Qvar Inhaler: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Qvar Inhaler (beclometasone dipropionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid used as a daily preventer inhaler for asthma. It is breathed into the lungs every day to control ongoing airway inflammation and stop asthma attacks before they start. It is not used to treat a sudden asthma attack and is available as an Autohaler or a press-and-breathe inhaler.

What is Qvar Inhaler

Qvar is a preventer inhaler used for asthma. It contains a corticosteroid medicine that is breathed into the lungs every day to stop asthma attacks before they start. It is not used to treat a sudden asthma attack.

Qvar Inhaler uses

• Prevents asthma attacks by controlling ongoing airway inflammation
• Used as a long-term daily controller medicine for asthma, not a rescue treatment

Benefits of Qvar Inhaler

• Asthma Control: Helps prevent and control asthma symptoms.
• Inflammation Reduction: Reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways.
• Wheezing Support: Helps reduce recurrent wheezing and coughing.
• Breathing Support: Helps improve airway function with regular use.
• Maintenance Therapy: Provides ongoing control rather than immediate relief of an acute attack.

How Qvar Inhaler works

The active ingredient is a corticosteroid that works directly on the airways in the lungs to reduce inflammation, which helps control asthma and prevent attacks.

Qvar Inhaler dosage

Use only as directed by your doctor and do not change the dose yourself. Use at the same times each day to get the best effect and help you remember your doses. Keep using it every day even if you feel well or have no symptoms, since it controls but does not cure the condition. Do not use this inhaler to relieve a sudden asthma attack — use a reliever inhaler instead as prescribed. If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time rather than doubling up.

Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to help prevent mouth thrush. There is no need to shake the Autohaler or Inhaler before use. If new or not used for two weeks or more, test fire two puffs into the air away from the face before using. Children using this medicine should be supervised by a responsible adult. Do not use a spacer or other chamber device with this inhaler.

Available forms and strengths

• Autohaler (breath-actuated inhaler)
• Inhaler (press-and-breathe metered dose inhaler)

Side effects of Qvar Inhaler

Common

• Sore, creamy-yellow raised patches in the mouth (thrush)
• Hoarse voice
• Rashes, itching or irritation
• Redness and swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat and eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or cold-like symptoms
• Headache

Serious

• Narrowing of the airways or sudden chest tightness after using the inhaler
• Changes to eyesight or vision, including blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Stunted growth or reduced growth rate in children and adolescents
• Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as a round moon-shaped face, weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep problems or irritability
• Signs of adrenal gland problems such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness or dizziness
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or hives
• Signs of weakened bones or fractures with long-term use

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine to treat a sudden asthma attack — it is a daily preventer, not a rescue treatment.
• Do not stop using this medicine or lower the dose suddenly without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
• Using more puffs than recommended for a long time may cause your adrenal glands to not work as well as they should.
• This medicine may mask some signs of an infection, and long-term use can weaken the immune system, increasing infection risk.
• Do not give this medicine to a child under 5 years old, as its safety and effectiveness haven't been established in that age group.
• Long-term use of inhaled steroids may slow growth in children and adolescents, so height should be checked regularly.
• This medicine may increase pressure inside the eye and can cause or worsen glaucoma or cataracts with long-term use.
• Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
• Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without talking to your doctor, as it may affect the developing baby.
• Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding, since the active ingredient may pass into breast milk and could affect your baby.
• Routine dose adjustment is generally not required for kidney impairment. Seek medical attention if breathing suddenly worsens immediately after use, as paradoxical bronchospasm can occur.
• Tell your doctor about significant liver disease; medical monitoring may be appropriate.
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while using this medicine.
• Be careful driving or using machines or tools until you know how this medicine affects you.

Storage

• Store below 30°C and protect from frost
• Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight — for example, do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills
• Keep it where young children cannot reach it
• Keep the device clean and dry; do not wash it or put any part of it in water
• Do not puncture the container or throw it into a fire, even when empty, as the canister may explode
• If no longer needed or out of date, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal
• Do not use after the expiry date

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you suddenly find it harder to breathe or feel tightness in your chest after a dose — use your reliever inhaler and contact your doctor immediately.
• Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency department if you notice eyesight changes such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, even if you feel fine.
• Call your doctor straight away if your asthma seems to be getting worse, such as having more frequent attacks.
• Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
• Stop using the inhaler and get help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.

Alternatives

• Fluticasone Inhaler
• Budesonide Inhaler
• Mometasone Inhaler