand-name alternative. This helps keep their costs down.
If you do use a brand name alternative, check with your doctor to confirm the dosage can treat your symptoms. It’s also important to know how to use the new inhaler. Review the package instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate how to use the inhaler.
Q&A on Authorized Generic Drugs
When Flovent was discontinued in January 2024, Allergy & Asthma Network medical advisor Purvi Parikh, MD, spoke with FoxBusiness.com about patient options. Here’s a Q&A summarizing Dr. Parikh’s comments:
Q: How do you foresee the Flovent discontinuation impacting patients?
Dr. Parikh: I think it will disrupt treatment for some patients. They may have to scramble to find other medicines covered by their insurance.
Q: Will the authorized generics have the same effectiveness?
Dr. Parikh: The authorized generics have the same dosing, quality and effectiveness as Flovent. There are also branded alternatives like Arnuity® Ellipta®. QVAR Redihaler®, a different type of corticosteroid, is another potential alternative. Discuss these with your doctor.
Q: What is most important for patients to know?
Dr. Parikh: If you are on Flovent, talk to your doctor now about switching. The authorized generics are not as widely covered, or they may require prior authorization. Some patients may have to change to a different brand altogether.
Learn more about Asthma Medications and Treatment
Reviewed by:
Purvi Parikh, MD, FACAAI is an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in New York City. She is on faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine.
