Qvar vs. Flovent: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

In this article:

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

In this article

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

Qvar and Flovent are brand-name prescription medications that control and prevent asthma symptoms. However, as of January 1, 2024, Flovent is no longer available as a brand-name drug. Instead, authorized generic versions have taken its place and are marketed as fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosols or powders.

Qvar and fluticasone are controller inhalers that help manage symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough. They both belong to a class of medications called inhaled corticosteroids, which work by reducing inflammation in the lungs and airways. Although they work similarly, their effectiveness, potential side effects, and costs may differ.

Read on to learn more about the differences between Qvar and Flovent.

Main differences between Qvar and Flovent
	Qvar	Flovent
Drug class	Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)	Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Brand/generic status	No generic version available	Brand name discontinued; Generic version only
What is the generic name?	Beclomethasone dipropionate	Fluticasone propionate
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Inhalation aerosol (metered-dose inhaler)	Inhalation aerosol (metered-dose inhaler) Inhalation powder
What is the standard dosage?	Treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older: 40 mcg, 80 mcg, 160 mcg, or 320 mcg twice daily Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 to 11 years old: 40 mcg or 80 mcg twice daily	Treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older: 88 mcg twice daily up to 880 mcg twice daily Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 to 11 years old: 88 mcg twice daily
How long is the typical treatment?	Long-term	Long-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults and children aged 4 years and older	Adults and children aged 4 years and older

What are the main differences between Qvar and Flovent?

Qvar and Flovent are brand-name inhalers that contain different active ingredients. Qvar contains beclomethasone, while Flovent contains fluticasone. 

Flovent has been discontinued as a brand name since January 1, 2024. GSK has authorized generics for both Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus, which are distributed by Prasco Laboratories. Another Flovent HFA generic is available from RPK Pharmaceuticals. In contrast, Qvar is only available as a brand-name inhaler, with a generic version not expected to be available until at least 2031.

Qvar and fluticasone are inhalers that deliver medication as a fine mist inhaled through the mouth. While they have similar forms, fluticasone has an extra option: it is also available as a dry powder inhaler. A person might prefer a dry powder inhaler because it requires less coordination and may be easier to use.

The Qvar Redihaler comes in strengths of 40 or 80 mcg per actuation. The fluticasone HFA inhaler is available in strengths of 44, 110, or 220 mcg per actuation, and the fluticasone dry powder inhaler is available in strengths of 50, 100, or 250 mcg per foil blister. 

Conditions treated by Qvar and Flovent

Qvar and fluticasone are FDA-approved for asthma in adults and pediatric patients four years and older. As maintenance treatments, they control and prevent asthma symptoms. By controlling inflammation in the airways, they may help prevent an asthma attack.

Inhaled corticosteroids may take several days to weeks to reach maximum effectiveness. Therefore, these medications should be taken daily to control asthma symptoms. Depending on the severity of symptoms, they may be prescribed with other medications to help manage asthma.

Qvar and Flovent should not be used as rescue inhalers. Instead, a rescue inhaler like albuterol (sold under brand names like Proair and Ventolin) is prescribed to help relieve asthma attacks.

Condition	Qvar	Flovent
Asthma	Yes	Yes

Is Qvar or Flovent more effective?

Both Qvar and fluticasone are effective medications for asthma. However, studies suggest that fluticasone may be more potent than Qvar, especially at lower doses. 

One randomized, double-blind clinical trial directly compared beclomethasone dipropionate and fluticasone propionate in almost 400 patients with persistent asthma. By the end of the trial, fluticasone propionate significantly improved lung function and asthma symptoms more than beclomethasone dipropionate. Both medications had similar side effects.

Another study compared 71 clinical trials with over 14,600 participants to compare how well fluticasone propionate works against beclomethasone dipropionate and budesonide for asthma treatment. The results showed that fluticasone when used at half the dose of the other two medicines, provided better improvement in lung function than the others. However, it also caused a higher risk of sore throat, affecting about 5% more patients than the other treatments.

Consult a healthcare provider for the best choice for your condition. Other factors, such as cost and availability, may also come into play when choosing a medication.

Coverage and cost comparison of Qvar vs. Flovent

Qvar is not offered as a generic medication, but many insurance plans, including Medicare, often provide coverage. Without insurance coverage, the retail price of Qvar Redihaler can be approximately $407. However, using a Qvar coupon from SingleCare may help reduce this cost.

Fluticasone is only available as a generic medication, with some Medicare and insurance plans covering authorized generics of Flovent. The average retail price for the fluticasone HFA inhaler is about $445, while the fluticasone dry powder inhaler typically costs around $349. To help lower the cost of a fluticasone HFA or dry powder inhaler, you can consider using a savings card from SingleCare.

	Qvar	Flovent
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Quantity	1 inhaler	1 inhaler
Typical Medicare copay	$246	$22–$214
SingleCare cost	$282	$137–$179

Common side effects of Qvar vs. Flovent

Qvar and Flovent share similar side effects. As inhaled corticosteroids, these medications may cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections and symptoms of the common cold, like sore throat, headache, cough, and inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Both medications may also cause nausea or vomiting. 

Qvar or Flovent can increase the risk of oral thrush or fungal infections. The mouth should be rinsed with water without swallowing after using an inhaled corticosteroid like Qvar or fluticasone. A device called a spacer may be used with the fluticasone HFA inhaler to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

Inhaled corticosteroids can cause serious side effects, including paradoxical bronchospasm and allergic reactions. Paradoxical bronchospasm may happen right after using the medication and can lead to severe wheezing and difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions might include a severe rash, swelling, or trouble breathing for those sensitive to the ingredients. If you experience any signs of bronchospasm or an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away.

	Qvar		Flovent
Side Effect	Applicable?	Frequency	Applicable?	Frequency
Oral thrush	Yes	0–15%	Yes	2–5%
Upper respiratory tract infection	Yes	3–6%	Yes	16–18%
Sore throat	Yes	1–3%	Yes	8–10%
Sinusitis	Yes	0–3%	Yes	4–7%
Headache	Yes	2–5%	Yes	5–11%
Cough	Yes	1–3%	Yes	4–6%
Vomiting	Yes	2%	Yes	>2%

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Source: DailyMed (Qvar), DailyMed (Flovent)

Drug interactions of Qvar vs. Flovent

Inhaled corticosteroids like Qvar and Flovent should be used cautiously if you’re also taking certain other medications. Some of these medications can increase the amount of corticosteroids in your body, which might lead to increased corticosteroid side effects. Examples of these medications include certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral medications, among others.

Corticosteroids may need to be used with caution while taking immunosuppressant drugs. Drugs that suppress the immune system can make a person more vulnerable to infections, especially when combined with corticosteroids.

Inhaled corticosteroids typically have fewer drug interactions than oral corticosteroids. This is mainly because inhaled forms are absorbed less into the bloodstream.

Drug	Drug Class	Qvar	Flovent
Nizoral (ketoconazole) Sporanox (itraconazole) Noxafil (posaconazole)	Antifungal	Yes	Yes
Biaxin (clarithromycin) Erythrocin (erythromycin)	Antibiotic	Yes	Yes
Norvir (ritonavir) Viracept (nelfinavir) Invirase (saquinavir)	Antiretroviral	Yes	Yes
Imuran (azathioprine) Sandimmune (cyclosporine) Rheumatrex (methotrexate)	Immunosuppressant	Yes	Yes

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Warnings of Qvar and Flovent

Using these medications for extended periods may lead to a decrease in bone density. Those with osteoporosis or at greater risk of bone mineral loss may need to avoid these medications or have regular check-ups while using them.

Another important point is that inhaled corticosteroids may weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections to occur. This risk is higher when these medications are taken in large amounts over extended periods. People who are more likely to get infections should consider avoiding high doses of inhaled corticosteroids or at least be closely monitored by their healthcare provider while using them.

Inhaled corticosteroids may also increase the chances of developing eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Those with a history of issues like high eye pressure or blurred vision may need to use caution while taking inhaled corticosteroids like Qvar or Flovent.

The use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids may sometimes lead to a condition called hypercorticism, which means there’s too much cortisol in the body, and adrenal suppression, in which the body’s adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones due to the medication’s effects. It’s important to stop taking corticosteroids slowly instead of suddenly to help the body adjust and avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

Children who use inhaled corticosteroids may experience stunted growth. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor a child’s growth patterns and make sure their height and weight are as expected throughout treatment. 

Talk to a healthcare provider about other possible warnings and precautions before using an inhaled corticosteroid. 

Frequently asked questions about Qvar vs. Flovent

Are Qvar and Flovent the same?

Qvar and Flovent both contain a corticosteroid but are not the same. Qvar contains beclomethasone, and Flovent contains fluticasone propionate. Qvar and fluticasone also come in different formulations; Qvar is available as an inhalation aerosol, while fluticasone is available as an inhalation aerosol and inhalation powder.

Is Qvar or Flovent better?

Qvar and fluticasone are both effective medications for asthma control. Some studies suggest that fluticasone is more effective at lower doses than Qvar. However, both medications have similar side effects. The most effective inhaled corticosteroid is the one that is used regularly to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider for the best asthma medication for you. 

Can I use Qvar or Flovent while pregnant?

No sufficient data shows that Qvar or Flovent is completely safe or harmful during pregnancy. However, inhaled corticosteroids have limited absorption in the bloodstream, so they are considered generally safe during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare provider for the best asthma treatment options while pregnant.

Can I use Qvar or Flovent with alcohol?

There are no known interactions with alcohol and Qvar or Flovent. However, alcohol consumption has been reported to be a trigger for asthma symptoms in some individuals. Talk to a healthcare provider about whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking an inhaled corticosteroid like Qvar or Flovent. 

What is the best steroid inhaler for asthma?

The best steroid inhaler for managing asthma is one that you use regularly to help prevent and control your symptoms. Options include Alvesco (ciclesonide), Qvar (beclomethasone), Pulmicort (budesonide), and Asmanex (mometasone). How well these medications work often depends on the dosage you take. When choosing the right inhaler, it’s also important to consider other factors like side effects and cost. Talking with a healthcare provider to find the best option is a good idea.