Breo vs. Flovent

See how Breo and Flovent compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Breo combines a steroid and long-acting bronchodilator in one once-daily inhaler, while Flovent is a steroid-only inhaler taken twice daily.

  • Breo is FDA-approved for both asthma and COPD maintenance, but Flovent's approval covers only asthma.

  • Breo carries a boxed warning tied to its LABA component, while Flovent's main long-term risks involve steroid effects like bone density loss.

Breo vs. Flovent Drug Summary

Breo

Breo is a combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA) used for daily maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. It is taken as a single once-daily inhalation using the Ellipta device, in one of three strengths depending on age and diagnosis. It is not a rescue inhaler and will not relieve sudden breathing problems.

Flovent

Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 and older. It is taken as a twice-daily inhalation, as either an aerosol or powder, with dosing spread across four strengths based on severity. Like Breo, it is not intended for relief of sudden asthma symptoms.

Breo vs. Flovent Side Effects

Breo

Most common
nasopharyngitis (≥3%)
upper respiratory tract infection (≥3%)
headache (≥3%)
oral candidiasis (≥3%)

Flovent

Most common
upper respiratory tract infection or inflammation (>3%)
throat irritation (>3%)
sinusitis (>3%)
dysphonia (>3%)

Breo vs. Flovent Dosage

Breo

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 50 mcg/25 mcg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 200 mcg/25 mcg once 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

Breo vs. Flovent Indications

Breo

Breo is FDA-approved for long-term maintenance of asthma in patients 5 and older, and for COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps keep airways open and inflammation controlled over time. It is not intended to treat sudden asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups.

  • Maintenance treatment of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 5 years and older

  • Available in three strengths for asthma and/or COPD

  • Not for acute bronchospasm or rescue use

Flovent

Flovent is FDA-approved for long-term maintenance of asthma in patients 4 and older, including those who need oral corticosteroids for control. Unlike Breo, it does not carry a COPD indication. It works by reducing airway inflammation over time, not by treating acute symptoms.

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years and older

  • Asthma treatment for patients requiring oral corticosteroids

  • Available in four strengths for dose flexibility

  • Not for acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus

Breo vs. Flovent Pros and Cons

Breo

Breo's combination of a steroid and long-acting bronchodilator lets people manage both asthma and COPD with one once-daily inhaler. That convenience comes with a boxed warning about the LABA component and a higher typical price than Flovent's generic-only options.

Pros

  • Once-daily dosing, compared with Flovent's twice-daily regimen

  • FDA-approved for both asthma and COPD maintenance

  • Available in three strengths for age- and disease-specific dosing

  • Copay assistance program can lower monthly cost for eligible patients

Cons

  • Contains a LABA and carries a boxed warning for asthma-related death risk

  • Not approved for children under 5 years old

  • Contraindicated in patients with severe milk protein allergy

  • Typically costs $225 to $550 per month without insurance, before savings programs

Flovent

Flovent's steroid-only formula avoids the LABA boxed warning that comes with Breo, and it has a longer track record with a lower age limit for children. Its twice-daily dosing and lack of a COPD indication are the main tradeoffs for patients weighing convenience against cost.

Pros

  • Steroid-only formula avoids the LABA-related boxed warning

  • Approved for children as young as 4 years old

  • Available in four strengths for finer dose adjustment

  • Typically costs $50 to $150 per month without insurance, before savings programs

Cons

  • Requires twice-daily dosing, less convenient than once-daily Breo

  • Not approved for COPD maintenance treatment

  • Higher doses carry increased risk of adrenal suppression and bone loss

  • Brand-name product was discontinued in 2024, leaving generic-only options

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