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Qvar RediHaler vs. Alvesco

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

Key takeaways

Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) and Alvesco (ciclesonide) are both inhaled corticosteroids used for the long-term control of asthma, but they have some differences. Qvar RediHaler is approved for use in children as young as 4 years old, while Alvesco is only approved for those 12 and older. Qvar should not be used with a spacer, whereas Alvesco can be used with one if you have trouble getting the full dose. You may need to take Alvesco for up to a month to see improvement in your symptoms, compared to Qvar, which can start improving symptoms in 2 weeks. Additionally, both medications are only available as brand-name medications and have similar side effects and risks, including the potential for fungal infections, altered stress hormone levels, and delayed growth in children. You will need to rinse your mouth after using either Qvar or Alvesco to prevent oral thrush.

Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Alvesco

(ciclesonide)

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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

Summary for Alvesco

Prescription only

Alvesco (ciclesonide) is a steroid inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children age 12 years and older. It's inhaled by mouth twice daily. When used regularly, Alvesco (ciclesonide) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. But it's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started. Some common side effects this medication can cause include stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches.

Indications for Alvesco

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people age 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Alvesco

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
  • Can be used with a spacer if you have trouble getting the full dose with the inhaler
  • Few known interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler and will not help your symptoms during an asthma attack
  • It can take up to a month or longer before you see symptoms improve
  • Can't be used in children under 12 years old
  • Might raise your risk for infections

Common Side Effects for Alvesco

  • Stuffy nose or swelling in the throat (7-11%)
  • Headache (5-11%)
  • Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (4-9%)
  • Sore throat (2-5%)

Warnings for Alvesco

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Qvar RediHaler vs. Alvesco

Price Card Drug Icon
Qvar1 redihaler / 10.6g of 80mcg
$263.89$366.28
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Alvesco1 inhaler / 160mcg
$154.48$313.00
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