Drug Notes

Beclomethasone (By breathing)

Beclomethasone (be-kloe-METH-a-sone)

Prevents asthma attacks. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

QVAR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Under Pressure, Powder Under Pressure, Spray

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You will use this medicine with a device called a metered-dose inhaler. The inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. You may be told to use a spacer, which is a tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed).
• Do not remove the canister from the actuator.
• Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
• Prime the inhaler before you use it for the first time, or if it has not been used for 10 days or more. Prime it by pointing it away from your face and spraying into the air 2 times.
• To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
• Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
• Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, and 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, starting with shaking the inhaler.
• When you have finished all your inhalations, rinse your mouth out with water.
• Wipe the mouthpiece dry with a cloth or tissue. Do not wash or put any part of the inhaler in water.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• 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.
• Throw away the inhaler when the expiration date passes or the counter reads 0.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine to use in case of an acute asthma attack.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have cataracts, glaucoma, or osteoporosis.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Slow growth in children
  • Low bone mineral density, which may lead to osteoporosis
  • Glaucoma or cataracts
• This medicine may weaken your immune system and increase your risk for infections, including fungus infection in the mouth (thrush). Tell your doctor if you have any immune system problems or infections, including herpes simplex in your eye or tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to measles or chickenpox.
• If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
• You may need to use this medicine for 1 to 4 weeks before your asthma starts to get better. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Eye pain or trouble seeing
• Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and body aches
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, pain when eating or swallowing
• Worsening of breathing problems

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Sore throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017