Flovent vs Qvar
What to choose Flovent or Qvar
Qvar and Flovent are prescription inhaling medications that help to prevent or control asthma reactions. They suppress inflammation in the lungs airways and alleviate conditions such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath that are associated with asthma. These medicines are not intended for emergency treatment, so they should not be used during an asthma attack.
Qvar and Flovent Difference
Both Flovent and Qvar come in the form of metered-dose inhalers that contain an aerosol. Flovent can be purchased in the form of an inhaler with a powder medication. Both inhalers are similar in their action. As an active substance, Flovent has a corticosteroid fluticasone, and Qvar contains beclomethasone. The treatment course with both inhalers is continuous. They should be taken every day to control asthma conditions.
Usually the corticosteroids Qvar and Flovent are prescribed in combination with the emergency drug, as they themselves just alleviate the symptoms. For corticosteroids to be effective, they must be used consistently over a long period of time. Then the asthma symptoms will not get worse. To find the most effective asthma treatment for yourself, you should first consult with your doctor.
Qvar and Flovent are available only in proprietary formulations. Compared to Qvar, Flovent is usually cheaper. Most insurance plans cover a Flovent prescription.
Side Effects
The majority of medications have a risk of side effects, and inhaled corticosteroids, such as Flovent and Qvar, are not an exception. They may cause the following adverse reactions: sinusitis, rhinitis, throat and nose infections, headache, nausea, and coughing.
Patients who use Flovent or Qvar may get fungal infections of the mouth. After taking the drug, it is necessary to rinse your mouth.
There is a risk of some serious adverse reactions, although they are unlikely. They include: rashes, trouble breathing and swelling, which can be the signs of allergies or bronchospasms. A complete list of adverse reactions should be checked with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Medicines that act as inhibitors of CYP3A4 may interact poorly with Qvar and Flovent. Therefore, it is recommended to control or avoid combining them altogether because of the risk of possible negative consequences. It is not advisable to use any immunosuppressant in combination with the inhaled corticosteroids, as it will affect the amount of corticosteroids in the patient's body and may cause negative reactions. You should tell the doctor about all the drugs that you take in parallel with the use of the inhaler. It is important to visit your doctor regularly throughout the whole treatment.
Warning
The inhalers Qvar and Flovent are inhaled corticosteroids. Using them can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma and cataracts.
They can cause infections to penetrate into your body, as they can affect the human’s immune system and weaken it, which is most likely when an inhaled corticosteroid is used at a high dosage.
Do not take corticosteroids if you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are prone to osteoporosis. If you have no other choice and there is a sharp necessarily to take these medications as directed by your doctor, then you must be constantly under his or her supervision.
If you have a risk of dangerous adverse effects from inhaled corticosteroids, then you should discuss other possible treatment options with your doctor in order to avoid any worsening in health condition and not to harm your body.
Flovent and Qvar Comparison
| Flovent | Qvar | |
|---|---|---|
| Type: | Control | Control |
| Manufacturer: | GSK | Teva |
| Substance: | Fluticasone | Beclomethasone |
| Dosage: | 44 mcg, 110 mcg, 220 mcg | 40 mcg, 80 mcg |
| Avg Price: | $198 | $276 |