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Pulmicort Flexhaler vs. Asmanex HFA

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

Key takeaways

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) and Asmanex (mometasone) are both inhaled corticosteroids used to control and prevent asthma symptoms, but they have some differences. Pulmicort Flexhaler is available as a generic, which can make it cheaper, while Asmanex is available in two forms: Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler. Pulmicort Flexhaler is typically used twice daily, whereas Asmanex Twisthaler is often used once daily, and Asmanex HFA is used twice daily. Pulmicort Flexhaler is approved for use in children 6 years and older, while Asmanex can be used in children as young as 4 years old. Both medications can cause fungal infections in the mouth, so you should rinse your mouth after each use. However, Asmanex Twisthaler contains lactose, so it should not be used if you are allergic to milk proteins. Both medications are not rescue inhalers and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.

Pulmicort Flexhaler

(budesonide)

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Asmanex

(mometasone)

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Summary for Pulmicort Flexhaler

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 for Pulmicort Flexhaler

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

Pros and Cons for Pulmicort Flexhaler

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 for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Warnings for Pulmicort Flexhaler

  • 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

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 Pulmicort Flexhaler vs. Asmanex HFA

Price Card Drug Icon
Budesonide30 ampules / 0.5mg/2ml
$48.30$127.00
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Asmanex1 inhaler / 60 doses of 220mcg
$126.39$141.67
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