Are you one of those families rushing to find new asthma medications as respiratory virus season approaches?

THE Massachusetts Department of Public Health attempts to help patients and their families access the best options for timely and effective asthma care, especially after stopping two common asthma medications.

Both inhaled treatments – Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, two of the most commonly used controller medications for asthma – have been discontinued by manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.

Despite efforts across Massachusetts, many residents continue to experience the effects of the supply chain disruption this has caused. Shortages of alternative medications have been reported.

The situation has been aggravated by variable prescription drug coverage and high patient co-pays for some alternative medications.

“When there are significant changes in the availability of major asthma medications, as we have seen with the discontinuation of Flovent products, many families are impacted,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein , in a press release. “This is especially true for Black and brown communities, who already experience a higher burden of asthma.

“As respiratory virus season approaches, it is important that communities come together to promote vaccination and prevent disease,” Goldstein added.

The fall and winter season typically brings an increase in asthma exacerbations in Massachusetts. During this time, circulating respiratory illnesses – such as influenza, RSV, and COVID – can potentially trigger asthma symptoms or worsen ongoing symptoms.