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
Flovent
Breo vs. Flovent Dosage
Breo
Flovent
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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