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Flonase vs. Qvar RediHaler

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

Key takeaways

Flonase (fluticasone) and Qvar (beclomethasone) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Flonase is a nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Qvar, on the other hand, is an inhaler used for the long-term control of asthma and is only available by prescription. Flonase is used daily and can be used for up to 6 months for adults, while Qvar is used twice a day and is not for sudden asthma attacks. Flonase can cause side effects like nosebleeds and slower growth in children, whereas Qvar can cause oral thrush and requires you to rinse your mouth after use. Both medications can raise the risk of eye problems and infections if used long-term.

fluticasone nasal spray

 

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Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Summary for Flonase

Prescription or over-the-counter

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

Indications for Flonase

Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes

Pros and Cons for Flonase

Pros

  • Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
  • Available OTC
  • Some formulations have generic versions
  • Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
  • Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old

Cons

  • Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
  • Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
  • Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
  • Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

Common Side Effects for Flonase

  • Headache (7-16%)
  • Sore throat (6-8%)
  • Nosebleeds (6-7%)
  • Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

Warnings for Flonase

  • Nasal problems
  • Slowed growth rate in children
  • Eye problems
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
  • Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Qvar RediHaler

Prescription only

QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.

Indications for Qvar RediHaler

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Qvar RediHaler

Pros

Cons

  • Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
  • Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
  • Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use

Common Side Effects for Qvar RediHaler

Warnings for Qvar RediHaler

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
  • 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 Flonase vs. Qvar RediHaler

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Propionate1 nasal spray / 16g of 50mcg
$14.67$47.00
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Qvar1 redihaler / 10.6g of 80mcg
$263.89$366.29
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