Qvar

Uses

What is Qvar® (beclomethasone) used for?

Qvar® is commonly used for treat asthma. Do not use Qvar® to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler.

How should I take Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the package insert.

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

Keep using Qvar® as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

For breathing in only.

Prime before first use or if not used for more than 10 days by spraying 2 times into the air.

Rinse out mouth after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water. Spit it out.

A spacer may be used with the puffer (inhaler) for easy use.

Clean mouthpiece by wiping with a dry tissue or cloth. Do not wash or put in water.

Do not use near an open flame or while smoking. It may burst.

This puffer (inhaler) may have a dose counter to keep track of how many doses are left. If it does, the counter will count down sprays in units of 2. Throw the puffer (inhaler) away when the dose counter has a 0 in it.

Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.

Have your puffer (inhaler) use checked with your doctor at each visit. Read and follow facts on how to use the puffer. Make sure you use the puffer the right way.

How do I store Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Qvar® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Qvar® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Qvar® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Qvar® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Qvar® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.

Have your eye pressure checked if you are on this medicine for a long time. Talk with your doctor.

If you have been taking Qvar® for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may want to slowly stop this medicine.

You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.

Chickenpox and measles can be very bad or even deadly in some people taking steroid drugs like Qvar®. Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles if you have not had these health problems before. If you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, talk with your doctor.

When changing from an oral steroid to another form of a steroid, there may be very bad and sometimes deadly side effects. Signs like weakness, feeling tired, dizziness, upset stomach, throwing up, not thinking clearly, or low blood sugar may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. If you have a bad injury, have surgery, or any type of infection, you may need extra doses of oral steroids. These extra steroids will help your body deal with these stresses. Carry a warning card saying that there may be times when you may need extra steroids.

Long-term use may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.

Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use with this medicine may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Qvar® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Qvar®. Qvar® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Side effects may occur when using this drug.

• Headache
• Nose stuffiness
• Throat irritation

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Qvar® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Qvar® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Qvar® (beclomethasone)?

Qvar® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Qvar® (beclomethasone).

What is the dose of Qvar® (beclomethasone) for an adult?

Patients Aged 12 Years and Older

Bronchodilators Alone

• Recommended Starting Dose: 40 to 80 mcg twice daily
• Highest Dose Recommended: 320 mcg twice daily

Inhaled Corticosteroids

• Recommended Starting Dose: 40 to 160 mcg twice daily
• Highest Dose Recommended: 320 mcg twice daily

What is the dose of Qvar® (beclomethasone) for a child?

Recommended Dosing for Children 5 to 11 Years

Bronchodilators Alone

• Recommended Starting Dose: 40 mcg twice daily
• Highest Dose Recommended: 80 mcg twice daily

Inhaled Corticosteroids

• Recommended Starting Dose: 40 mcg twice daily
• Highest Dose Recommended: 80 mcg twice daily

How is Qvar® (beclomethasone) available?

Qvar® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Aerosol, metered: beclomethasone dipropionate 40ug

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Qvar®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.