Product Details: QVAR (Beclomethasone)

Please note the product strengths of 50mcg and 100mcg are dose-equivalent to QVAR 40mcg amd 80mcg.

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine 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 this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE 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 inserted 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.

Cautions

THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. AFTER YOU BEGIN USING THIS MEDICINE, a few weeks may pass before the full benefit is obtained. Continue to use it as directed during this time. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. IMPORTANT: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY USING THIS MEDICINE or are having side effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using a spacing device. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT GROWTH RATE in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may go away during treatment include headache, dry mouth, hoarseness, or irritated throat. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience white curd-like patches in mouth, or rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Beclomethasone