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.
