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

Most common
throat irritation (up to 3%)
dysphonia (hoarseness) (up to 3%)
upper respiratory infection (up to 3%)
headache (up to 3%)

Flovent

Most common
throat irritation (up to 3%)
dysphonia (hoarseness) (up to 3%)
upper respiratory infection (up to 3%)
sinusitis (up to 3%)

Advair vs. Flovent Dosage

Advair

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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