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Advair vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) and budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) are both inhaled medications used for the maintenance treatment of asthma. However, they belong to different medication classes. Advair is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), while Pulmicort Flexhaler contains only an ICS. Advair is also approved for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in its Diskus form, whereas Pulmicort Flexhaler is not. Advair is available in multiple strengths and is typically taken as 1 to 2 puffs twice daily, while Pulmicort Flexhaler comes in two strengths and is taken twice daily as well. Common side effects of Advair include upper respiratory infections and sore throat, while Pulmicort Flexhaler may cause symptoms of the common cold. Both medications can cause oral thrush, so it's important to rinse your mouth after use.

Advair

(fluticasone / salmeterol)

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Pulmicort Flexhaler

(budesonide)

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Summary for Advair

Prescription only

Advair is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Advair Diskus is used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children, where as Advair HFA is for asthma only. Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is inhaled through the mouth, typically 1 to 2 puffs twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Advair

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma
  • Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

Pros and Cons for Advair

Pros

  • Works well to lower the risk of asthma or COPD symptoms
  • Combines two medications into a single inhaler for convenience
  • Available as two different types of inhalers (Advair Diskus and Advair HFA)

Cons

  • Can cause fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
  • Advair Diskus contains lactose, so it might not be safe for people with severe milk protein allergies
  • Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

Common Side Effects for Advair

Advair Diskus:

  • Upper respiratory infection (up to 27%)
  • Sore throat (up to 13%)
  • Headache (up to 13%)
  • Bronchitis (up to 8%)
  • Cough (up to 6%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (up to 6%)
  • Hoarseness (up to 5%)

Advair HFA:

  • Upper respiratory infection (up to 24%)
  • Headache (up to 21%)
  • Throat irritation (up to 9%)
  • Muscle and bone pain (up to 7%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (up to 5%)

Warnings for Advair

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium levels in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Summary for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Prescription only

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It's a type of dry powder inhaler that's inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Side effects include the common cold and sore throat.

Indications for Pulmicort Flexhaler

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Pros

  • First-choice medication for controlling asthma symptoms
  • Inhaling into the lungs, which has fewer side effects than taking steroid pills by mouth
  • Possible option for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Doesn't treat an asthma attack
  • Needs to be inhaled twice per day
  • Contains lactose, so not a good choice for people with a milk protein allergy

Common Side Effects for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Warnings for Pulmicort Flexhaler

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Weakening bones
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Advair vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone/Salmeterol1 diskus inhaler / 250mcg/50mcg
$65.46$314.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Budesonide30 ampules / 0.5mg/2ml
$48.30$127.00
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