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beclomethasone (HFA)-oral aerosol inhaler, Qvar

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GENERIC NAME: BECLOMETHASONE (HFA) - ORAL AEROSOL INHALER (beck-low-METH-uh-sown)

BRAND NAME(S): Qvar

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

USES: Beclomethasone belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids work directly in the lungs to open airways and make breathing easier by relieving inflammation. This medication must be used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. This medication does not work immediately. Therefore it does not relieve an acute attack.

HOW TO USE: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Consult your pharmacist. When using the inhaler for the first time or after stopping the drug for more than a week, prime the unit as directed. A fine mist indicates that the inhaler is working properly. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait one full minute between inhalations so you get the full effects of the first dose. If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of each inhaler, and use this one (the corticosteroid) last. Gargle and rinse your mouth after using this to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation and to prevent oral yeast infections. Do not swallow the rinse solution. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. This medicine is not interchangeable with other corticosteroid inhaler products you may have used. This is due to the CFC-free propellant (ozone safe), which delivers medicine to your lungs more efficiently. Consult your pharmacist. Your dose is adjusted based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Maximum benefit may occur after 3-4 weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause a cough, a dry irritated throat, unpleasant taste, hoarseness or nasal congestion, pain or headache. If these effects continue or become bothersome, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: white-colored tongue, prolonged mouth or throat irritation, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses and infections, recent exposure to contagious diseases (e.g., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, allergies (especially drug allergies). 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. If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids (beclomethasone), this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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