Key takeaways:
Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta are asthma inhalers that contain different forms of fluticasone. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that helps lower inflammation in the airways of the lungs.
Arnuity Ellipta has longer-lasting effects, so you only need to use it once a day. Flovent, on the other hand, requires twice-daily doses since it doesn’t last as long.
Flovent comes as a metered-dose inhaler (Flovent HFA) and a dry powder inhaler (Flovent Diskus). Arnuity Ellipta only comes as a dry powder inhaler. Some people may prefer one type of inhaler over the other.
Brand-name Flovent has been discontinued. Authorized generics are now available in its place. Arnuity Ellipta comes as a brand-name product and an authorized generic. GoodRx discounts can help make your inhaler prescription more affordable.
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If you’re living with asthma, choosing the right inhaler can feel overwhelming. Flovent (fluticasone propionate) and Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate) are two options that may seem similar at first glance. But they have some important differences to consider — from their inhaler types to how long they work.
So, how else do Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta compare? Below, we cover five key differences you should know.
Note: In early 2024, brand-name Flovent was discontinued. This is because authorized generics of Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are now available. For simplicity, we’ll refer to the authorized generics as Flovent in this article.
1. Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta contain different forms of fluticasone
Both Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta use fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways of the lungs, as their active ingredient. But they contain slightly different versions of it. Flovent contains fluticasone propionate, and Arnuity Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate.
Both forms work similarly to reduce lung inflammation, but they differ in potency and duration of action. Fluticasone furoate is more potent and lasts longer in the lungs and body than fluticasone propionate.
2. Flovent is used twice daily, while Arnuity Ellipta is used once daily
One of the biggest differences between Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta is the dose frequency. Flovent is typically prescribed to be used twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening. Arnuity Ellipta is more potent, with longer-lasting effects. Because of this, it’s used only once daily, usually at the same time each day.
If you prefer a simpler regimen or have difficulty remembering to take medications multiple times a day, Arnuity Ellipta can be a more convenient option.
3. Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta come in different types of inhalers
Another difference between Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta is the type of inhaler device they come in. Flovent is available as both a metered-dose inhaler (Flovent HFA) and a dry powder inhaler (Flovent Diskus). Arnuity Ellipta comes only as a dry powder inhaler.
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) deliver the medication as a pressurized spray that you inhale into your lungs. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) release a fine powder when you inhale through the device. Each inhaler type has its own technique. MDIs require coordination between pressing the canister and inhaling. DPIs rely on your ability to take a deep, forceful breath.
For some people, the inhaler type and inhalation technique may play a role in choosing one option over the other.
4. Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta are approved for slightly different ages
Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta are both approved for asthma, but the age groups they’re approved for vary slightly.
Both inhalers are approved for adults. But Flovent is approved for children as young as 4 years old, and Arnuity Ellipta is approved for children ages 5 and older. Although the age difference is small, it can be a factor to consider for young children.
5. Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta both have authorized generics
Cost is often an important consideration when it comes to asthma inhalers. Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta both have lower-cost authorized generics available. These inhalers are the same as Flovent or Arnuity Ellipta but without the brand name on the label.
As mentioned earlier, brand-name Flovent has been discontinued. Authorized generics for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are now available in its place. These products are the same as Flovent, but without the brand name. They’re also sold at a lower price. But what you end up paying can depend on your insurance coverage.
Arnuity Ellipta is currently available as a brand-name product and authorized generic.
Which inhaler is right for you?
Choosing between Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta may depend on several factors, including your age and the dose frequency and inhaler type.
If you prefer an MDI and a twice-daily dose is manageable for you, Flovent could be a good option. But if you prefer a once-daily medication, Arnuity Ellipta may be more convenient. Your healthcare team can help you determine which inhaler best fits your needs. It’s also a good idea to contact your insurance plan to check your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
How to save on Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta
There are ways that you can save money on Flovent authorized generics and Arnuity Ellipta. With a free GoodRx coupon, the price of generic Flovent HFA is as low as $165.24 and the price of generic Flovent Diskus is as low as $136.77.
For Arnuity Ellipta, you may be eligible to pay as little as $35 for your inhaler. Other ways to save include patient assistance programs and GoodRx coupons. At certain pharmacies the price of generic Arnuity Ellipta is as low as $137.51 with GoodRx.
Frequently asked questions
Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus weren’t discontinued for safety reasons. The manufacturer made a business decision to stop making them, and they have been replaced by authorized generic versions.
The authorized generics are the same as Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, but they don’t have the brand name on the label and may be available at a lower cost.
Arnuity Ellipta is a once-daily inhaled corticosteroid used to manage asthma. It comes as a dry powder inhaler. To use it:
Open the cover fully until you hear a click (this loads a dose).
Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and take a steady, deep breath in.
Hold your breath for 3 to 4 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
Close the inhaler.
After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent oral thrush. Follow your prescriber’s instructions for daily use.
Yes, there are lower-cost alternatives to Flovent HFA. The most direct option is the authorized generic fluticasone HFA inhaler, which contains the same medication and works the same way.
Other inhaled corticosteroids, such as budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) or fluticasone furoate (Arnuity Ellipta), may also be options depending on your needs and insurance coverage. Your healthcare team can help you choose the most affordable and appropriate alternative.
Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus weren’t discontinued for safety reasons. The manufacturer made a business decision to stop making them, and they have been replaced by authorized generic versions.
The authorized generics are the same as Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, but they don’t have the brand name on the label and may be available at a lower cost.
Arnuity Ellipta is a once-daily inhaled corticosteroid used to manage asthma. It comes as a dry powder inhaler. To use it:
Open the cover fully until you hear a click (this loads a dose).
Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and take a steady, deep breath in.
Hold your breath for 3 to 4 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
Close the inhaler.
After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent oral thrush. Follow your prescriber’s instructions for daily use.
Yes, there are lower-cost alternatives to Flovent HFA. The most direct option is the authorized generic fluticasone HFA inhaler, which contains the same medication and works the same way.
Other inhaled corticosteroids, such as budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) or fluticasone furoate (Arnuity Ellipta), may also be options depending on your needs and insurance coverage. Your healthcare team can help you choose the most affordable and appropriate alternative.
The bottom line
Flovent and Arnuity Ellipta are two inhalers that contain different forms of fluticasone for asthma. Flovent contains fluticasone propionate and is used twice daily. Arnuity Ellipta contains fluticasone furoate and is used once a day since it has longer-lasting effects.
Arnuity Ellipta comes as a dry powdered inhaler. Flovent comes as both a metered dose inhaler (Flovent HFA) and dry powder inhaler (Flovent Diskus). The right inhaler for you can depend on your age, inhaler preference, insurance coverage, and other factors.
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References
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. (2026). Inhaled corticosteroids.
American Thoracic Society. (2014). Using your metered dose inhaler (MDI). American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Daley-Yates, P. T. (2015). Inhaled corticosteroids: Potency, dose equivalence and therapeutic index. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. (2026). Fluticasone propionate aerosol, metered [package insert].
GSK. (2024). GSK announces cap of $35 per month on U.S. patient out-of-pocket costs for its entire portfolio of asthma and COPD inhalers.
Lilburn, P. A., et al. (2019). Fluticasone furoate: A once daily preparation in patients with persistent asthma. Journal of Lung Health and Diseases.
Prasco Laboratories. (2025). Fluticasone furoate ellipta- fluticasone furoate powder [package insert].
Remien, K., et al. (2024). Fluticasone. StatPearls.
