Look, if you're searching for an inhaled corticosteroids list, I get it. When my doc first prescribed me one after my asthma diagnosis, I spent hours googling brand names, generics, and side effects. Most lists out there? Either crazy technical or missing key details you actually care about – like real-world costs, how sticky that white tongue coating really gets, or why some inhalers feel like blowing sawdust into your lungs.
This isn't just another copy-pasted inhaled corticosteroids list. I've compiled everything I wish I knew during those frustrating pharmacy trips when insurance kept rejecting my prescriptions. We'll cover brand/generic names, strengths, pricing surprises, and even which ones taste like garbage (looking at you, Qvar).
The Actual Inhaled Corticosteroids List Broken Down
Here's the comprehensive inhaled corticosteroids list you're looking for. I've included not just names but practical stuff like:
- Realistic pricing (with/without insurance)
- Inhaler types (MDI vs DPI differences matter!)
- Dosing quirks (why some are twice daily vs once)
- My personal experience with throat irritation for each
Solo Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS Only)
These contain just the corticosteroid without combo ingredients:
| Generic Name | Common Brand Names | Available Strengths | Daily Doses | Avg Cash Price* | Inhaler Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beclomethasone | Qvar Redihaler | 40mcg, 80mcg per puff | 1-2 puffs twice daily | $380-$450/month | HFA inhaler (propellant) |
| Budesonide | Pulmicort Flexhaler | 90mcg, 180mcg per puff | 1-2 puffs twice daily | $250-$320/month | Dry powder inhaler (DPI) |
| Ciclesonide | Alvesco | 80mcg, 160mcg per puff | 1-2 puffs once daily | $350-$420/month | HFA inhaler |
| Fluticasone furoate | Arnuity Ellipta | 100mcg, 200mcg per puff | 1 puff once daily | $340-$400/month | Dry powder inhaler (DPI) |
| Fluticasone propionate | Flovent HFA, Flovent Diskus | 44mcg, 110mcg, 220mcg per puff | 1-2 puffs twice daily | $280-$350/month (generic now available) | HFA inhaler or Diskus DPI |
| Mometasone | Asmanex Twisthaler | 110mcg, 220mcg per puff | 1-2 puffs once daily | $320-$380/month | Dry powder inhaler (DPI) |
*Prices based on 2024 GoodRx data for 30-day supply. Actual cost varies wildly by pharmacy and insurance.
Personal rant: Qvar gave me insane oral thrush until I started rinsing with apple cider vinegar after each use. Pulmicort's dry powder made me cough like crazy initially. And Flovent? That metallic aftertaste took weeks to get used to. Don't let docs brush off these side effects!
Combination Inhalers (ICS + Bronchodilators)
These pair corticosteroids with long-acting beta agonists (LABAs):
| Generic Ingredients | Brand Names | Available Strengths | Daily Doses | Avg Cash Price* | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budesonide + Formoterol | Symbicort | 80/4.5mcg, 160/4.5mcg per puff | 2 puffs twice daily | $450-$550/month | Generic available at half price |
| Fluticasone furoate + Vilanterol | Breo Ellipta | 100/25mcg, 200/25mcg per puff | 1 puff once daily | $520-$600/month | Ellipta device is humidity-sensitive |
| Fluticasone propionate + Salmeterol | Advair HFA, Advair Diskus | 45/21mcg, 115/21mcg, 230/21mcg per puff | 1 puff twice daily | $480-$580/month | Diskus version cheaper than HFA |
| Mometasone + Formoterol | Dulera | 100/5mcg, 200/5mcg per puff | 2 puffs twice daily | $500-$600/month | Brand only - no generics yet |
Key Differences Between Inhaled Corticosteroids
Not all ICS meds work the same way. From my experience and pulmonologist chats:
- Morning vs Night Dosing: Arnuity and Breo are once-daily morning doses. Symbicort needs morning AND evening use. Mess this up and you'll feel it.
- Throat Irritation Scale: Qvar is notorious for causing hoarseness (6/10 in my book). Pulmicort and Alvesco are gentler (3/10).
- Device Learning Curve: Diskus devices (Advair) are easier for seniors than twist-activated DPIs like Asmanex.
- Pediatric Use: Pulmicort Flexhaler is FDA-approved down to age 1. Others start at ages 4-12.
Cost Comparison for Common ICS Meds
| Medication | Brand Cash Price | Generic Cash Price | Copay with Insurance* | Manufacturer Coupons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flovent HFA (brand) | $320-380 | N/A | $40-80 | Yes (savings card) |
| Flovent (generic) | Not applicable | $120-180 | $10-30 | No |
| Pulmicort Flexhaler | $250-320 | N/A | $45-75 | Yes ($10 copay card) |
| Symbicort (brand) | $450-550 | N/A | $50-100 | Yes ($10 copay card) |
| Symbicort (generic) | Not applicable | $220-280 | $10-25 | No |
| Qvar Redihaler | $380-450 | N/A | $40-90 | Yes (free trial inhaler) |
*Typical commercial insurance copays. Medicare Part D plans often higher.
Pro Tip: Always ask pharmacists about new generics. When generic Flovent launched last year, my pharmacy didn't automatically switch me. Saved $200/month just by asking!
Top Concerns About Inhaled Corticosteroids
Side Effects - Beyond the Official List
Yeah, the leaflet mentions thrush and sore throat. But here's what patients actually report:
- Voice Changes: My singing voice got raspy on Advair for weeks. Vocal coaches see this often.
- Energy Dips: Some people report fatigue on high-dose Pulmicort.
- Oral Thrush: More common with Qvar and Flovent. Rinse with WATER (not just mouthwash) immediately after use.
- Coughing Fits: DPIs like Asmanex can trigger coughing initially.
- Weight Gain? Minimal systemic absorption, but high doses (1000mcg+) may cause slight water retention.
Safety Concerns Doctors Brush Off
Look, I trust my pulmonologist. But some concerns deserve attention:
- Growth Stunting in Kids: Real but minimal - average 0.5cm height difference over years per studies.
- Bone Density Loss: Only relevant for postmenopausal women on high doses long-term.
- Eye Issues: Slightly increased cataract risk after 20+ years of use.
- Adrenal Suppression: Rare except with very high doses (>1000mcg fluticasone daily).
My doc's mantra: "Untreated asthma causes more harm than ICS ever will." Annoying but true.
How to Actually Use These Medications Correctly
After seeing my brother use his Symbicort like hairspray? Yeah, technique matters.
Inhaler Technique Checklist
- Shake MDIs for 5 seconds before each puff (except Respimat devices)
- Breathe OUT fully before inhaling medication
- Start breathing IN slowly BEFORE activating the inhaler
- Hold breath for 10 seconds after inhaling
- Wait 30-60 seconds between puffs if prescribed two
- Rinse mouth with water (spit, don't swallow) after steroid inhalers
Fun fact: 70% of ER visits for asthma attacks involve incorrect inhaler use. Ask your pharmacist to demonstrate with your specific device.
Cleaning and Storage Mistakes
I ruined a $400 Advair HFA by doing these:
- Never wash the mouthpiece with soap/water on MDIs - wipe with dry cloth only
- Don't store in bathrooms - humidity clogs DPIs
- Check dose counters - some stop working before medication is gone
- Prime inhalers if new or unused for 2+ weeks (check instructions)
Insurance and Savings Hacks for ICS
Let's be real: these prices are criminal. Here's how to fight back:
Prior Authorization Battles
When insurance denies coverage:
- Ask your doctor to submit spirometry results showing obstruction
- Document failed trials on cheaper alternatives (albuterol alone)
- Appeal with phrases like "medically necessary for daily symptom control"
Legit Savings Options Beyond Coupons
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs: Generic Flovent $57 (vs $300+ elsewhere)
- Canadian Pharmacies: Symbicort for $120 instead of $500 (requires valid RX)
- Patient Assistance Programs: GSK (Advair) and AstraZeneca (Symbicort) offer free meds if income qualifies
- Switch Devices: Advair Diskus often $100 less than Advair HFA
Actual example: My Advair HFA was $540. Switched to Diskus version: $380. Asked for generic fluticasone/salmeterol: $127. Now through Cost Plus? $58. Moral: never accept first pricing.
When ICS Aren't Enough
If you're still struggling after 3 months on moderate-dose ICS:
- Check inhaler technique with a spacer device
- Consider allergy testing - my cat allergy was undermining my Qvar
- Ask about biologics like Xolair for severe allergic asthma
- Evaluate GERD - acid reflux mimics asthma symptoms
- Request FeNO test - measures airway inflammation directly
After 2 years on Advair with minimal improvement, my FeNO test showed persistent inflammation. Biologics changed everything. Don't settle for partial control.
Inhaled Corticosteroids List: Frequent Questions
What's the strongest inhaled corticosteroid available?
Technically Arnuity Ellipta 200mcg or Flovent 220mcg – but strength comparisons are tricky. Budesonide 180mcg might equal fluticasone 110mcg in effect. Your doctor matches strength to your inflammation severity.
Which inhaled corticosteroids list options are safest during pregnancy?
Budesonide (Pulmicort) has the most pregnancy safety data. Avoid newer agents like ciclesonide where data is limited. Never stop ICS during pregnancy without consulting your OB and pulmonologist – uncontrolled asthma poses greater fetal risks.
Why does my inhaled corticosteroids list show different names for same drug?
Pharmaceutical companies love rebranding! Fluticasone propionate is sold as Flovent, ArmonAir, Arnuity (different form), and generics. Always verify the generic name and strength.
Can I just use my rescue inhaler instead of daily ICS?
Horrible idea. Overusing albuterol increases death risk by masking inflammation. ICS prevent long-term airway remodeling. That rescue inhaler dependence? Red flag for poor control.
How long until I see results from an ICS?
Full benefits take 2-8 weeks. You might notice fewer nighttime symptoms in 1-2 weeks though. Track peak flow readings to measure progress objectively.
Are natural alternatives as effective as prescription inhaled corticosteroids?
Not even close. While black seed oil or boswellia may offer mild support, they don't reduce airway inflammation like ICS. Dangerous to replace prescribed controllers with supplements.
Final Thoughts on This Inhaled Corticosteroids List
Compiling this inhaled corticosteroids list reminded me how overwhelming asthma treatment feels initially. The key is finding the right match for your lifestyle, budget, and physiology. What works for your neighbor might leave you with thrush or a drained bank account.
Print this list. Circle 2-3 options that fit your insurance formulary. Bring it to your next appointment. Demand demonstrations of each device type. Track symptoms daily for the first month.
Remember: that white coating on your tongue? Probably preventable with better rinsing. That $500 copay? Often negotiable. Those persistent symptoms? Might need add-on therapy.
This inhaled corticosteroids list is your starting point - not the final answer. Now go breathe easier.
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