Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Flovent (fluticasone) and Asmanex (mometasone) are both inhaled corticosteroids used to manage asthma in people 4 years and older. Flovent is available in two forms: Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, while Asmanex comes as Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler. One key difference is that Flovent is typically used twice a day, whereas Asmanex Twisthaler is often used once a day. Flovent HFA has a generic version available, which can be more cost-effective. Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections. Asmanex Twisthaler and Flovent Diskus cannot be used if you are allergic to milk proteins. Additionally, Flovent and Asmanex both have similar side effects, such as throat irritation and headache, and may take one to two weeks to show improvement in symptoms. Neither medication should be used as a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma attacks.
Flovent (fluticasone)
Asmanex (mometasone)
Flovent (fluticasone)
Asmanex (mometasone)
Summary of Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA
Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
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.
Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Prescription only
Asmanex, also known by its generic name, mometasone furoate, is a steroid inhaler used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. Asmanex HFA is approved for people ages 5 years and older, and is inhaled through the mouth twice daily. Asmanex Twisthaler is for people ages 4 years and older, and is inhaled once to twice daily. Some common side effects include headache, runny nose, and sore throat.