Introduction
Flonase and Nasonex are allergy medications that belong to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. They can reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Read on to learn about how Flonase and Nasonex are alike and different.
Drug features
Both Flonase and Nasonex are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the nose. Symptoms of this condition can include sneezing and a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. These symptoms can be seasonal (occurring during certain seasons, such as spring) or perennial (occurring throughout the year).
Rhinitis symptoms can also occur without allergies in non-allergic rhinitis. Both Flonase and Nasonex can treat nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but Flonase can treat nasal symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis, as well. Flonase can also treat eye symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes, from both types of rhinitis. Nasonex, on the other hand, can also be used to treat nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They’re caused by long-term swelling and irritation from allergies, asthma, or infection.
| What it does | Flonase | Nasonex |
| treats nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis | X | X |
| treats eye symptoms of allergic rhinitis | X | |
| treats nasal symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis | X | |
| prevents symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis | X | |
| treats nasal polyps | X |
The table below compares other key features of Flonase and Nasonex.
| Brand name | Flonase | Nasonex |
| Is it available OTC* or as a prescription? | OTC** | prescription |
| What’s the generic drug name? | fluticasone propionate | mometasone furoate |
| What versions of this drug are available? | Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Children’s Allergy Relief, Clarispray Nasal Allergy Spray, fluticasone propionate (generic) | Nasonex, mometasone furoate monohydrate (generic) |
| What form does it come in? | nasal spray | nasal spray |
| What strengths does it come in? | 50 mcg per spray | 50 mcg per spray |
| What’s the typical length of treatment? | up to six months for adults; up to two months for children | decided by your doctor |
| How do I store it? | at a temperature between 39°F and 86°F (4°C and 30°C) | at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) |
**Brand-name Flonase is available OTC. The generic, fluticasone propionate, is available as both an OTC and prescription drug.
Cost, availability, and insurance
Both Flonase and Nasonex have generic versions. The generic and brand-name versions of these nasal sprays are available in most pharmacies. Generic versions of Flonase and Nasonex contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name versions, but typically cost less. At the time this article was written, Flonase was less expensive than Nasonex, according to GoodRx.com.
Typically, over-the-counter drugs such as Flonase Allergy Relief are not covered by prescription drug insurance plans. However, your plan may cover OTC Flonase if your doctor writes you a prescription for it.
Generic prescription drugs such as fluticasone propionate (the generic drug in Flonase) and mometasone furoate monohydrate (the generic drug in Nasonex) are usually covered by prescription drug insurance plans. These drugs are often covered without prior authorization. On the other hand, brand-name prescription medications such as Nasonex may be covered, but may require prior authorization.
Side effects
The side effects of Flonase and Nasonex are very similar. The chart below compares examples of their possible side effects.
| Common side effects | Flonase | Nasonex |
| headache | X | X |
| sore throat | X | X |
| bloody nose | X | X |
| cough | X | X |
| viral infection | X | |
| burning and irritation in the nose | X | |
| nausea and vomiting | X | |
| asthma symptoms | X |
| Serious side effects | Flonase | Nasonex |
| puncture of the nasal septum (the flesh between the nostrils) | X | X |
| nose bleeds and sores in nose | X | |
| decreased wound healing | X | X |
| glaucoma | X | X |
| cataracts | X | X |
| severe allergic reaction* | X | X |
| worsening of infections** | X | X |
| slowed growth rate in children and adolescents | X | X |
** such as tuberculosis, herpes simplex in the eyes, chicken pox, measles, or fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections
Drug interactions
Flonase may interact with HIV drugs such as ritonavir, atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and lopinavir. Little information is available on drug interactions with Nasonex.
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works, which can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Before starting Flonase or Nasonex, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. This can help your doctor prevent any possible interactions.
Use with other medical conditions
Both Flonase and Nasonex cause similar problems with similar medical conditions. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you should discuss your safety with your doctor before using Flonase or Nasonex:
- nose sores, injury, or surgery
- eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma
- weakened immune system
- tuberculosis
- any untreated viral, bacterial, or fungal infection
- eye infections caused by herpes
- recent exposure to chickenpox or measles
- liver problems
Talk with your doctor
Looking at Flonase and Nasonex side-by-side, it’s easy to see that these drugs are very similar. However, they do have some differences. The key differences may be:
- What they treat: Both drugs treat nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, but Nasonex also treats nasal polyps, and Flonase also treats eye symptoms.
- What versions are available: Flonase has a generic version, but Nasonex does not.
- If they need a prescription: Flonase is available OTC without a prescription, but Nasonex is not.
To help you decide which drug may be better for you, discuss this article with your doctor. Together, you can decide if Flonase, Nasonex, or another drug is a good choice for treating your allergy problems.
