Arnuity vs Flovent: Which Inhaler is Right for You?

According to the Center for Lung Health, asthma affects over 10% of Canadians. Approximately 5% have a severe or difficult-to-treat form of the condition.

Many of them also don’t get the treatment they need. A study from the University of Ottowa estimated that approximately 70% of those with asthma and the equally debilitating condition COPD go undiagnosed.

Inhalers are the leading treatment for the condition and vie for dominance. Consider the differences between Arnuity vs. Flovent. They’ve been vying for the top spot for years.

Read our inhaler comparison guide to determine the best one for you.

What’s Their Availability?

There’s a wide range of brand-name inhaler options, but not all of them are as readily available. Recent changes have added to the Arnuity vs. Flovent debate. 

Brand name Arnuity Ellipta is readily available wherever you get medication. It’s a trusted brand that’s been available for years.

The story is different for Flovent. Brand-name Flovent HFA and Flovent Discus were discontinued on January 1, 2024. There are authorized, generic versions available. They’re just as effective but may not be the best choice for you if you only want to take brand-name medications.  

How Do They Work For Asthma?

There isn’t much difference between Arnuity vs. Flovent in terms of how they work. They both contain corticosteroids.

The medication goes to the glucocorticoid receptors in your lungs. It reduces the inflammation and swelling in your airways to improve breathing. It also alleviates other symptoms such as:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath

Arnuity and Flovent are meant to prevent and provide a gradual reduction in symptoms. They aren’t rescue inhalers used for sudden attacks.

What Are the Active Ingredients?

The active ingredients in Arnuity and Flovent are similar. They’re both forms of a corticosteroid known as fluticasone. The difference is the formulation they use. 

Annuity uses fluticasone fluorite. It’s strong but difficult to absorb orally but easily through the respiratory system. That’s why it’s put into an inhaler instead of a pill.

Flovent uses a newer formulation known as fluticasone propionate. It’s made into a powder and put into the inhaler. It has a longer half-life than fluticasone fluorite.

How Are They Administered?

Flovent and Arnuity can be taken when you start to feel asthma symptoms, but only a certain amount of times per day.

You need to use your Flovent inhaler twice a day. It’s available in three different strengths, including:

• 44 mcg
• 110 mcg
• 200 mcg

You’ll only need to use your Arnuity inhaler once a day. It’s available in 100 mcg and 200 mcg strengths.

One of the major Arnuity inhaler benefits is its convenience. This makes it an easier treatment regimen to stick to. Ease of use may also be one reason Arnuity gets higher patient satisfaction scores than Flovent. 

How Quickly Do They Show Results?

You should expect to see improvements in your asthma symptoms at the beginning of your treatment with Flovent. Maximum improvement begins in two to four weeks. The most significant changes show up in areas such as:

• Lung function
• Reduced symptoms
• Reduced rescue medication use

Improvement with Arnuity begins within the first few weeks. Clinical trials showed significant improvement within 12 weeks. It’s a slower-acting medication but an effective one. 

What Are the Side Effects?

Certain side effects are common with both Arnuity and Floven. These affect the throat and mouth and include:

• Hoarseness 
• Coughing
• Sore or irritated throat

There are also notable side effects that are unique to each medication. Knowing about them helps you find a treatment option with more benefits than potential risks.

Side Effects of Flovent

One of the possible complications of using Flovent is a fungal infection known as oral thrush. It creates patches or sores on the inside of your mouth. It’s dangerous but easy to prevent. All you have to do is rinse your mouth out after each use of the inhaler.

Other Floven side effects include cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sneezing. There’s a potential for more serious side effects, including:

• Blurred vision
• Mood changes
• Bone pain

Side Effects of Arnuity

Arnuity can also cause oral thrush if you’re not careful to rinse your mouth out. It can deepen your voice or cause you to develop headaches.

The more serious side effects of the medication include:

• Allergic reactions
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hormonal suppression
• Fatigue
• Vision changes
• Skin thinning
• Infections

What Do They Cost?

Arnuity is priced per inhaler. You can look up the amount you need and divide it to determine the cost per dose.

There isn’t specific pricing data available for Flovent. Your cost varies based on your:

• Pharmacy
• Insurance coverage
• Available discounts

Going for generic options is one cost-saving option, but there are other ways to save money. Get your medication filled by a trusted online pharmacy. You’ll save money and time without sacrificing quality.

Can You Combine or Switch Between Them?

Combining Arnuity and Flovent isn’t a standard option. Using them together increases the risk of side effects. 

Switching from one asthma medication to the other isn’t as risky. If you compare the two options and decide one would work better for you, that’s fine. Just speak to your doctor first to develop a proper dosing schedule.

Don’t be afraid to explore other asthma treatment options as well. There are plenty of options out there. Do your homework and ask your doctor about it.

You can even ask about Flovent and Arnuity alternatives. The goal is to find the one that improves your symptoms and gives you the best quality of life. Whatever your needs, you can get your prescription filled online.

Where Can You Get Your Medication?

How should you decide between Arnuity vs Flovent inhalers for asthma? Look into their availability, active ingredients, administration, effectiveness, side effects, and cost.

You’re also not locked into one option. Switching between them is possible if you decide one is better for you.

Canadian Pharmacy Online is your trusted source for affordable medication delivered to your door. We guarantee the authenticity and quality of every delivery.

Get the medication you need conveniently without wasting time or breaking the bank. Shop our medications today.