Qvar

How does it work?

Qvar CFC-free inhalers, autohalers and easi-breathe inhalers all contain the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate (previously spelt beclomethasone in the UK), which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Beclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. (NB. Corticosteroids are often simply called steroids, but it should be noted that they are very different from another group of steroids, called anabolic steroids, which have gained notoriety because of their abuse by some athletes and body builders.)

When beclometasone is inhaled into the lungs it is absorbed into the cells of the lungs and airways. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system and are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses that result in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the lungs and airways, inflammation is reduced.

In asthma, the airways tighten due to inflammation and can also be blocked by mucus. This makes it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By preventing the inflammation and excess mucus formation, beclometasone makes it easier to breathe and helps prevent asthma attacks.

Beclometasone is taken using an inhaler device to treat asthma. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

Beclometasone taken by inhaler is known as a preventer. This is because it is taken regularly to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. Symptoms usually start to get better between three to seven days after starting treatment. However, it is important to continue using this medicine regularly, even after your asthma symptoms have improved, in order to prevent them coming back.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Warning!

Do not exceed the dose of this medicine that your doctor has prescribed for you. Qvar inhalers are not the same potency as other beclometasone inhalers, including other CFC-free beclometasone inhalers. This means that the dose of Qvar needed to control your asthma symptoms may not be the same as that needed from other beclometasone inhalers. If you have been switched to a Qvar inhaler from another beclometasone inhaler, the dose of Qvar that your doctor asks you to use may be lower than you used to take from your old beclometasone inhaler. If you are confused or unsure about how much medicine to take, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify it for you. Once you start using Qvar, your doctor should prescribe it by its brand name on your repeat prescriptions, to make sure you receive the same inhaler each time you get a repeat from the pharmacy. This is to avoid any confusion over your dose. Qvar inhalers may also have a different taste and feel than CFC-containing inhalers, however they are just as effective. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you have any problems or questions.

This medicine is known as a preventer and it should be taken regularly to prevent asthma attacks. It should not be used to relieve an asthma attack, as it will not work for this purpose. An asthma attack needs to be treated with a medicine that quickly opens the airways, such as salbutamol or terbutaline. These are known as relievers, and you should make sure you carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times to relieve an asthma attack if it happens. Consult your doctor if you need to use your reliever more frequently than normal, or if it becomes less effective at treating attacks, as this may indicate that your asthma is getting worse and your doctor may need to prescribe you another medicine.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as your asthma symptoms are likely to return.

Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing and difficulty breathing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, don't use the inhaler again, use your reliever inhaler to open your airways and consult your doctor immediately.

Inhaled corticosteroids can sometimes cause a fungal infection in the mouth called oral thrush. To minimise the chances of this you should rinse your mouth with water or clean your teeth after inhaling each dose. Using a spacer device can also help avoid this problem.

Inhaled corticosteroids have considerably fewer side effects than steroids taken by mouth. However, when taken for long periods of time at high doses, inhaled steroids do have the potential to cause side effects such as glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), slowed growth in children and adolescents, and to suppress the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). For this reason your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose to control your symptoms, and monitor for these side effects. Do not exceed the dose of this medicine that your doctor has prescribed for you. It is recommended that children receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids have their growth monitored. If a child's growth appears to be slowed your doctor may refer them to a paediatrician. For further information talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

People with severe asthma should have regular blood tests to monitor the amount of potassium in their blood. This is because low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines can lower blood potassium levels.

Use with caution in

Active or inactive (dormant) tuberculosis infection of the lungs

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

Qvar inhalers are not currently recommended for use in children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy. However, it is important that asthma is well controlled in pregnant women. Wherever possible, asthma medications should be taken by inhaler, as this minimises the amount of medicine that enters the bloodstream and crosses the placenta to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

In general, the amount of corticosteroid that passes into the breast milk after using an inhaler is negligable and probably too small to be harmful to the baby. However, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

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