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Compare Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

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

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) are both inhaled corticosteroids used for the maintenance treatment of asthma. They help reduce inflammation in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Flovent is available in two forms: Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, while Pulmicort Flexhaler is a dry powder inhaler. Flovent can be used by children as young as 4 years old, whereas Pulmicort Flexhaler is approved for children 6 years and older. Both medications require rinsing your mouth after use to prevent oral thrush, but Pulmicort Flexhaler has a higher risk of causing common cold symptoms. Additionally, both medications contain lactose, so they are not suitable for people with a milk protein allergy.

  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Pulmicort flexhaler (budesonide)
  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Pulmicort flexhaler (budesonide)

  • Summary of Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

    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

    Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It's a type of dry powder inhaler that's inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Side effects include the common cold and sore throat.

  • Indications of Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    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
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for controlling asthma symptoms
    •Inhaling into the lungs, which has fewer side effects than taking steroid pills by mouth
    •Possible option for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Doesn't treat an asthma attack
    •Needs to be inhaled twice per day
    •Contains lactose, so not a good choice for people with a milk protein allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

    Common Side Effects for

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold (9%)
    •Stuffy nose (3%)
    •Sore throat (3%)

  • Warnings of Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •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 Flovent vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

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    Learn more about Pulmicort flexhaler

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