Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions

Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid used to prevent and treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms such as:

• stuffy/runny nose,
• itchy eyes/nose/throat, and
• sneezing. 

It is also used to prevent the return of growths in the nose (nasal polyps) after removal by surgery. Beconase AQ works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages. 

Common side effects of Beconase AQ include:

• nose/throat dryness or irritation,
• sneezing,
• nosebleeds, and
• unpleasant taste or smell.

Serious side effects of Beconase AQ include:

• loss of taste or smell,
• pain/sores in the nose,
• unusual or extreme tiredness,
• weight loss,
• headache,
• swelling ankles or feet,
• increased thirst,
• increased urination, and
• vision problems.

Drug interactions of Beconase AQ include other corticosteroids, which may increase your risk of side effects if taken together with Beconase AQ. 

During pregnancy, Beconase AQ should be used only when clearly needed. However, many doctors consider Beconase AQ to be safe to use during pregnancy. Rarely, infants born to mothers who have been using corticosteroids (including Beconase AQ) for a long time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. 

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. It is unknown if Beconase AQ passes into breast milk. Similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The most common side effects associated with nasal beclomethasone are:

• nasal irritation,
• sneezing,
• nausea, and
• lightheadedness.

A bloody nasal discharge and septum perforation may occur.

Fungal infection of the nose and throat, slow wound healing, glaucoma, and cataracts are also associated with intranasal beclomethasone.

Higher doses of intranasal beclomethasone may result in more absorption into the body. This may decrease bone formation and increase bone breakdown (resorption), resulting in weak bones and a risk of fractures, especially in children.

High doses may suppress the adrenal glands and impair their ability to make natural glucocorticoid. People with such suppression (which can be identified by testing) need increased amounts of glucocorticoid orally or by the intravenous route during periods of high physical stress since higher amounts of glucocorticoids are needed by the body to fight physical stress.

Patients receiving beclomethasone may develop easy bruising if enough beclomethasone is absorbed into the body.

In general, side effects in clinical studies have been primarily associated with the nasal mucous membranes.

Adverse reactions reported in controlled clinical trials and long-term open studies in patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler are described below.

Sensations of irritation and burning in the nose (11 per 100 patients) following the use of beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler have been reported. Also, occasional sneezing attacks (10 per 100 adult patients) have occurred immediately following the use of the intranasal inhaler. This symptom may be more common in children. Rhinorrhea may occur occasionally (1 per 100 patients).

Localized infections of the nose and pharynx with Candida albicans have occurred rarely.

Transient episodes of epistaxis have been reported in 2 per 100 patients.

Rare cases of ulceration of the nasal mucosa and instances of nasal septum perforation have been spontaneously reported.

Reports of headache, light-headedness, dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, and unpleasant taste and smell have been received. There are rare reports of loss of taste and smell.

Rare instances of wheezing, cataracts, glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure have been reported following the intranasal application of aerosolized corticosteroids.

Rare cases of immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm, have been reported following the oral and intranasal inhalation of beclomethasone.

Systemic corticosteroid side effects were not reported during the controlled clinical trials. If recommended doses are exceeded, however, or if individuals are particularly sensitive, symptoms of hypercorticism (i.e., Cushing's syndrome, could occur).

Nasal Spray

In general, side effects in clinical studies have been primarily associated with irritation of the nasal mucous membranes. Rare cases of immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm, have been reported following the oral and intranasal inhalation of beclomethasone dipropionate.

Adverse reactions reported in controlled clinical trials and open studies in patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray are described below.

Mild nasopharyngeal irritation following the use of beclomethasone aqueous nasal spray has been reported in up to 24% of patients treated, including occasional sneezing attacks (about 4%) occurring immediately following use of the spray. In patients experiencing these symptoms, none had to discontinue treatment. The incidence of transient irritation and sneezing was approximately the same in the group of patients who received placebo in these studies, implying that these complaints may be related to vehicle components of the formulation.

Fewer than 5 per 100 patients reported headache, nausea, or lightheadedness following the use of beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray. Fewer than 3 per 100 patients reported nasal stuffiness, nosebleeds, rhinorrhea, or tearing eyes.

Rare cases of ulceration of the nasal mucosa and instances of nasal septum perforation have been spontaneously reported.

Reports of dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, and unpleasant taste and smell have been received. There are rare reports of loss of taste and smell.

Rare instances of wheezing, cataracts, glaucoma, and increased intraocular pressure have been reported following the use of intranasal beclomethasone.

Drug interactions of Beconase AQ include:

• other corticosteroids, which may increase your risk of side effects if taken together with Beconase AQ.