Advair vs. Flovent
See how Advair and Flovent compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Advair combines an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator, while Flovent contains only the corticosteroid.
Advair is approved for both asthma and COPD, but Flovent is approved only for asthma.
Both drugs are inhaled twice daily and share similar local side effects, including thrush and hoarseness.
Advair vs. Flovent Drug Summary
Advair
Advair combines an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) with a long-acting beta2-agonist (salmeterol) to treat asthma and COPD. It is taken twice daily using the Diskus powder inhaler to reduce airway inflammation and keep airways open between doses.
Flovent
Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid containing fluticasone alone, used for maintenance treatment of asthma. It is taken twice daily using either the HFA aerosol inhaler or the Diskus powder device to reduce airway inflammation over time.
Advair vs. Flovent Side Effects
Advair
Flovent
Advair vs. Flovent Dosage
Advair
Flovent
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 100 mcg/50 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 500 mcg/50 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Advair
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 100 mcg/50 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 500 mcg/50 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Flovent
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Advair vs. Flovent Indications
Advair
Advair is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years and older and for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD. It also helps reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of flare-ups.
Maintenance treatment of asthma (ages 4+)
Maintenance treatment of COPD airflow obstruction
Reduces COPD exacerbations in patients with prior flare-ups
Flovent
Flovent is FDA-approved for maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 4 years and older. It can also be used in asthma patients who require oral corticosteroid therapy, helping reduce their steroid burden.
Maintenance treatment of asthma (ages 4+)
Used in asthma requiring oral corticosteroids
Not for acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus
Advair vs. Flovent Pros and Cons
Advair
Advair pairs an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator, offering broader symptom control for both asthma and COPD. Coverage varies by plan, but a generic version, Wixela Inhub, is widely available and typically costs less than the brand.
Pros
Combines steroid and long-acting bronchodilator in one inhaler
Approved for COPD as well as asthma
Available as lower-cost generic (Wixela Inhub)
Reduces frequency of COPD exacerbations
Cons
LABA component carries a risk of asthma-related death
Roughly $300 to $500 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Contraindicated with severe milk protein allergy
Not appropriate if only steroid therapy is needed
Flovent
Flovent delivers corticosteroid-only therapy, making it a simpler choice for patients who do not need added bronchodilation. Since GSK discontinued the brand in 2024, patients now rely on authorized generic versions of the inhaler.
Pros
Steroid-only formula avoids LABA-related risks
Simpler option for patients who don't need a bronchodilator
Roughly $50 to $150 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Available in both aerosol and powder inhaler forms
Cons
Not approved for COPD treatment
No bronchodilator effect for patients needing dual therapy
Long-term risk of reduced bone density and adrenal suppression
Brand-name product discontinued; only generics remain
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