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Compare Xopenex vs. Advair

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

Key takeaways

Xopenex (levalbuterol) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both inhaled medications used to help with breathing problems, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Xopenex is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that quickly relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe during episodes of sudden wheezing or shortness of breath. It's typically used three times a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, Advair is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is taken twice daily. Advair helps reduce inflammation and keeps airways open over a longer period. Unlike Xopenex, Advair is not used for sudden breathing problems. Common side effects of Xopenex include headache and sore throat, while Advair can cause upper respiratory infections and oral thrush.

  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)

  • Summary of Xopenex vs. Advair

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Levalbuterol inhalation solution (also known by its brand name, Xopenex) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's used to treat and prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 6 years and older. Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution is inhaled through the mouth with a nebulizer machine. Side effects of this medication include headache, sore throat, and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for ICS / LABA combo
    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 of Xopenex vs. Advair

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 6 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    •Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

  • Pros and Cons of Xopenex vs. Advair

    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works well for relieving wheezing or shortness of breath
    •Quickly opens up the airways
    •Can use for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who is traveling
    •Need to inhale 3 times daily, so not a long-acting medication
    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA combo
    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 of Xopenex vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for

    Ages 12 years and older:

    •Viral infection (7-12%)
    •Runny nose (3-11%)
    •Nervousness (3-10%)

    Ages 6 to 11 years:

    •Headache (8-12%)
    •Runny nose (6-10%)
    •Sore throat (3-10%)
    •Asthma (6-9%)
    •Viral infection (8-9%)
    •Rash (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Xopenex vs. Advair

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Only take as directed
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Xopenex vs. Advair

    Learn more about Levalbuterol
    Learn more about Advair

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