{"id":3711,"date":"2020-01-09T08:41:27","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T13:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3711"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:23:55","slug":"breo-vs-advair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/breo-vs-advair\/","title":{"rendered":"Breo vs. Advair: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Breo and Advair are both inhaled prescription drugs indicated for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)<\/a> and asthma<\/a> treatment. Each drug contains an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) along with a long-acting beta2<\/sub>-adrenergic agonist (LABA).<\/p>\n

The ICS component, which is fluticasone in each medication, helps decrease inflammation in the lungs. The LABA component, which is vilanterol in Breo and salmeterol in Advair, helps to open the airways in the lungs by relaxing the muscles. Breo<\/a> is available in brand-name only; it is made by GSK, or GlaxoSmithKline.<\/p>\n

Advair<\/a> is available in brand and generic<\/a> forms; the brand is also made by GSK. Mylan makes a branded generic (a generic drug with a proprietary name), called Wixela Inhub. Breo and Advair are powder inhalers<\/a>, meaning that the contents of a capsule are inhaled. Advair HFA\u00a0is a metered-dose inhaler. Breo and Advair have many similarities, but also some notable differences.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Breo vs. Advair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0 \u00a0Main differences between Breo and Advair<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nBreo<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvair<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/td>\nICS (inhaled corticosteroid) and LABA (long-acting beta2<\/sub>-adrenergic agonist)<\/td>\nICS (inhaled corticosteroid) and LABA (long-acting beta2<\/sub>-adrenergic agonist)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/td>\nFluticasone furoate\/vilanterol<\/td>\nFluticasone propionate\/ salmeterol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/td>\nBreo Ellipta inhaler<\/td>\nAdvair Diskus and generic,
\nFluticasone Advair HFA<\/a> metered-dose inhaler (per actuation)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/td>\nCOPD maintenance: Breo Ellipta 100\/25: 1 puff once daily
\nAsthma: Breo Ellipta 100\/25 or 200\/25: 1 puff once daily
\n*Always rinse mouth after using, to reduce the risk of oral thrush<\/td>\n		Advair Diskus and generic,
\nAsthma maintenance: 1 puff (100\/50, 250\/50, or 500\/50) every 12 hours
\nCOPD maintenance: 1 puff (250\/50) every 12 hours
\nAdvair HFA:
\nAsthma maintenance: 2 puffs inhaled every 12 hours
\n*Always rinse mouth after using, to reduce the risk of oral thrush<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/td>\nAdults 18 and older<\/td>\nAdults and children 4 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Breo vs. Advair<\/h2>\n

Many patients suffer from COPD or severe asthma, with symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath occurring during asthma attacks. Breo is a once-daily treatment used in patients with COPD or asthma. It can be used in patients 18 years and older. Advair is a twice-daily treatment for patients with COPD or asthma. It can be used in patients four years and older. These medications are not to be used in patients with acute bronchospasm or asthma that can be managed by ICS and occasional use of inhaled short-acting beta<\/a>2<\/sub><\/a>-agonists<\/a> (such as albuterol, also known in brand name forms as ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nBreo<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvair<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Once-daily treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Twice-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients four years of age and older<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Twice-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Breo or Advair more effective?<\/h2>\n

In a six-month randomized, placebo-controlled study<\/a> comparing Breo to Advair in 806 asthma patients, both treatment groups experienced equivalent improvements in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume; a measure of how much air can be exhaled in one second after a deep inhalation), quality of life scores, and asthma control scores. There were no differences in exacerbation rates, and both drugs were well-tolerated.<\/p>\n

Three studies<\/a> compared Breo and Advair in patients 40 and older with moderate to severe COPD. At the end of the 12-week study, the researchers concluded that both drugs resulted in similar clinical improvements and both drugs have similar safety profiles.<\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Breo vs. Advair<\/h2>\n

Breo and Advair are usually covered by insurance as well as Medicare Part D. Copays vary widely. Although generics are less expensive in general, some insurance companies prefer the brand Advair due to contract agreements. The average price of Breo without insurance is $552, but you can get it for around $274<\/a> with a SingleCare coupon. The average price of Advair Diskus is $503 for the brand-name version and as low as $58<\/a>\u00a0for the generic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a0 \u00a0Breo vs. Advair cost comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nBreo<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvair<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/td>\n$274 at CVS<\/a><\/td>\n$58 at CVS<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 6, 2026. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/em><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Get the SingleCare prescription discount card<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Breo vs. Advair<\/h2>\n

With Breo, the most common side effects are nasopharyngitis (a minor throat infection), upper respiratory tract infection, oral thrush (fungus in the mouth), and headache. Advair side effects are similar, with a slightly higher incidence of pharyngitis, as well as gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.<\/p>\n

To help reduce the risk of oral thrush, patients should always rinse and spit with water after each dose of Breo or Advair.<\/p>\n

In terms of safety, there is an increased risk of asthma-related death with the use of a LABA alone. However, the FDA announced<\/a> in 2017 that an\u00a0 ICS\/LABA combination such as Breo or Advair does not result in an increased risk of death.<\/p>\n

Other side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a complete list of side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0 Breo<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advair <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side Effect<\/td>\nApplicable?<\/td>\nFrequency<\/td>\nApplicable?<\/td>\nFrequency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nasopharyngitis<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper respiratory tract infection<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n21-27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oral thrush<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1-4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pharyngitis<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n2%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n10-13%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: DailyMed (Breo)<\/a>, DailyMed (Advair)<\/a><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Breo vs. Advair<\/h2>\n

Because Breo and Advair both contain fluticasone, as well as a LABA, they have a similar list of drug interactions. Certain drugs called CYP3A4 inhibitors interact with Breo and Advair by increasing the levels of the medications. Certain antidepressants in the MAO inhibitor category, such as selegiline<\/a>, Eldepryl, rasagiline, or Azilect<\/a>, and in the tricyclic antidepressant category\u2014amitriptyline<\/a>, Elavil, nortriptyline<\/a> or Pamelor<\/a>, also interact with Breo and Advair. Beta blockers, such as metoprolol or atenolol<\/a>, loop diuretics such as furosemide<\/a>, and thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide<\/a>, also interact with Breo or Advair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/strong><\/td>\nBreo<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvair<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ketoconazole
\nRitonavir
\nClarithromycin
\nConivaptan
\nIndinavir
\nNefazodone
\nand others<\/td>\n		CPY3A4 inhibitors<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Selegiline
\nRasagiline<\/td>\n		MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amitriptyline
\nNortriptyline<\/td>\n		Tricyclic antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Metoprolol
\nAtenolol
\nand others<\/td>\n		Beta blockers<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Furosemide
\nHydrochlorothiazide<\/td>\n		Loop or thiazide diuretics<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Breo vs. Advair<\/h2>\n

Both drugs come with a long list of warnings.<\/p>\n