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Compare Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

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

Key takeaways

Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both inhalers used to manage asthma, but they have some key differences. Qvar is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that works by reducing inflammation in your lungs, and it is used twice daily. It is only available as a brand-name medication. Advair, on the other hand, is a combination inhaler that includes fluticasone (an ICS) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). This combination helps by both reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. Advair is available as two different types of inhalers (diskus and HFA) and comes in both brand-name and generic forms. While Qvar and Advair HFA formulation are used solely for asthma, Advair Diskus can also be used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections. Advair Diskus is unique in that it contains lactose, so you shouldn't take it if you have a severe milk protein allergy.

  • Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
  • Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)

  • Summary of Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    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.

    Summary for ICS / LABA combo
    Prescription only

    Advair is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Advair Diskus is used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children, where as Advair HFA is for asthma only. Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is inhaled through the mouth, typically 1 to 2 puffs twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and headache.

  • Indications of Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    •Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

  • Pros and Cons of Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Breath-actuated inhaler; might be easier to use than metered-dose inhalers
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    •Considered safe while pregnant
    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
    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA combo
    Pros
    •Works well to lower the risk of asthma or COPD symptoms
    •Combines two medications into a single inhaler for convenience
    •Available as two different types of inhalers (Advair Diskus and Advair HFA)
    Cons
    •Can cause fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
    •Advair Diskus contains lactose, so it might not be safe for people with severe milk protein allergies
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

  • Common Side Effects of Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fungal infection in the mouth or throat (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Advair Diskus:

    •Upper respiratory infection (up to 27%)
    •Sore throat (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 13%)
    •Bronchitis (up to 8%)
    •Cough (up to 6%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 6%)
    •Hoarseness (up to 5%)

    Advair HFA:

    •Upper respiratory infection (up to 24%)
    •Headache (up to 21%)
    •Throat irritation (up to 9%)
    •Muscle and bone pain (up to 7%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Qvar RediHaler vs. Advair

    Learn more about Qvar redihaler
    Learn more about Advair

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