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Alvesco vs. Flovent

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

Key takeaways

Alvesco (ciclesonide) and Flovent (fluticasone) are both inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma but there are some differences. They help reduce lung inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, but neither is suitable for treating an active asthma attack. Alvesco (ciclesonide) is approved for use in people aged 12 and older, while Flovent (fluticasone) can be used in children as young as 4 years old. Alvesco is available in inhalers with doses of 80 mcg or 160 mcg, and is typically inhaled twice daily. Flovent comes in two forms: HFA inhalers with doses of 44 mcg, 110 mcg, or 220 mcg, and Diskus inhalers with doses of 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 250 mcg. Flovent also has a generic version available, which can be more cost-effective. Common side effects for both medications include throat irritation and headaches, but Alvesco may also cause stuffy nose and sore throat, while Flovent can lead to voice hoarseness. Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection.

Alvesco

(ciclesonide)

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Flovent

(fluticasone)

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Summary for Alvesco

Prescription only

Alvesco (ciclesonide) is a steroid inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children age 12 years and older. It's inhaled by mouth twice daily. When used regularly, Alvesco (ciclesonide) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. But it's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started. Some common side effects this medication can cause include stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches.

Indications for Alvesco

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people age 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Alvesco

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
  • Can be used with a spacer if you have trouble getting the full dose with the inhaler
  • Few known interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler and will not help your symptoms during an asthma attack
  • It can take up to a month or longer before you see symptoms improve
  • Can't be used in children under 12 years old
  • Might raise your risk for infections

Common Side Effects for Alvesco

  • Stuffy nose or swelling in the throat (7-11%)
  • Headache (5-11%)
  • Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (4-9%)
  • Sore throat (2-5%)

Warnings for Alvesco

  • 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

Summary for Flovent

Prescription only

Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used in people 4 years and older with asthma. It helps keep lung inflammation low and the airways open. This inhaler is used twice per day. When used every day, Flovent (fluticasone) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. It's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started.

Indications for Flovent

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma

Pros and Cons for Flovent

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
  • Has few side effects since the medication is directly inhaled into the lungs
  • Available as two different types of inhalers (HFA inhaler and Diskus inhaler)
  • Lower-cost generic available for Flovent HFA

Cons

  • Need to use twice per day
  • Need to rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
  • Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
  • Can't use Flovent Diskus if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose

Common Side Effects for Flovent

In general, common side effects for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are very similar:

  • Throat irritation
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold)
  • Sinus infection or swelling
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Voice hoarseness or difficulty speaking

Warnings for Flovent

  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Eye and vision problems

Prices with our coupons for Alvesco vs. Flovent

Price Card Drug Icon
Alvesco1 inhaler / 160mcg
$154.48$313.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Propionate HFA1 hfa inhaler / 110mcg
$165.24$297.01
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