Generic Name: beclomethasone inhalation (be kloe METH a sone)
Brand Names: Qvar
What is Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Beclomethasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.
Beclomethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
Do not use beclomethasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone inhalation for 2 weeks.
Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use beclomethasone inhalation until you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using beclomethasone inhalation, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use beclomethasone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Beclomethasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
How should I use Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Beclomethasone comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not use beclomethasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using beclomethasone inhalation. Do not swallow.
Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
It is important to use beclomethasone inhalation regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone inhalation for 2 weeks.
Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency. Store beclomethasone inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of beclomethasone inhalation is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
Beclomethasone inhalation can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor if you have been exposed to someone with measles or chicken pox.
Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache;
dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or
hoarseness or deepened voice.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Qvar (beclomethasone inhalation)?
If you are also using a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways to improve breathing), use it first before using the beclomethasone inhaler. This will allow more beclomethasone to reach your lungs. Bronchodilators include albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), and others.
There may be other drugs that can interact with beclomethasone inhalation. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Qvar resources
- Qvar Side Effects (in more detail)
- Qvar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Qvar Drug Interactions
- Qvar Support Group
- 3 Reviews for Qvar - Add your own review/rating
- Qvar Aerosol Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- QVAR Prescribing Information (FDA)
- QVAR Monograph (AHFS DI)
Compare Qvar with other medications
- Asthma, Maintenance
- Bronchitis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about beclomethasone inhalation.
See also: Qvar side effects (in more detail)
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