{"id":4129,"date":"2019-05-22T14:12:19","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T18:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=4129"},"modified":"2022-06-23T16:09:04","modified_gmt":"2022-06-23T20:09:04","slug":"dulera-vs-advair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dulera-vs-advair\/","title":{"rendered":"Dulera vs. Advair: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main differences between Dulera and Advair<\/a> | Conditions treated by Dulera and Advair<\/a> | Is Dulera or Advair more effective?<\/a> |\u00a0Coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Common side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> are both <\/span>inhaled medications<\/span> indicated for <\/span>asthma treatment<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Advair<\/span> is also approved to treat <\/span>chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span> (<\/span>COPD<\/span><\/a>) and <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is sometimes prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for <\/span>COPD<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> are available by prescription and are approved by the <\/span>FDA<\/span>. Each drug contains two ingredients: an <\/span>inhaled corticosteroid<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>ICS<\/span>) and a <\/span>long-acting<\/span> beta<\/span>2<\/span>-adrenergic agonist<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>LABA<\/span>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>ICS<\/span> component, which is <\/span>mometasone<\/span> in <\/span>Dulera<\/span>, and <\/span>fluticasone<\/span> in <\/span>Advair<\/span>, helps to decrease inflammation in the lungs. The <\/span>LABA<\/span> component, which is <\/span>formoterol<\/span> fumarate in <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>salmeterol<\/span> in <\/span>Advair<\/span>, helps open the airways in the lungs by relaxing the muscles. This helps to control <\/span>asthma symptoms<\/span> (such as <\/span>shortness of breath<\/span> and wheezing) and helps prevent <\/span>asthma attacks<\/span>, or <\/span>exacerbations<\/span>. However, these drugs do not treat an acute <\/span>asthma attack<\/span>\u2014you should have a rescue <\/span>asthma inhaler<\/span>, such as <\/span>albuterol<\/span>,\u00a0 for an acute attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulera<\/span><\/a> is available in <\/span>brand name<\/span> only; it is made by Organon. <\/span>Advair<\/span><\/a> is available in brand and <\/span>generic<\/span><\/a>; the brand is made by <\/span>GlaxoSmithKline<\/span>, or GSK. Mylan makes a branded generic (a generic drug with a proprietary name) version of <\/span>Advair<\/span>, called Wixela Inhub. There are also several generics of <\/span>Advair<\/span> available, made by different manufacturers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulera<\/span> is an <\/span>aerosol<\/span> metered-dose inhaler<\/span>. <\/span>Aerosol<\/span> inhalers<\/span><\/a> push out a spray of medicine. The <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span> is a powder <\/span>inhaler<\/span>, meaning that the contents of a capsule are inhaled. (<\/span>Advair HFA<\/span><\/a> is another form of <\/span>Advair<\/span> that is available as a <\/span>metered-dose inhaler<\/span>. This article will focus on <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span>, unless otherwise noted.) Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> both contain an <\/span>inhaled corticosteroid<\/span> (<\/span>ICS<\/span>) and <\/span>long-acting beta-agonist<\/span> (<\/span>LABA<\/span>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulera<\/span> contains the <\/span>ICS<\/span> mometasone<\/span> and the <\/span>LABA<\/span> formoterol<\/span>. <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is available in <\/span>brand name<\/span> only. <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is used in adults and children 5 years and older for the treatment of asthma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advair<\/span> contains the <\/span>ICS<\/span> fluticasone<\/span> and the <\/span>LABA<\/span> salmeterol<\/span>. The <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span> is available in <\/span>brand name<\/span> and generic, while <\/span>Advair HFA<\/span> is only available in brand. The <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span> is used in adults and children 4 years and older for asthma, and in adults with COPD. <\/span>Advair HFA<\/span> is indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years and older for asthma.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Main differences between Dulera and Advair<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nDulera<\/b><\/td>\nAdvair<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nICS (inhaled corticosteroid) and LABA (long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist)<\/td>\nICS (inhaled corticosteroid) and LABA (long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\nAdvair Diskus: Brand and generic<\/p>\n

Advair HFA: Brand only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nMometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate<\/td>\nFluticasone propionate and salmeterol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nDulera metered-dose inhaler<\/td>\nAdvair Diskus dry powder inhaler<\/p>\n

Advair HFA metered-dose inhaler<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nAsthma treatment ages 5 to <12 years old: 2 inhalations twice daily of Dulera 50 mcg\/5 mcg<\/p>\n

Asthma treatment ages \u226512 years old: 2 inhalations twice daily of Dulera 100 mcg\/5 mcg or 200 mcg\/5 mcg<\/p>\n

*Rinse mouth after each use to lower the risk of oral thrush<\/td>\n

Advair Diskus:<\/p>\n

Asthma maintenance: 1 puff (100\/50, 250\/50, or 500\/50) every 12 hours<\/p>\n

COPD maintenance: 1 puff (250\/50) every 12 hours<\/p>\n

*Rinse mouth after each use to lower the risk of oral thrush<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 5 years and older for asthma<\/td>\nAdults and children 4 years and older for asthma; adults with COPD<\/p>\n

(Advair HFA<\/a> is indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years and older for asthma)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dulera<\/span> is indicated to treat asthma in adults and children 5 years and older. It is sometimes prescribed off-label to adults with COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Advair<\/span> is indicated for asthma treatment in adults and children 4 years and older. It is also indicated to treat adults with COPD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nDulera<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAdvair Diskus<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asthma<\/td>\nYes (adults and children 5 years and older)<\/td>\nYes (adults and children 4 years and older)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
COPD<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

There is no data directly comparing <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span>. Both drugs have been studied for safety and efficacy and the trial information is available in the prescribing information for each drug (you can read more about <\/span>Dulera<\/span> here<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best drug for you can only be determined by your prescriber based on several factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span> is indicated for COPD but <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is not. (Although, sometimes <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is prescribed off-label for COPD.) Another factor is patient preference. <\/span>Dulera<\/span> is a <\/span>metered-dose inhaler<\/span>, while the <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span> is a <\/span>dry powder inhaler<\/span>. Some patients have a preference toward one or the other. People with a milk protein allergy cannot use <\/span>dry powder inhalers<\/span>, so that may be a consideration as well. Insurance coverage is another consideration. Your doctor will take these factors into consideration as well as your medical condition(s), medical history, and other medications you already take that could interact with <\/span>Dulera<\/span> or <\/span>Advair<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> coverage by insurance and Medicare prescription plans vary.\u00a0<\/span>
\nFor one <\/span>Dulera<\/span> inhaler<\/span>, the out-of-pocket cost is about $410. You can pay as low as $330 with a free <\/span>Dulera<\/span> coupon<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For an <\/span>Advair Diskus<\/span>, the out-of-pocket cost is about $525, but you can pay as low as $99 for generic <\/span>Advair<\/span> with a free <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact your insurance or Medicare prescription plan for up-to-date coverage information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nDulera<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAdvair<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nCoverage varies by plan<\/td>\nCoverage varies by plan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nCoverage varies by plan<\/td>\nCoverage varies by plan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n1 inhaler<\/td>\n1 inhaler (Diskus)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$10-$358<\/td>\n$2-$140<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$330+<\/td>\n$99+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

The most <\/span>common side effects<\/span> of <\/span>Dulera<\/span> are common cold, <\/span>sinus<\/span> infection, and headache.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Advair<\/span>\u2019s most <\/span>common side effects<\/span> include upper respiratory infection, headache, <\/span>sinus<\/span> infection, and the common cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of <\/span>side effects<\/span> and other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a full list of <\/span>side effects<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nDulera<\/b><\/td>\nAdvair<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side Effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common cold<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12-20%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sinus infection<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5-14%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n4-5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5-19%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12-13%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper respiratory infection<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n% not reported<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n21-27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oral thrush<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n% not reported<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1-4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea and vomiting<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n4-6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Yes<\/td>\n2-4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hoarseness<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n2-4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

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

Certain drugs categorized as CYP3A4 inhibitors (due to the way they affect other medications), interact with <\/span>Dulera<\/span> or <\/span>Advair<\/span> by increasing the levels of these <\/span>inhaled medications<\/span>. Antidepressants in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of drugs such as Eldepryl (selegiline) or Azilect (rasagiline), and in the <\/span>tricyclic antidepressant <\/span><\/a>category\u2014such as Elavil (amitriptyline) or Pamelor (nortriptyline)\u2014also interact with <\/span>Dulera<\/span> or <\/span>Advair<\/span>. Also, <\/span>beta blockers<\/span><\/a>, such as metoprolol or atenolol, and <\/span>diuretics<\/span><\/a> such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, interact with <\/span>Dulera<\/span> or <\/span>Advair<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> for a full list of drug interactions. Before you take <\/span>Dulera<\/span> or <\/span>Advair<\/span>, tell your provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/b><\/td>\nInteract with <\/b>Dulera<\/b>?<\/b><\/td>\nInteract with <\/b>Advair<\/b>?<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biaxin (clarithromycin)<\/p>\n

Nizoral (ketoconazole)<\/p>\n

Norvir (ritonavir) & other drugs that contain ritonavir<\/p>\n

Sporanox (itraconazole)<\/td>\n

CPY3A4 inhibitors<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Azilect (rasagiline)<\/p>\n

Eldepryl (selegiline)<\/td>\n

MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elavil (amitriptyline)<\/p>\n

Pamelor (nortriptyline)<\/td>\n

Tricyclic antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lopressor, Toprol (metoprolol)<\/p>\n

Tenormin (atenolol)<\/td>\n

Beta-blockers<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hydrochlorothiazide<\/p>\n

Lasix (furosemide)<\/td>\n

Diuretics<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span><\/h2>\n

Warnings of <\/span>Dulera<\/span> and <\/span>Advair<\/span> include:<\/span><\/p>\n