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Breo Ellipta vs. Advair

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

Key takeaways

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both combination inhalers used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They belong to the same medication class, combining an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). However, there are several differences between them. Breo Ellipta is typically taken once daily, while Advair is taken twice daily. Breo Ellipta is available in three strengths, but its generic form is available in only two strengths. Advair comes in two forms: Advair Diskus and Advair HFA, with different strengths for each. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects for both medications include upper respiratory tract infections and headaches, but Advair users may also experience sore throat and nausea more frequently.

Breo Ellipta

(fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)

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Advair

(fluticasone / salmeterol)

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Summary for Breo Ellipta

Prescription only

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) is a maintenance inhaler used every day to help manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's a combination of two medications: fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in your lungs, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that helps relax your airways. The typical dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) isn't for sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Side effects include oral thrush, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Breo Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Breo Ellipta

Pros

  • Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
  • Inhaled only once a day
  • Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
  • Safe for children 5 years and older for asthma

Cons

  • Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
  • Not safe for those severely allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
  • Can cause thrush in mouth or throat
  • No need to prime or shake the inhaler before use

Common Side Effects for Breo Ellipta

Asthma (adults):

  • Common cold symptoms (7-10%)
  • Headache (5-8%)

Asthma (children):

  • Common cold symptoms (10%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (9%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Oral thrush (5%)

Warnings for Breo Ellipta

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Heart problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Slowed growth in children
  • Eye problems
  • High blood sugar and low potassium

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

Prices with our coupons for Breo Ellipta vs. Advair

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Ellipta1 inhaler / 60 blisters of 100mcg/25mcg
$228.01$415.96
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Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone/Salmeterol1 diskus inhaler / 250mcg/50mcg
$65.46$314.99
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