Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Nasonex (mometasone) and Qvar (beclomethasone) are both corticosteroids, but they are used for different conditions and administered differently. Nasone is a nasal spray used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms and nasal polyps, and it is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. In contrast, Qvar is an inhaler used for the long-term control of asthma and is only available by prescription. Nasonex is used in the nose to reduce inflammation and treat symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, while Qvar is inhaled through the mouth to reduce lung inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Nasonex can be used by children as young as 2 years old for allergies, whereas Qvar is approved for children 4 years and older for asthma. Both medications can take a couple of weeks to show full effects, but Qvar requires you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections, a step not needed with Nasonex. Additionally, Nasonex is available as a lower-cost generic, while Qvar is only available as a brand-name medication.
Mometasone nasal spray
Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
Mometasone nasal spray
Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
Summary of Nasonex vs. Qvar RediHaler
Summary for Corticosteroid
Mometasone nasal spray is used to prevent the nose symptoms of seasonal allergies, as well as to treat nose and sinus inflammation in adults with nasal polyps. Some side effects this medication can cause include headache and bloody nose. Mometasone nasal spray is available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC).
Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
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 of Nasonex vs. Qvar RediHaler
Indications for
•Temporary relief of allergy symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose) (OTC only)
•Prevention of seasonal allergies (prescription only)
•Treatment of long-term nose and sinus inflammation with nasal polyps (prescription only)
Indications for
•Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older
Pros and Cons of Nasonex vs. Qvar RediHaler
Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
Pros
•Works well to prevent and treat allergy symptoms
•Available OTC
•Can be used to help control allergy symptoms in children 2 years or older (OTC only)
•Available as a lower-cost generic with a prescription
Cons
•Can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects
•Doesn't have a counter on the spray bottle, so it can be hard to remember how many sprays are left
•Can cause side effects like headache and nose bleeds in some people