beclomethasone (hfa) - oral inhalation, Qvar
GENERIC NAME: BECLOMETHASONE (HFA) - ORAL INHALATION (beck-low-METH-uh-sown)
BRAND NAME(S): Qvar
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Beclomethasone is used to prevent and control symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways.This medication must be used regularly to prevent breathing problems (attacks of wheezing/shortness of breath). It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve an asthma attack. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for 10 days or more. There is no need to shake the inhaler. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes when priming or using the inhaler.Inhale this medication by mouth, usually 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections from developing, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.Keep track of the number of inhalations used. Discard the canister after using the labeled number of inhalations on the package, even if it feels as though there is medication left in the canister. Follow the instructions for cleaning the inhaler. Do not wash the inhaler or put any part of it in water.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Be sure you understand which asthma medications to use on a regular schedule (controller drugs) and which to use as needed for sudden asthma attacks (quick-relief medications). If you are using other inhaled medications, ask your doctor when to use each of the medications.If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you are using beclomethasone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.Keep track of how often you need to use your quick-relief inhaler and inform your doctor. If your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to work as well or if you need to use more of your quick-relief inhaler than usual for 2 or more days in a row, seek immediate medical attention.You may begin to feel this medication working within 24 hours, but it may take 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if your breathing worsens (for example, if you have increased coughing or shortness of breath, or if you wake up at night with breathing trouble).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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