Before taking QVAR (beclomethasone), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using QVAR (beclomethasone), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated infections, certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection of the eye), liver disease, adrenal gland problems (e.g., adrenal insufficiency).
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (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, nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for advice about future stress situations. You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. (See also Medical Alert section.) Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using QVAR (beclomethasone).
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
QVAR (beclomethasone) may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing an infection. Report any signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever, cough, changes in sputum color) that occur during treatment.
When used for extended periods, medications similar to QVAR (beclomethasone) may affect bone strength, especially in people who smoke, have a family history of brittle bones (osteoporosis), or take other medications that may weaken bones (e.g., phenytoin). Bone density tests may help to determine if you need medication to treat or prevent this problem. Discuss with your doctor.
Caution is advised when using QVAR (beclomethasone) in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids, QVAR (beclomethasone) 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.
QVAR (beclomethasone) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using QVAR (beclomethasone) for an extended 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 not known if QVAR (beclomethasone) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not use, store, or discard near heat or open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using QVAR (beclomethasone) and each time you get a refill. Read the directions provided by the manufacturer on the correct use of this device. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for 10 days or more. There is no need to shake the inhaler.
A spacer device may be used with QVAR (beclomethasone). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Inhale QVAR (beclomethasone) by mouth, usually 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Breathe out as much as you comfortably can. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. While breathing in slowly and deeply, press down on the canister with your finger.
After inhaling the medication, keep the mouthpiece in your mouth while holding your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the mouthpiece and exhale slowly.
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes when priming or using the inhaler. You may or may not feel the medication while you are inhaling it. Either is normal.
If more than one inhalation/puff is prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between inhalations. If you are using other inhaled medications at the same time, wait several minutes between each medication, and use QVAR (beclomethasone) (the corticosteroid) last.
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.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
Dosage of QVAR (beclomethasone) is based on your medical condition, age, use of other asthma medications, and response to therapy.
Use QVAR (beclomethasone) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. QVAR (beclomethasone) works best if used consistently at even intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently, or stop using QVAR (beclomethasone) without first consulting your doctor. You may begin to feel QVAR (beclomethasone) working within 24 hours, but it may take 2 weeks or longer before the full benefit of QVAR (beclomethasone) takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Precautions section.
Dry/irritated/sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, a bad taste in the mouth, headache, voice changes, runny nose, or back pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed QVAR (beclomethasone) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using QVAR (beclomethasone) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches in your mouth or on your tongue, sinus pain/pressure, discolored discharge from the nose, menstrual period changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, poor wound healing, puffy face, unexpected weight gain, muscle weakness/pain.
Infrequently, QVAR (beclomethasone) may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
A very serious allergic reaction to QVAR (beclomethasone) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about QVAR side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of QVAR (beclomethasone), use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
QVAR (beclomethasone) should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab.
If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting QVAR (beclomethasone).
Before using QVAR (beclomethasone), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), bupropion, aldesleukin, licorice (glycyrrhiza).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.