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Flovent vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both inhaled medications used to treat asthma, but they belong to different medication classes. Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that helps reduce lung inflammation, while Symbicort combines an ICS (budesonide) with a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) called formoterol, which helps relax airway muscles. Flovent is only approved for asthma, whereas Symbicort is approved for both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Flovent is available in two forms: HFA and Diskus inhalers, and is typically used twice a day. Symbicort is also used twice daily and comes in two strengths, with generic versions available. Common side effects of Flovent include throat irritation and headache, while Symbicort may cause cold symptoms and thrush. Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections. Flovent is not suitable for treating sudden asthma attacks, and Symbicort should not be used for asthma attacks or severe episodes of asthma or COPD.

Flovent

(fluticasone)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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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 Symbicort

Prescription only

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Both medications work together to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up your airways. The typical dose is two puffs by mouth twice a day, usually about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

Indications for Symbicort

Pros and Cons for Symbicort

Pros

  • Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
  • Might feel relief in as soon as 15 minutes for asthma
  • Safe for children 6 years and older for asthma
  • Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience

Cons

  • Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
  • Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
  • Taken 2 times a day
  • Possible bone loss if used for a long time

Common Side Effects for Symbicort

Asthma:

  • Common cold symptoms (10-11%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (8-11%)
  • Headache (7-11%)
  • Sore throat (6-9%)
  • Sinus infection (5-6%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (7%)
  • Oral thrush (6%)
  • Bronchitis (5%)

Warnings for Symbicort

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Heart and nervous system problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Poor growth
  • Eye problems
  • Low potassium and high blood sugar

Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Symbicort

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone Propionate HFA1 hfa inhaler / 110mcg
$165.24$297.01
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Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.64
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