Advair vs Dulera, Ease of Use, Dosage, Side Effects, Costs

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Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Tue Mar 14 2023)

It’s not always obvious which is more effective, Dulera or Advair. So, here we’re going to provide you an in-depth overview and guide, with comparisons, applications, side effects, costs, and coupons. Here’s all you need to know about Advair vs Dulera.

But first, here’s the quick answer for you, then we’ll dive into a lot more detail.

Advair vs Dulera – Dulera and Advair (Diskus and HFA) are both used for long-term control of asthma and Advair Diskus for COPD too. Dulera is available as an inhaler, whereas Advair as an inhaler (HFA) and powder (Diskus). Dulera and Advair HFA are prescribed for patients above 12 and Advair Diskus for patients above 4.

What is Advair

Advair is also a combination of two medications that are used for preventing asthma attacks. But besides this, Advair can also be used for preventing or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

Advair contains a combination of two medications known as fluticasone and salmeterol. These ingredients also work in controlling the narrowing of the airways and tightening of the muscles around the lungs.

Fluticasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Whereas, Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Advair has two types – Advair HFA and Advair Diskus. Advair HFA is recommended only for asthma, while Advair Diskus can be used for either asthma or COPD.

What is Dulera

Dulera is a product used for controlling and preventing symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. This medication is prescribed for adults and children of at least 12 years old.

Dulera contains the two active ingredients known as mometasone and formoterol that work together. Both of these ingredients belong to a class of drugs called long-acting beta-agonists.

As narrowing of the airways is the main problem of asthma, this medication works by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways and relaxing the muscles around the airway passages. This makes it a lot easier to breathe.

Long-acting beta-agonists when used alone sometimes increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing problems.

But when used as a combination like in Dulera, these risks are completely avoided. This product is prescribed to be used only when asthma-related symptoms are not well-controlled with one asthma-control medication.

Sometimes this medication will be prescribed when your asthma symptoms call for a combined treatment. However, this will be prescribed by your doctor depending on your body and how it performs to asthma medications.

Are Dulera and Advair the Same Thing

Although Dulera and Advair are not exactly the same, they are both very similar.

Both medications are used as a long-term treatment for preventing and controlling asthma and related symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc.

But Advair, or Advair Diskus, to be more specific can be used for both Asthma and COPD. Also, both medications are inhalation medications with the same type of ingredients: an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).

To point out key differences, Dulera and Advair HFA is prescribed for adults and children of at least 12 years old, whereas Advair Diskus is prescribed for adults and children of at least 4 years old.

As another difference, Dulera is available as an inhaler, whereas Advair is available as both aerosol spray and powder.

Apart from these differences, both these medications have similar dosages, side effects, interactions and cost with the slightest variations.

How to Take Dulera

Dulera is taken only by mouth or via an orally inhaled route. Patients are prescribed to take two inhalations every day. One in the morning and one in the evening. The inhalations are best recommended to be taken at the same time each day.

The cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator should be removed first. Before inhaling, Dulera should be primed before using it for the very first time.

To do this shake well and test spray (around 4 small sprays) into the air away from the face. If you have not used for more than 5 days, again prime the inhaler by 4 test sprays.

Every time you use the spray, make sure you shake well before inhaling.

When using the product, make sure that the Dulera canister is used only with the Dulera actuator. And at the same time, don’t use actuators from other products with the Dulera canister.

The same applies to the Dulera actuator: do not use it with other inhalation products.

How to Take Advair

As Advair has two types, how to take it depends on the type of Advair you use, either the inhalation powder or the aerosol.

The aerosol, or the Advair HFA, has to be taken similar to Dulera (like a spray). Whereas the inhalation powder will need some extra inhalation through the mouthpiece. However, both the types of Advair are taken by the orally inhaled route.

Advair Diskus is normally prescribed as 1 inhalation daily. Whereas Advair HFA should be taken as 2 inhalations daily 12 hours apart. One in the morning and one in the evening. Despite the dosage, it’s always best to take the medication at the same time each day.

If you skip Advair Diskus, you can take the missed dose within the same day. But if you miss Advair HFA, you would have to skip the missed dose and take the second dose at the usual time.

Note – When taking both Dulera and Advair (both the types), taking a greater number of inhalations than that which is prescribed is not recommended and should be avoided at all times. This is because higher doses of these medications are most likely to experience adverse side effects.

As a good practice, after inhalation rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This will reduce any risk of infection that can occur in your mouth or throat (oropharyngeal candidiasis).

Advair vs Dulera – Side Effects

Common side effects of Dulera include:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Changes in menstrual periods for women
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Hoarseness or deepened voice
• Itching or irritation
• Muscle cramps
• Nasopharyngitis
• Oral candidiasis
• Problems with sleeping or falling asleep (insomnia)
• Sinus pain
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Upper respiratory infection

Common side effects of Advair include:

• Bronchitis
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nausea
• Oral candidiasis
• Pharyngitis
• Pneumonia
• Sore throat
• Trouble speaking
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Vomiting

Cost of Dulera and Advair

The cost for Dulera inhalation aerosol (100 mcg/5 mcg) is around $230 for a supply of 8.8 grams. And the cost of Advair Diskus (inhalation powder) is around $168 for a supply of 14 powder (100 mcg-50 mcg). Whereas the cost of Advair HFA (inhalation aerosol is) is around $231 for a supply of 8 grams.

However, these prices depend on the pharmacies you visit and are for cash paying customers only (not subject to insurance plans). We offer these medications via our patient assistance programs. So, if you’re struggling to afford either of these medications then why not come and talk to us.

Dulera Coupon

You can find a coupon for Dulera here

Advair Coupon

You can find your coupon for Advair here

Drug Interactions With Dulera and Advair

Both Dulera and Advair interacts mostly with:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, etc.)
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, selegiline, etc.)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline, desipramine, etc.)
• Beta-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol, etc.)
• Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, etc.)

However, as a prevention, it’s better to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you use, as well as your medical conditions, including if you’re pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding.

It’s unknown if these medications pass into breast milk or have any other interactions with other medical conditions. For further advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

To Finish

Both Dulera and Advair are effective treatments for opening airway passages. Each has its own methods for use, so be sure to follow the guidelines. Now that we’ve discussed Advair vs Dulera, talk to your doctor about which one is best for you.

As always, for a more in-depth consultation, refer to your relevant practitioner or your local doctor for further advice relating to your individual circumstances.

If you have any questions about how Prescription Hope can help you save money for any other drugs that we offer, or if you’re having trouble affording any of the medications you’ve been prescribed, then contact us. Visit the enrollment page to create an account and fill out an application and let us save you money!