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Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

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)

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Asmanex

(mometasone)

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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

Summary for Asmanex HFA

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.

Indications for Asmanex HFA

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma

Pros and Cons for Asmanex HFA

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
  • Available as two different (HFA inhaler and Twisthaler)
  • Twisthaler typically used once per day (in most cases)
  • Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids

Cons

  • Must use every day for it to work well
  • Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
  • Can take over 2 weeks before your symptoms improve
  • Can't use the Twisthaler if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose

Common Side Effects for Asmanex HFA

Asmanex Twisthaler

  • Headache (up to 22%)
  • Allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy nose, watery or itchy eyes; up to 15%)
  • Sore throat (up to 13%)
  • Sinus infection (up to 6%)
  • Muscle pain (up to 8%)
  • Oral thrush (up to 6%)

Asmanex HFA Inhaler

  • Cold-like symptoms (up to 8%)
  • Headache (up to 5%)

Warnings for Asmanex HFA

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsened 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
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Asmanex HFA

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Fluticasone Propionate HFA1 hfa inhaler / 110mcg
$165.24$297.01
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Asmanex1 inhaler / 60 doses of 220mcg
$126.39$141.67
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