Hospitalizations rise 24.1% after common asthma drug discontinued

A recent study revealed a 17.5% increase in asthma-related hospitalizations in the three months following the announcement that GSK would discontinue the widely used asthma medication Flovent, and 24.1% in the following three to six months, ABC News reported Oct. 30. 

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The research, conducted by EPIC Research, analyzed data from over 3 million patients and highlighted the potential risks associated with the switch to alternative medications. 

Five-year-old Burton Hayes, whose asthma was previously well managed on Flovent, faced significant health challenges after his mother was forced to switch his medication, ABC News reported. Reports indicated a sharp rise in asthma exacerbations among patients following the discontinuation, leading to an increase in emergency room visits and hospital admissions. 

The decision to halt Flovent’s production came after a Federal Trade Commission warning about its patent. To comply with regulatory changes and avoid potential financial penalties, GSK shifted to an authorized generic, fluticasone propionate. However, many patients are finding that the new generic is not covered by insurance, complicating access, according to the ABC News report. 

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