This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain beclomethasone.  It may not be specific to Qvar. Please read with care.
Inhaled beclomethasone is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Inhaled beclomethasone is used with a special inhaler that comes with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the QVAR® inhaler or QVAR® Redihaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.
Do not stop using this medicine or other asthma medicines that your doctor has prescribed for you unless you have discussed this with your doctor.
To use the QVAR® inhaler:
Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine. Do not remove the canister from the actuator.
Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
Before you use an inhaler for the first time, prime it by pointing it away from your face and spraying into the air 2 times. If the inhaler has not been used for 10 days or longer, prime it again.
To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.
While pressing down firmly and fully on the metal canister, breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
Take the inhaler out of your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 to 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff.
Wipe the mouthpiece dry with a cloth or tissue. Do not wash it with water. Put the cap back on right away.
Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose.
The inhaler has a window that shows the number of doses remaining. This tells you when you are getting low on medicine. The doses counting down from 20 to 0 will show up in red to remind you to refill your prescription. Throw away the inhaler when the count is 0. You may not receive the right amount of medicine.
To use the QVAR® Redihaler™:
Take the inhaler out of the carton before you use it for the first time.
Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.
This medicine does not require priming. Do not shake the inhaler. Do not use it with a spacer or volume holding chamber.
Always use the inhaler in an upright position with the mouthpiece facing downwards.
Do not open the white cap of the inhaler or leave it open unless you are ready to use it. Close the cap before each use or if it has been left open for more than 2 minutes.
To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it.
Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
Hold your breath and remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Continue holding your breath as long as you can up to 10 seconds before breathing out slowly. This gives the medicine time to settle in your airways and lungs.
Close the white cap to prepare for the next inhalation.
If your doctor has told you to take more than 1 inhalation per dose, make sure the cap is closed and repeat the previous steps.
Keep the inhaler dry and clean at all times. Gently wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue as needed. Do not wash or put any part of the inhaler in water.
The inhaler has a window that shows the number of doses remaining. This tells you when you are getting low on medicine. The doses counting down from 20 to 0 will show up in red to remind you to refill your prescription. Throw away the inhaler when the dose counter displays 0 after opening the carton.
Rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. However, do not swallow the water after rinsing.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
QVAR® inhaler:
For preventing an asthma attack:
For patients who have received bronchodilators alone:
Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, one puff two times a day. Each puff contains 40 or 80 micrograms (mcg) of beclomethasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 mcg two times a day.
Children 5 to 11 years of age—At first, one puff two times a day. Each puff contains 40 mcg of beclomethasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mcg two times a day.
Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For patients who have received inhaled corticosteroids:
Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, one to two puffs two times a day. Each puff contains 40 or 80 micrograms (mcg) of beclomethasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 mcg two times a day.
Children 5 to 11 years of age—At first, one puff two times a day. Each puff contains 40 mcg of beclomethasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mcg two times a day.
Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
QVAR® Redihaler™:
For preventing an asthma attack:
For patients who have not received inhaled corticosteroids:
Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 40 to 80 micrograms (mcg) beclomethasone 2 times a day. The doses should be at least 12 hours apart. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 mcg two times a day.
Children 4 to 11 years of age—At first, 40 mcg of beclomethasone 2 times a day. The doses should be at least 12 hours apart. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mcg two times a day.
Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss a dose of QVAR® Redihaler™, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
 Detailed Qvar RediHaler dosage information
