Qvar (Beclometasone dipropionate 100mcg) Inhaler

Qvar inhaler is an inhaled asthma medication used to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to prevent but not treat asthma attack, to improve lung function. Qvar inhaler is known as a “preventer” asthma medication and is used regularly as part of a long-term asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed. Qvar inhaler blocks the inflammatory process, which causes swelling in the airways of the lungs, and reduces symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

Qvar inhaler contains beclometasone dipropionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air. Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction (narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways). Qvar inhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.

Qvar inhaler contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication. It also contains ethanol and norflurane and each actuation of the inhaler releases a 100mcg dose of beclometasone dipropionate. There are 200 metered doses per pack.

Qvar inhaler contains beclometasone dipropionate, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air. Qvar inhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function. Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways). You should not use Qvar inhaler as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication for bronchospasm or if you are having an asthma attack, for this you need a fast acting bronchodilator, such as a Ventolin or similar inhaler.

Qvar inhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function. Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways). Both are intended to be used together, only if recommended by your doctor.

The most commonly reported side effects when using Qvar inhaler include a sore throat or tongue. which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

You should not use Qvar if you:

• are allergic to beclometasone or any of the ingredients in Qvar inhaler
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the beclometasone in Qvar inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• currently have an infection, as Qvar inhaler may hide some of the signs of infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Qvar inhaler, like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole.

Long term use of Qvar inhaler may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently. This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring. Qvar inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

The dose of Qvar inhaler you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning, and evening. Qvar inhaler does not work immediately but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a weeks to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit. You should not stop taking your Qvar inhaler, even if you feel better.

How many puffs (inhalations) you inhale from your Qvar inhaler and how often depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor. You will usually inhale one or two puffs twice a day, morning, and evening. Qvar inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

You should use for Qvar inhaler continually for as long as recommended by your doctor. You should not stop using your Qvar inhaler, even if you feel better.

If you miss a dose of Qvar inhaler, use it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to use the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not use a double dose.

Your Qvar Inhaler should be stored below 30°C. Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight.