What is the difference between Xhance and Flonase?

• Xhance is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal polyps in adults.
• Flonase Allergy Relief is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray for treatment of allergy symptoms in adults and children 4 years and older.
• Both products contain the corticosteroid fluticasone propionate, but in come different strengths.

Xhance (fluticasone propionate 93 mcg per spray) treats nasal polyps, which are noncancerous (benign) growths high in the your nasal cavity. Polyps can cause congestion, runny nose, pain in your face, headache and reduced sense of smell. Corticosteroids like fluticasone propionate can help lessen inflammation and shrink nasal polyps, making it easier to breath.

Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray) is used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergies in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. It does not require a prescription but is available in the same strength as the prescription medicine.

What is the benefit of Xhance over Flonase?

• Xhance uses your breath to deliver the corticosteroid to the nasal polyp areas deep in the nose. You do not sniff Xhance into your nose like most other nasal sprays.
• You will blow into the mouthpiece of the device with your mouth while pressing the bottle at the bottom to deliver the medicine into your nasal cavity.
• Blowing into the device with your breath may help limit the amount of medicine dripping down your throat. More medicine can get to the targeted treatment areas.
• Xhance is used only to treat nasal polyps, not allergy symptoms like Flonase.

The delivery device for OTC Flonase Allergy Relief and the generic prescription product is a metered, atomizing nasal spray pump. This spray is sniffed up into your nose.

What is the cost of Xhance and Flonase?

Xhance costs around $576 per bottle of 120 sprays (16 mL) using a pharmacy coupon. Prices will vary depending upon where you live and which pharmacy you visit. This price is for customers paying cash. A generic substitute for Xhance is not yet available.

Flonase Allergy Relief costs around $22 for a supply of 11.1 mL. A generic version of OTC Flonase Allergy Relief is available in the U.S. and generally can save you around $5-$8.

These prices are based on the Drugs.com Price Guide and discount cards which are accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.

Does Flonase still require a prescription?

The Flonase brand prescription product has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the U.S. Generic prescription fluticasone nasal spray for allergy symptoms is still available. Over-the-counter (OTC) Flonase Allergy Relief does not require a prescription, but your insurance will not pay for it.

See also: Flonase: Avoid These Top 9 Mistakes

This is not all the information you need to know about these products for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.