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Xhance vs. Flonase

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

Key takeaways

Fluticasone (Xhance) and fluticasone (Flonase) are both corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat nasal conditions. They both help reduce inflammation in the nose, but they are used for different purposes. Xhance is specifically FDA-approved for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults, while Flonase is used to relieve allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Xhance is a prescription-only medication and uses a unique delivery system with a mouthpiece to help the medication reach high in the nasal passages. In contrast, Flonase is available both by prescription and over-the-counter and uses a traditional nasal spray method. Xhance is typically dosed as 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice daily, while Flonase is typically 1 spray per nostril twice daily or 2 sprays per nostril once daily. Xhance is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Flonase has generic versions. Common side effects of Xhance include nosebleeds and nasal irritation, while Flonase can cause headaches and sore throats.

Xhance

(fluticasone)

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fluticasone nasal spray

 

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Summary for Xhance

Prescription only

Xhance (fluticasone) is a corticosteroid nasal spray. It treats chronic rhinosinusitis in adults with and without nasal polyps. Unlike most other nasal sprays, Xhance (fluticasone) has a mouthpiece for your mouth and a nosepiece that you insert into your nostrils. In order to use Xhance (fluticasone), you blow into the mouthpiece and press down on the bottle to deliver the sprays into your nostrils. The typical dose is 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice a day. The special delivery system gets medication high in your nose where polyps are, but can sometimes cause nosebleeds and irritation as side effects.

Indications for Xhance

Pros and Cons for Xhance

Pros

  • Works well to shrink nasal polyps
  • Can lessen facial pain and runny nose
  • Can improve sense of smell
  • Might clear up stuffy nose within 2 weeks of treatment
  • Special delivery system causes less medication to drip down throat

Cons

  • Might be difficult to use for people unfamiliar with the delivery system
  • Can cause nose bleeds
  • For adults only
  • Need to use twice daily
  • Brand-name only

Common Side Effects for Xhance

  • Nosebleeds (5-12%)
  • Nose ulcer (3-8%)
  • Nose and throat inflammation (2-8%)
  • Stuffy nose (4-6%)
  • Redness inside the nose (4-6%)
  • Sinus inflammation (4-5%)
  • Headache (2-5%)
  • Sore throat (1-3%)

Warnings for Xhance

  • Risk of damage or infections in the nose
  • Eye problems
  • Risk of infections
  • Changes in adrenal hormone levels
  • Higher risk of side effects from interactions with other medications
  • Slowed growth and weakened bones

Summary for Flonase

Prescription or over-the-counter

Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

Indications for Flonase

Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes

Pros and Cons for Flonase

Pros

  • Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
  • Available OTC
  • Some formulations have generic versions
  • Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
  • Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old

Cons

  • Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
  • Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
  • Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
  • Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

Common Side Effects for Flonase

  • Headache (7-16%)
  • Sore throat (6-8%)
  • Nosebleeds (6-7%)
  • Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

Warnings for Flonase

  • Nasal problems
  • Slowed growth rate in children
  • Eye problems
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
  • Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Xhance vs. Flonase

Price Card Drug Icon
Xhance1 nasal spray / 16ml of 93mcg
$525.44$819.21
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Fluticasone Propionate1 nasal spray / 16g of 50mcg
$14.67$46.99
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