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Brand Names: Qvar

Generic Name: beclomethasone inhalation (Pronunciation: be kloe METH a sone)

• What is beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• What are the possible side effects of beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• How should I use beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Qvar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Qvar)?
• What should I avoid while using beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• What other drugs will affect beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?

Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Beclomethasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Beclomethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
• worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or
• hoarseness or deepened voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone inhalation for 2 weeks.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack.

If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

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