Flovent Was Discontinued: What Cat Owners Need to Use Now

Key Takeaways

• GSK discontinued brand-name Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus on January 1, 2024. The last day pharmacies could order it was December 31, 2023. If your cat was prescribed Flovent, the brand-name product no longer exists.
• The direct replacement is generic fluticasone propionate HFA, manufactured by Prasco Laboratories under GSK authorization. It is the same medication, same dose, same inhaler — just without the Flovent brand name.
• Your cat's prescription is still valid. If your vet wrote "Flovent 110 mcg" or "Flovent 220 mcg," most pharmacies will fill it with the equivalent generic fluticasone. But you may need to ask your vet to update the prescription wording to "fluticasone propionate HFA" to avoid delays.
• The cost reality has changed. Brand-name Flovent used to cost $250-$350 per inhaler. The generic equivalent runs roughly $48-$262 with GoodRx, depending on pharmacy and dose. Canadian pharmacies remain the cheapest legitimate option at around $99.
• Do not panic-switch medications or stop treatment. Switching from Flovent to generic fluticasone is a one-for-one swap. The active ingredient, dose, and administration method are identical. Your cat's spacer chamber and mask work exactly the same way.

If your cat has been on Flovent for feline asthma and your pharmacy recently told you they can no longer fill it, you are not alone. Since January 2024, cat owners across the United States have been scrambling to figure out what to do next.

This article walks through exactly what happened, what your options are right now in 2025, and how to keep your cat's treatment on track without paying double or skipping doses.

What Actually Happened: The Flovent Discontinuation Timeline

In March 2023, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) — the manufacturer of Flovent — announced it would stop making both Flovent HFA (the metered-dose inhaler used with cat spacer chambers) and Flovent Diskus (the dry powder inhaler, not typically used in cats).

The official timeline:

This was not a recall. The medication was not unsafe. GSK's stated reason was that an "authorized generic" version (fluticasone propionate HFA, manufactured by Prasco Laboratories) would serve as a direct replacement. In practice, the move was widely interpreted as a financial decision — a 2024 U.S. Senate investigation led by Senator Maggie Hassan found that GSK's restructuring resulted in higher profits for the company while reducing access for patients, particularly children on Medicaid.

The same dynamics apply to cats. The medication your cat needs still exists — it just has a different name on the label. The transition is direct: same molecule, same dose, same propellant.

Why GSK Really Discontinued Flovent

The official GSK statement emphasized that the authorized generic would be available as a direct replacement. The reality is more complicated.

Three forces drove the decision:

1. Medicaid rebate penalties. Under federal law, when a brand-name drug's price rises faster than inflation, manufacturers owe rebates to state Medicaid programs. Flovent's price had risen significantly, and the rebate liability was growing. By discontinuing the brand and launching an "authorized generic" through Prasco, GSK reset the rebate calculation baseline.

1. Patent and exclusivity positioning. Authorized generics allow brand manufacturers to capture both the brand-name market premium and the generic market share simultaneously, often through a subsidiary or partner.

1. Insurance formulary changes. Many insurance plans removed Flovent from their formularies in 2024, requiring patients to switch to the generic — even when the brand-name product was still technically in stock.

For cat owners, the practical impact is straightforward: whether you (or your veterinarian) order "Flovent" or "fluticasone propionate HFA," you receive the same medication. The molecule is identical. The dose is identical. The propellant is identical. Only the brand name and packaging have changed.

The Direct Replacement: Generic Fluticasone Propionate HFA

When your cat's prescription calls for Flovent, the equivalent generic is:

For cats, the most commonly prescribed strength is 110 mcg or 220 mcg, delivered through a feline aerosol chamber (spacer) with a face mask. Your cat's exact dose depends on the severity of their asthma and your veterinarian's recommendation.

The U.S. authorized generic is manufactured by Prasco Laboratories under license from GSK. It is AB-rated as therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Flovent, meaning the FDA considers it the same drug in terms of safety, efficacy, and bioequivalence.

Other generic fluticasone manufacturers may also be available depending on your pharmacy:

• Prasco (authorized generic, identical to Flovent)
• Walmart pharmacy (often stocks Prasco's version)
• CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid (typically stock Prasco or other generics)
• Canada Pharmacy Online (Apotex fluticasone, 125 mcg or 250 mcg — slightly different dosing)

How to Switch Your Cat from Flovent to Generic Fluticasone

The transition is straightforward because the medication itself is the same. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Contact Your Veterinarian

Call or message your vet and ask them to update your cat's prescription from "Flovent HFA" to "fluticasone propionate HFA." Specify the same dose your cat was on (typically 110 mcg or 220 mcg) and the same puff frequency (typically 1-2 puffs twice daily).

Sample script for your vet:

> "Hi Dr. [Name], my cat [Name] was on Flovent HFA [dose] mcg, [puffs] puffs [frequency]. Since Flovent has been discontinued, can you update the prescription to generic fluticasone propionate HFA at the same dose? Please send it to [pharmacy]."

Most veterinarians are already familiar with this transition and will update the prescription within 24 hours.

Step 2: Choose Your Pharmacy

Where you fill the prescription dramatically affects the price:

Step 3: Administer Using Your Existing Spacer Chamber

Your cat's current spacer chamber (AeroKat, Neobay, or other brand) and face mask work identically with the generic inhaler. You do not need to buy a new spacer or change your technique.

The canister fits the same way, the dose counter works the same way, and the puff timing is the same. The only visible difference is the label on the inhaler.

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Step 4: Monitor Your Cat for the First 2 Weeks

Although the medication is the same, watch for any change in symptoms during the first two weeks after switching:

• Coughing frequency
• Breathing rate at rest (should stay under 30 breaths per minute)
• Energy level and appetite
• Any unusual behavior

Most cats transition with zero noticeable difference. If symptoms worsen after switching, the most common causes are:

• Inconsistent dose priming (always shake the inhaler well before each puff)
• Old inhaler stock (check the expiration date)
• Different propellant feel causing your cat to resist the mask briefly (re-train with treats)

If you see a real decline in symptom control after 2 weeks, contact your vet to discuss adjusting the dose or ruling out other causes.

For a structured troubleshooting checklist — covering inhaler technique, dose, environmental triggers, and other common culprits — see our guide on why your cat's Flovent might not be working yet.

Pricing Reality: What Flovent Alternatives Cost in 2025

The biggest shock for many cat owners is how much the price varies by pharmacy. Here's a current snapshot of generic fluticasone propionate HFA pricing for the 110 mcg strength (the most common cat dose):

Important pricing notes:

• A single 110 mcg inhaler typically lasts a cat 1-2 months at standard dosing (2 puffs twice daily = 4 puffs per day, ~120 puffs per inhaler).
• The 220 mcg strength costs about the same per inhaler but lasts twice as long (since the dose per puff is double), making it more economical for cats that need higher total daily doses.
• Always use GoodRx or a similar discount card at U.S. pharmacies, even if you have insurance — for generic fluticasone, the cash price with GoodRx is often lower than the insurance copay.

4 Strategies to Save Money on Cat Fluticasone

Strategy 1: Always Use GoodRx (or SingleCare)

GoodRx is a free discount card (no membership, no signup required) that can cut the retail price of generic fluticasone by 50-80%. Download the GoodRx app or visit goodrx.com, search for "fluticasone propionate HFA 110 mcg," and show the coupon at your pharmacy.

Typical savings: $80-$150 per inhaler at major chains.

Strategy 2: Compare Pharmacies Online Before Filling

Prices vary dramatically between pharmacies in the same city. Before filling, check:

• GoodRx.com (shows prices at every local pharmacy)
• SingleCare.com (similar discount card)

| Costco pharmacy prices (call your local store)

Filling at Costco or Walmart is consistently cheaper than CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid.

Strategy 3: Consider Canadian Pharmacies for Long-Term Savings

If your cat will be on fluticasone for years, ordering from a verified Canadian pharmacy can save $50-$100 per inhaler. The most commonly used sources for U.S. cat owners are:

• CanadaCloudPharmacy.com (requires prescription upload, ~3 week shipping)
• NorthWestPharmacy.com (requires prescription, ~2-3 week shipping)
• Canada Pharmacy Online (stocks Apotex fluticasone, requires prescription)

Legality note: The FDA technically prohibits personal importation of prescription drugs, but the agency exercises "enforcement discretion" for personal supplies (typically up to a 90-day supply) of non-controlled prescription medications. Tens of thousands of U.S. cat owners use this route for fluticasone without incident.

Strategy 4: Use the 220 mcg Strength When Appropriate

If your cat's total daily dose can be met with fewer puffs of the 220 mcg strength, ask your vet about switching prescriptions. The 220 mcg inhaler costs roughly the same as the 110 mcg but delivers twice the medication per puff — meaning each inhaler lasts twice as long.

For example: a cat on 2 puffs of 110 mcg twice daily (4 puffs/day total) might be equivalently managed on 1 puff of 220 mcg twice daily (2 puffs/day total), halving the inhaler consumption.

This decision must be made with your vet — never adjust the dose on your own.

What If You Cannot Get Fluticasone at All?

In rare cases — temporary supply shortages, insurance delays, or pharmacy backorders — you may face a gap in medication access. Here's what to do:

Option 1: Ask Your Vet About Oral Prednisolone as a Bridge

Prednisolone (an oral corticosteroid) can temporarily control asthma symptoms while you wait for fluticasone to arrive. It is widely available, inexpensive (~$10-$20 per month), and effective. However, long-term oral steroid use carries higher risks of side effects (diabetes, weight gain, immune suppression) compared to inhaled fluticasone — so this is a bridge, not a permanent solution.

Option 2: Use a Compounding Pharmacy

Some compounding pharmacies can prepare fluticasone in alternative forms (liquid suspensions, smaller-dose inhalers) if the standard HFA inhaler is unavailable. This is more expensive and less common, but may be necessary in some regions.

Option 3: Emergency Veterinary Care

If your cat has a severe asthma attack during a medication gap and is in respiratory distress (open-mouth breathing, blue gums, collapse), go to an emergency vet immediately. Emergency vets can administer injectable steroids, oxygen therapy, and bronchodilators to stabilize your cat until you can resume inhaled medication.

What NOT to Do

• Do not skip doses to "stretch" your remaining supply — this risks a severe flare
• Do not use expired fluticasone — it loses potency and may not control symptoms
• Do not use a human bronchodilator inhaler (like albuterol-only) as a substitute for daily controller medication — it does not treat the underlying inflammation
• Do not try to make a "DIY" inhaler or use veterinary nebulizer solutions meant for other species without veterinary guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is generic fluticasone exactly the same as Flovent for cats?

Yes. Generic fluticasone propionate HFA manufactured by Prasco Laboratories is an "authorized generic" of Flovent — meaning it is made by the same manufacturer, with the same active ingredient, same propellant, same dose, and same inhaler design. The FDA rates it as therapeutically equivalent. For cats, there is no medical difference between Flovent and Prasco's generic fluticasone.

My cat's prescription still says "Flovent." Will the pharmacy still fill it?

In most cases, yes. Pharmacists are trained to substitute FDA-approved generics for discontinued brand-name drugs. However, to avoid delays or confusion, ask your vet to update the prescription to "fluticasone propionate HFA" with the same dose. Some pharmacies may require the prescription to be re-sent if the brand name is no longer in their system.

Why did my Flovent refill suddenly cost more?

Two common reasons: (1) your insurance plan may have removed Flovent from its formulary in 2024, forcing you to pay cash for the generic; or (2) the pharmacy filled the brand-name Flovent from remaining stock at a higher price before switching to the generic. Always ask the pharmacist to ring up the generic fluticasone with a GoodRx coupon before paying — this is almost always cheaper than insurance for this medication.

Can I still buy brand-name Flovent from Canada or other countries?

In some countries, brand-name Flovent (often sold as Flixotide) is still available. Canadian pharmacies commonly carry Apotex fluticasone as the generic equivalent. International sourcing carries some legal and quality considerations, but verified Canadian pharmacies (those with CIPA certification) are widely considered safe.

How long does one generic fluticasone inhaler last for a cat?

A standard fluticasone HFA inhaler contains 120 metered actuations (puffs). For a cat on a typical dose of 2 puffs twice daily (4 puffs per day), one inhaler lasts about 30 days. For a cat on 1 puff twice daily (2 puffs per day), one inhaler lasts about 60 days. Always prime the inhaler before first use (4 test puffs into the air) and track the number of puffs used.

Will my cat's asthma get worse on the generic?

No. Because the medication is chemically and therapeutically identical to Flovent, your cat's symptom control should remain the same. If symptoms worsen after switching, the cause is almost always a different issue — incorrect priming, an expired inhaler, a new environmental trigger, or another underlying condition. Contact your vet to investigate rather than assuming the generic is "weaker."

Does pet insurance cover the cost of fluticasone?

It depends on your policy. Most pet insurance plans cover prescription medications for covered conditions, but pre-existing condition exclusions often apply to asthma (since it is typically diagnosed before most owners enroll their cat in insurance). If your cat was diagnosed after enrollment and you have a comprehensive policy, fluticasone may be reimbursable. Check with your specific insurer.

Related: Not sure if the generic is as good as the brand? Generic Fluticasone vs Flovent for Cats — here's the full comparison.

Related reading: For our current cat asthma inhaler prices at every major pharmacy — with coupons, Canadian pharmacy options, and 5-year cost projections.

Related reading: See our guide to affording cat asthma medication — GoodRx coupons, Canadian pharmacies, manufacturer assistance programs, charity grants, and payment plans, with exact application steps.

Related: Can You Get a Cat Asthma Prescription via Telehealth? — if you need a new prescription for your cat's inhaler, telehealth platforms like Dutch and Vetster can connect you with a licensed vet in states where virtual VCPR is legal.

What to Do Next

1. Call your veterinarian today and ask them to update your cat's prescription from "Flovent HFA" to "fluticasone propionate HFA" at the same dose.
2. Download GoodRx (free app) and check prices at local pharmacies before filling. Walmart and Costco are typically the cheapest U.S. options.
3. Order a 60-90 day supply to avoid running out. International shipping from Canada takes 2-3 weeks, so plan ahead.
4. Confirm your spacer chamber is in good shape. If you've been using the same chamber for over 12 months, the valve and mask may need replacement. A high-quality feline aerosol chamber with a proper fit and a working flow indicator ensures your cat actually receives the full dose with each puff.

Explore the Neobay Cat Aerosol Chamber →

Have questions about using a spacer chamber with generic fluticasone? Visit our FAQ page or contact us directly.

Sources:

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus Asthma Medicines Being Discontinued." 2023.
• GoodRx. "Is Flovent Discontinued? Answers and Alternatives to Consider." Updated 2025.
• American Lung Association. "Flovent Discontinuation: What to Do." 2024.
• U.S. Senate. "Hassam Investigation Report on Flovent Discontinuation." Senator Maggie Hassan, 2024.
• NCTracks Pharmacy Communications. "Flovent HFA and Diskus Manufacturer Discontinuation." 2024.
• ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists). Drug Shortage Detail: Fluticasone. 2024.
• Canada Pharmacy Online. "Flovent Has Been Discontinued: Should You Worry?" 2024.
• Reinero, C. R., et al. "Inhaled Corticosteroids in Feline Asthma." *Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery*, vol. 23, 2021.
• Cornell Feline Health Center. "Feline Asthma: What You Need to Know." Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.