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Nasonex vs. Qvar RediHaler

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

 

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Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Summary for Nasonex

Prescription or over-the-counter

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).

Indications for Nasonex

  • 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)

Pros and Cons for Nasonex

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
  • Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Nasonex

  • Headache (26%)
  • Viral infection (14%)
  • Sore throat (12%)
  • Bloody nose or mucus (11%)
  • Coughing (7%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
  • Period cramps (5%)
  • Muscle pain (5%)
  • Congestion, pressure near the nose or forehead, and other symptoms of sinus infection (5%)

Warnings for Nasonex

  • Nose injury and slowed wound healing
  • Fungal infection in the nose and throat
  • Vision changes
  • Risk of infection
  • Hormone changes
  • Poor growth in children

Summary for Qvar RediHaler

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 for Qvar RediHaler

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Qvar RediHaler

Pros

Cons

  • Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
  • Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
  • Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use

Common Side Effects for Qvar RediHaler

Warnings for Qvar RediHaler

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening 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
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Nasonex vs. Qvar RediHaler

Price Card Drug Icon
Mometasone1 nasal spray / 17g of 50mcg
$39.19$136.12
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Qvar1 redihaler / 10.6g of 80mcg
$263.89$366.28
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