Flonase vs. Veramyst: What’s the Difference?

DISCLAIMER: This content is outdated. Veramyst has been discontinued in the U.S., meaning it’s no longer available. The active ingredient in Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) is now found in an over-the-counter (OTC) product called Flonase Sensimist (fluticasone furoate).

Veramyst and Flonase sound nothing alike at first—but if you take a look at their active ingredients, this is where some people run into confusion. These medications treat the same condition, allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies or hay fever), but are available in different strengths, have different salt forms, and are indicated to treat different ages.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis (or hay fever) is your body’s allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen, grass, mold, dust, or pet dander.

It can present with symptoms similar to the common cold, however, there is no bacteria or a virus involved. Symptoms can include sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, sinus pressure, and cough. Symptoms usually show up immediately after being exposed to the offending allergen and can continue until you are no longer exposed.

What strengths are Flonase and Veramyst available in?

Flonase (fluticasone propionate) contains 50 mcg of medication per spray, while Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) contains 27.5 mcg per spray.

What are the typical directions for these medications?

Both Flonase and Veramyst are dosed as 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.

What is an advantage of using Flonase compared to Veramyst?

An advantage to using Flonase is that it is available in generic form as fluticasone propionate, which costs much less than brand name Flonase or Veramyst (which doesn’t have a generic available).

What is an advantage of using Veramyst compared to generic ?

Veramyst can be used in patients as young as 2 years old. Flonase, on the other hand, is not indicated for use until 4 years of age.

Possible confusion at your doctor office

Unfortunately, many physicians, not realizing that there are two different forms of intranasal fluticasone, will write prescriptions for just “fluticasone,” leaving off the salt form (propionate or furoate) as well as the strength.

The prescription must at least specify the strength (fluticasone 50 mcg) in order for the Flonase generic to be dispensed.

If your prescription is sent to the pharmacist as plain fluticasone, they will need to clarify with your doctor whether the medication is meant to be fluticasone propionate 50 mcg (Flonase) or fluticasone furoate 27.5 mcg (Veramyst).

In that case, the pharmacy’s ability to fill and complete your prescription for pick-up will depend on how efficiently your doctor’s office responds to the request from the pharmacy.

How to save on Flonase

There are ways to save on Flonase, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 55% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic OTC Flonase’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $13 with a free GoodRx discount. However, you’ll need a prescription to use this coupon at the pharmacy.

Veramyst is no longer available for use. Flonase Sensimist, which contains the same active ingredient as Veramyst, is available OTC at certain pharmacies for less than $16 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Ronilee Shye, PharmD, BCGP, BCACP, CDE

Roni is an expert in clinical pharmacy and patient care. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; is board-certified in geriatrics and ambulatory care pharmacy; and is licensed to practice pharmacy in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Edited by:

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC, is a health editor at GoodRx. She is a nutritionist and integrative nutrition health coach with over 8 years of experience in health communications.

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