Compare Arnuity Ellipta vs. Pulmicort Flexhaler

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Controls asthma.

An easy-to-use, convenient inhaler for asthma patients 12 years or older.

Controls asthma.

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is good for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms, but it's not a rescue inhaler and must be taken daily.

Upsides
  • You only need to take Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) once per day.
  • Breathe-activated inhalers may be easier to use than aerosol inhalers, and do not require cleaning and maintenance.
  • Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid, which is the most effective class of medicines to manage asthma when taken daily. People can notice an improvement in asthma control within 24 hours of starting treatment.
  • Taking Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) into the lungs has fewer side effects than taking a pill by mouth.
  • Safe for use by children 6 years and older.
  • Doesn't need to be primed again after the first prime, even if you haven't used it for a long time.
Downsides
  • Don't forget to rinse your mouth after each use as Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) can cause a fungal infection in the mouth or throat.
  • Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) is not for on-demand treatment of an asthma attack. You will still need to have a rescue inhaler handy.
  • Do not take Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone) if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains dairy.
  • Can take 1 to 2 weeks or more for full benefit on asthma symptoms.
  • Can cause fungal infections of the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after use.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Inhaler
  • Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$10.64
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Lowest price
$229.24
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Reviews
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Side effects
11possible side effects
  • Common cold
    8%
  • Lung inflammation
    7%
  • Lung infection
    6%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Sore throat
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    4%
  • Toothache
    3%
  • Stomach flu
    3%
  • Fungal infection of the mouth
    3%
  • Fungal infection of the mouth and throat
    3%
  • Pain from fungal infection of the mouth and throat
    3%
See more detailed side effects
7possible side effects
  • Common cold symptoms
    9%
  • Stuffy nose
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Runny, stuffy nose
    2%
  • Viral infection of airways, nose, and throat
    2%
  • Nausea
    2%
  • Viral stomach flu
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Not for asthma attack
  • Sudden breathing problems
  • Weaker bones
    • Low bone mineral bone density
    • Prolonged immobilization
    • Family history of osteroporosis
    • Use of anticonvulsants
    • Use of oral corticosteroids.
  • Slowed growth
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serious allergic reaction
    • Milk protein allergy
  • Mouth and throat infection
    • Not rinsing mouth after use
    • Using higher dose of Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
  • Weakened immune system
    • Not current with vaccinations
    • Taking other steroid medicines
    • Current infection without treatment
  • Adrenal gland problems
    • Switching from steroid pills to steroid inhalers
    • Long-term use of steroid medicines
    • Stopping steroid medicines too quickly
  • Bone loss
    • History of osteoporosis
    • Taking other medicines that cause bone loss
    • Long-term use of steroid medicines
  • Slower growth rate in children
    • Children
    • High doses of Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
    • Long-term use of Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone)
Learn more about Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)