Qvar Redihaler (Beclometasone Dipropionate)

Do’s

• Inhale Qvar Redihaler exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically twice daily.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage based on your specific needs.
• Inhale directly from the mouthpiece, not using a spacer device.
• Prime or shake the inhaler only if your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
• If prescribed 2 puffs, wait at least one minute between inhalations.
• If using other inhalers, wait at least one minute between each and use Qvar (the steroid) last.
• To prevent mouth irritation and fungal infections, gargle, rinse your mouth with water, and spit after each use. Don't swallow the rinse.
• Keep track of the number of inhalations used and discard the canister as directed, even if it feels like medication remains.
• Use Qvar regularly at consistent times for optimal benefit.
• Continue using Qvar as prescribed, even if you feel better. Stopping abruptly can worsen your condition.

Don'ts

• Don't increase your Qvar dosage or use it more often without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't stop taking Qvar without your healthcare provider's advice.
• Don't wash the inhaler or put any part of it in water.
• Don't use Qvar to treat sudden breathing problems. It's a preventative medication.
• Don't stop taking a different oral corticosteroid medication unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. Abruptly stopping can worsen your condition.

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Throat irritation
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Muscle and joint pains
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Bruising easily
• Chills
• Colds
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Stuffy nose
• Ear infections
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation in the stomach and intestine caused by a virus)
• Nosebleeds
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Fungal infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat
• Slowed growth in children
• Increased wheezing (bronchospasm) right after using Qvar Redihaler
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or swelling
• Signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills)
• Unusual tiredness, vision problems, easy bruising/bleeding
• Mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation)
• Increased thirst/urination

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Qvar redihaler,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to beclomethasone or other medications before using Qvar.

Inform your healthcare provider about eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma), bone loss (osteoporosis), or current/past infections (tuberculosis, herpes).

If you recently switched from oral steroids to Qvar, or have been using high Qvar doses for a long time, your body's response to stress may be weakened. Tell your healthcare provider about Qvar use before surgery, emergencies, or serious illness/injury. Report unusual fatigue or weight loss to your healthcare provider. Carry a medical ID stating your use of steroid medications (oral or inhaled).

Qvar may hide infection symptoms and raise your risk of getting infections or worsening existing ones. Avoid people with contagious illnesses and consult your healthcare provider if exposed to an infection.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including Qvar, before any surgery.

Long-term Qvar use may slow down growth in children. However, uncontrolled asthma can also hinder growth. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your child's height.

Use Qvar only when clearly necessary during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Qvar passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.