Brand Name

Qvar {Teva Respiratory}

Generic Name

beclomethasone inhalation, pronounced be kloe METH a sone

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Qvar?

Qvar is used to help prevent asthma attacks. This medication will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Qvar may also be prescribed for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Qvar

Qvar contains a corticosteroid that can help to prevent a release of substances in the body which may cause inflammation.

You should not use Qvar to treat an asthma attack. If you use Qvar during an asthma attack already in progress you may increase your risk of an asthma-related death. Your doctor can prescribe a fast-acting inhaler for you in these emergency situations.

Only use the dose of Qvar that your doctor has prescribed for you, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on your prescription to use Qvar safely. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about your individual risks, and benefits, for using Qvar.

Qvar is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Qvar can be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Qvar. Do not use Qvar if you are breast-feeding as it is not known if Qvar passes into breast milk.

Qvar should not be given to children under age 5. Because Qvar can affect growth in children you should talk to your doctor if your child is taking Qvar and is not growing at a normal rate.

The long-term use of steroids, like beclomethasone in Qvar, can lead to osteoporosis, or bone loss. This risk is greater for people who have a family history of osteoporosis, smoke, do not exercise, or do not get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet. Talk to your doctor if you believe you have any of these risk factors for potential bone loss while taking Qvar.

Before You Take Qvar

You should not take Qvar if you are allergic to beclomethasone or if you are having an acute asthma attack.

You should talk to your doctor before taking Qvar if you have liver disease or osteoporosis.

Tell your doctor if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, or a history of tuberculosis before taking Qvar.

You should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections because Qvar can lower the blood cells that help your body to fight infections. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles contact your doctor right away, as these conditions may become more serious or fatal in people who use Qvar.

Qvar Drug Interactions

If your doctor has also prescribed a bronchodilator for you, such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair) or bitolterol (Tornalate) you must use it before using Qvar. Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Qvar. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Qvar

Qvar comes with instructions for the proper use of this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help using Qvar.

Rinse your mouth with water after using Qvar to reduce your chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth. If you are using a aerochamber with a face mask be sure to wash the area of your face covered by the mask after each use.

If you are also taking steroid medication, in addition to Qvar it is important for you to taper off of the steroids slowly, and under your doctor’s supervision. Do not stop taking your steroid medications suddenly, or you risk experiencing adverse and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your doctor about tapering your steroid use down safely.

Never use Qvar inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already started. It will not work fast enough. If you experience an asthma attack use only a fast-acting inhalation medication. Your doctor can help you determine the right fast-acting inhaler for you.

You should wear a medical alert ID or carry a medical ID card in case you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your Qvar is not working well in treating or preventing your asthma attacks. Do not change your dosage or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

You should seek medical attention if you feel like your asthma medications are not working as well as they usually do. Sometimes an increased need for asthma medication could be an early warning sign of a future serious asthma attack. You should check your numbers with a peak flow meter at home, and let your doctor know immediately if your numbers are lower than normal.

Qvar should be stored at room temperature, and away from light and heat.

If you miss a dose of Qvar you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Qvar Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Qvar and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of your throat, face, tongue or lips
• changes in your body fat distribution, especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist
• faint feeling like you might pass out
• muscle pain and weakness
• respiratory symptoms that are worsening, including wheezing or breathing problems
• skin rash or bruising
• tingling feeling
• weakness and extreme tired feeling
• weight loss and appetite loss
• white patches or sore inside your mouth or on your lips

Less serious side effects may include

• cough
• dry mouth, nose or throat
• headache
• hoarseness or deepened voice
• Stuffy/runny nose
• Irritation of throat

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Qvar. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Qvar Description and Dosing

Qvar is available is available in strengths of 40 mcg and 80 mcg. The Qvar 40 mcg is supplied either in a 7.3 g canister containing 100 actuations with a beige plastic actuator and gray dust cap, or in an 8.7 g canister containing 120 actuations with a beige plastic actuator and gray dust cap. The 80 mcg is supplied either in a 4.2 g canister, for Institutional Use, containing 50 actuations with a dark mauve plastic actuator and a gray dust cap, or in a 7.3 g canister containing 100 actuations with a dark mauve plastic actuator and gray dust cap. Patient instructions come with each canister and dosage.

Qvar is prescribed based on the individual need of each patient. Your doctor will tell you the right dose for you.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Qvar you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Qvar

Qvar contains the active ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate. Qvar does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.