Generic name: beclomethasone nasal (BE kloe METH a sone)
Brand name: Beconase AQ, QNASL
Drug class: Nasal steroids
QNASL contains beclomethasone, a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
QNASL Nasal Aerosol (80 mcg) is a prescription medicine that treats seasonal nasal and year-round nasal allergy symptoms, such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
QNASL Nasal Aerosol (40 mcg) is used for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms in children 4-11 years of age.
Warnings
Before using QNASL nasal spray, tell your doctor if you have been sick or have had an infection of any kind. Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, herpes simplex infection of your eyes, tuberculosis, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using QNASL nasal spray as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Beclomethasone can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using QNASL. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Steroid medicines such as beclomethasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using QNASL.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use QNASL if you are allergic to beclomethasone.
Before using QNASL, tell your doctor if you have been sick or have had any infections. You may not be able to use the nasal spray until you are well.
QNASL should not be given to a child younger than 4 years old.
To make sure QNASL nasal spray is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- asthma;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
- tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
- sores or ulcers your nose; or
- an injury or surgery affecting your nose.
It is not known whether beclomethasone nasal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether beclomethasone nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use QNASL?
Use QNASL nasal spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe use, and directions for priming and disposal of the nasal spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Steroid medicine can weaken (suppress) your immune system, and you may get an infection more easily. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
It may take several days before your symptoms improve. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using QNASL nasal spray.
Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using QNASL nasal spray, to make sure this medicine is not causing harm to your nose or sinuses.
Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Throw away the QNASL nasal spray after you have used 120 sprays, or if the dose indicator shows a zero.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of beclomethasone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using QNASL?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Using steroid medicine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using QNASL nasal spray.
QNASL side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to QNASL: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing nosebleed;
- sores in the nose that won't heal;
- blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- signs of a hormonal disorder - worsening tiredness or muscle weakness, anxiety, feeling irritable, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, or weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); or
- signs of infection - fever, chills, sores or white patches in or around your nose, flu symptoms, redness or swelling.
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 medicine.
Common QNASL side effects may include:
- discomfort or irritation inside your nose;
- sneezing, runny or stuffy nose;
- nosebleed;
- fever, sore throat;
- headache, nausea; or
- unpleasant taste or smell.
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 QNASL?
Other drugs may interact with beclomethasone nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.