|
CHEMICAL NAME
BECLOMETHASONE.
INDICATIONS
Qvar(Beclomethasone) is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. This medicine is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using Qvar(Beclomethasone) provided by your doctor. Qvar(Beclomethasone) may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine. Before using this medicine, be sure that the canister is properly ed into the inhaler unit. Your doctor may have told you to position the mouthpiece between your lips or to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from your open mouth. Exhale slowly. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. If your doctor has instructed you to use a special spacing device, read the instruction leaflet. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. Rinse your mouth or gargle with water after using this medicine to prevent mouth sores or bad taste. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn container even if it appears empty. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
SIDE EFFECTS
May cause a cough, a dry irritated throat, unpleasant taste, hoarseness or nasal congestion, pain or headache. If these effects continue or become bothersome, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: white-colored tongue, prolonged mouth or throat irritation, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses and infections, recent exposure to contagious diseases (e.g., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, allergies (especially drug allergies). If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Deaths have sometimes occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor these changes may be signs of an infection. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with inhaled steroids (beclomethasone), this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
If your symptoms do not improve after regular use of this medicine or if your asthma becomes worse, contact your doctor. If you switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the last 12 months, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your possible need of supplemental steroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. BR>
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before you use this drug tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking, especially of: oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
|
