GENERIC NAME: BECLOMETHASONE - ORAL INHALATION DISK INHALER (beck-low-METH-uh-sown)

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Deaths have sometimes occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution.

USES: This medication is used in the treatment of chronic asthma. This medication is for preventative therapy only. It is not effective in an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, use other medication as prescribed.

HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaling device. It is usually used two to four times a day at evenly spaced intervals as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. This medication must be used routinely. It is not effective in treating an acute asthma attack. The Beclodisk system uses a special inhaler called a Diskhaler. The disks are placed inside the Diskhaler as described below. Also refer to the diagram in the package insert. Load the inhaler by lifting off the cover. Grasp the cartridge by the exposed corners and gently pull out the cartridge unit. Place the medication disk on the wheel with the numbers facing up and slide the cartridge back into the unit. If this is the first dose, gently push in and pull out the loaded cartridge. The device will rotate the disk until the number 8 appears on the side indicator window. (There are 8 doses on each disk). The number tells you how many doses are left. To use the dose, first lift the rear edge of the Diskhaler lid as far as back as it will go. Then close the lid. This action causes the plastic needle under the lid to pierce the covering of the disk so the medication is ready to be inhaled. To inhale, breathe out fully then place the Diskhaler gently between your teeth and lips. Keep the air inlet holes on the sides of the mouthpiece open. Breathe in through your mouth quickly and as deeply as you can. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to assure it reaches deep into your lungs. Slowly breathe out. To load the next dose, pull the cartridge out once and push in once. The disk will rotate to the next number. Wait to pierce the disk until just before using. Clean the inhaler after each use with the brush provided. Replace the inhaler unit every 6 months. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations. If you also use a bronchodilator inhaler, use it 3 to 5 minutes before using this inhaler. The bronchodilator will open the airways allowing this medication to reach deeper into the lungs. If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of the inhalers and use this one (the corticosteroid) last. To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and to prevent oral yeast infection, rinse your mouth after each use. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent mouth infections while using this medication.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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