Generic name: beclomethasone inhalation (be kloe METH a sone)
Brand name: Qvar Redihaler
Drug class: Inhaled corticosteroids
Beclomethasone is an inhaled steroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children at least 4 years old.
Qvar Redihaler will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.
Qvar Redihaler may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use beclomethasone if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection;
- tuberculosis;
- herpes infection of the eyes;
- osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density;
- a weak immune system; or
- cataracts, glaucoma, or increased pressure inside your eyes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Qvar Redihaler?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Qvar Redihaler is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Read and carefully follow any instructions for using Qvar Redihaler, priming the inhaler device, and cleaning the device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult.
If you also use an oral steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water (but do not swallow) after using Qvar Redihaler.
It may take up to 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve after 2 weeks.
You should not stop using Qvar Redihaler suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Use all asthma medications as directed. Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the cover on your inhaler when not in use. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
Throw away the inhaler device when the inhalations counter shows "0" or the expiration date on the label has passed. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Qvar Redihaler?
Rinse with water if Qvar Redihaler gets in your eyes.
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 steroid medication.
Qvar Redihaler side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;
- worsening asthma symptoms;
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- signs of infection--fever, chills, body aches, vomiting;
- signs of low adrenal gland hormones--worsening tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting; or
- increased adrenal gland hormones--hunger, weight gain, swelling, skin discoloration, slow wound healing, sweating, acne, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, muscle weakness, missed menstrual periods, sexual changes.
Common side effects may include:
- a yeast infection in the mouth;
- sinus pain, irritation in your nose; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
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 Redihaler?
Other drugs may affect Qvar Redihaler, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.