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Qvar RediHaler vs. Breo Ellipta

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

Key takeaways

Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) are both inhalers used to manage asthma, but they have some key differences. Qvar RediHaler is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used twice a day to control asthma by reducing inflammation in the lungs. It doesn't have a generic form and shouldn't be used with a spacer. Breo Ellipta, on the other hand, is a combination of fluticasone, an ICS, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist. It is taken once a day and can be used to manage both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is available in a generic form and contains lactose, which can be an issue if you're allergic to milk proteins. Both medications require you to rinse your mouth after use to prevent oral thrush, a type of fungal infection, but Breo Ellipta also has a risk of heart-related side effects due to the LABA component.

Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Breo Ellipta

(fluticasone furoate / vilanterol)

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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 Breo Ellipta

Prescription only

Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) is a maintenance inhaler used every day to help manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's a combination of two medications: fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces swelling in your lungs, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that helps relax your airways. The typical dose is one puff by mouth once a day. Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) isn't for sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Side effects include oral thrush, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Breo Ellipta

Pros and Cons for Breo Ellipta

Pros

  • Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
  • Inhaled only once a day
  • Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
  • Safe for children 5 years and older for asthma

Cons

  • Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
  • Not safe for those severely allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
  • Can cause thrush in mouth or throat
  • No need to prime or shake the inhaler before use

Common Side Effects for Breo Ellipta

Asthma (adults):

  • Common cold symptoms (7-10%)
  • Headache (5-8%)

Asthma (children):

  • Common cold symptoms (10%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (9%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Oral thrush (5%)

Warnings for Breo Ellipta

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Heart problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Slowed growth in children
  • Eye problems
  • High blood sugar and low potassium

Prices with our coupons for Qvar RediHaler vs. Breo Ellipta

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Qvar1 redihaler / 10.6g of 80mcg
$263.89$366.29
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Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Ellipta1 inhaler / 60 blisters of 100mcg/25mcg
$228.01$415.96
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