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Theochron (branded generic) vs. Advair

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

Key takeaways

Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both used to help with breathing problems like asthma and COPD, but they work differently and have different uses. Theophylline is a nonselective PDE inhibitor taken orally, while Advair is an inhaled combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). Theophylline helps by relaxing airway muscles and stregthens your breathing muscles, but it is not a first-choice medication and requires regular blood tests. Advair, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in your lungs. Theophylline and Advair are both available in generic forms.Theophylline can cause side effects similar to having too much caffeine such as headache and trouble sleeping, while Advair can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, if you don't rinse your mouth out after taking your dose. Both medications should not be used during an asthma or COPD attack. You should always have a rescue inhaler on hand for use during an acute attack.

Theophylline

 

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Advair

(fluticasone / salmeterol)

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Summary for Theochron (branded generic)

Prescription only

Theophylline is a long-term medication that helps you breathe easier when you have asthma or COPD, but it is not a first-choice medication for these problems.

Indications for Theochron (branded generic)

  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Pros and Cons for Theochron (branded generic)

Pros

  • Can help you breathe easier when other medications do not work well enough
  • Available as a 24-hour pill form that can be taken once a day
  • Both the pill and liquid forms are available in cheaper generic versions

Cons

  • Does not work quickly and will not help if you are currently having an asthma or COPD attack
  • Requires regular blood tests to check theophylline lab levels
  • Can interact with with other medications or supplements
  • Food affects absorption, so you have to be consistent with how you take theophylline

Common Side Effects for Theochron (branded generic)

  • Feeling like you had too much caffeine (nausea, vomiting, headache, inability to sleep)

Warnings for Theochron (branded generic)

  • WORSENING OF OTHER CONDITIONS
  • THEOPHYLLINE TOXICITY
  • INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS

Summary for Advair

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 for Advair

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma
  • Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

Pros and Cons for Advair

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 for Advair

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 for Advair

  • 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 Theochron (branded generic) vs. Advair

Price Card Drug Icon
Theophylline ER60 tablets / 300mg
$33.18$1,030.96
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Fluticasone/Salmeterol1 diskus inhaler / 250mcg/50mcg
$65.46$314.99
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