What does qvar contain

For this or any other reason, do not stop taking Qvar or adjust the dosage without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Although uncommon, Qvar has been known to cause severe side effects, including breathing problems, allergic reactions, and adrenal dysfunction. Among those that may require emergency medical attention:.

Because Qvar is administered by inhalation, it is less likely to cause the same kinds of drug interactions associated with oral or injected steroids. The manufacturer did not identify any notable interactions from pre-market research.

Because Qvar has immunosuppressive effects, it may amplify the effects of immunosuppressant drugs used for chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and other medical conditions. These include:. If you're on chemotherapy, HIV therapy, or immunosuppressive drugs of any sort, tell the healthcare provider who prescribes Qvar for you so they can monitor you for side effects.

This may include routine blood tests commonly used to monitor immune function in immunosuppressed individuals. To avoid drug interactions, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you are taking, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, supplemental, herbal, or recreational. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Food and Drug Administration. Updated April 4, Jayanth A. Qvar for treatment of chronic asthma. American Fam Physician. Respir Res. Inhaled corticosteroids. In: StatPearls. Updated February 10, Teva Respiratory. Qvar Redihaler beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhalation slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to aerosol, for oral inhalation use.

Updated Adrenal insufficiency in corticosteroids use: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. J Allergy Clin Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Sannarangappa V, Jalleh R. Inhaled corticosteroids and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Open Respir Med J. Williams DM. Clinical pharmacology of corticosteroids. Respir Care. Your Privacy Rights.

To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Before Taking. According to the National Institutes of Health NIH , some people with mild or moderate persistent asthma may be able to take Qvar or Flovent intermittently, or as needed.

Qvar and Flovent should not be used as rescue inhalers. Inhaled corticosteroids like Qvar and Flovent are typically prescribed with a rescue inhaler like albuterol to help relieve asthma attacks. Both Qvar and Flovent are effective medications for asthma management. The most important factor that determines the effectiveness of either Qvar or Flovent is how often they are used. Inhaled corticosteroids should be used regularly in order to be effective. Otherwise, a person with asthma may experience worsening asthma symptoms or an asthma attack that could result in hospitalization.

One randomized, double-blind clinical trial directly compared beclomethasone dipropionate and fluticasone propionate in almost patients with persistent asthma.

By the end of the trial, the use of fluticasone propionate resulted in significantly better improvements in lung function and decreased asthma symptoms compared to beclomethasone dipropionate.

Both medications were found to have a similar safety profile. One meta-analysis found that inhaled corticosteroids are generally effective at low or moderate doses for treating asthma. High-dose corticosteroids produce no additional clinical benefit and may carry an increased risk of adverse effects.

Consult a healthcare provider for the best asthma treatment that works for you. If asthma symptoms do not improve with a corticosteroid alone, a healthcare provider may prescribe a long-acting bronchodilator in combination with a corticosteroid.

Qvar is not available as a generic medication. Some Medicare and insurance plans may cover part of the cost of Qvar. Like Qvar, Flovent is only available in brand-name formulations. However, Flovent may be a cheaper alternative to Qvar.

Most Medicare and insurance plans will cover a Flovent prescription. Qvar and Flovent share similar side effects. As inhaled corticosteroids, these medications may cause side effects such as upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

Both medications can also cause headache, cough, and nausea, among other side effects. Qvar or Flovent can cause an increased risk of oral thrush , or fungal infections in the mouth. The mouth should be rinsed with water without swallowing after using an inhaled corticosteroid like Qvar or Flovent. A device called a spacer may be used with the Flovent HFA inhaler to reduce the risk of oral thrush. Serious side effects of inhaled corticosteroids include paradoxical bronchospasm and hypersensitivity reactions.

Paradoxical bronchospasm can occur immediately after using an inhaled corticosteroid and involves symptoms like severe wheezing and shortness of breath. Hypersensitivity reactions like severe rash, swelling, and trouble breathing are possible in those who are allergic to any ingredients in these medications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs and symptoms of bronchospasm or hypersensitivity reactions. Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Inhaled corticosteroids like Qvar and Flovent should be avoided or monitored while taking medications that act as CYP3A4 inhibitors. Taking these medications may increase the blood levels of corticosteroids, which can increase the risk of side effects. Examples of CYP3A4 inhibitors include ritonavir, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin. Corticosteroids should be avoided or monitored while taking immunosuppressant drugs. Immunosuppressant drugs can weaken the immune system and cause a person to be more susceptible to infections, especially if they are also taking a corticosteroid.

Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine and cyclosporine. Calcium-rich foods such as milk and cheese, or non-dairy milks with added calcium and regular exercise can also help keep bones healthy. Do not stop using your beclometasone inhaler without speaking to your doctor first.

If you have an inhaler to control your asthma or COPD, your breathing problems may return if you suddenly stop using it.

You might feel wheezy or short of breath. Your chest may feel tight and you could start to cough. Suddenly stopping treatment can make you feel unwell.

Symptoms can include feeling drowsy, sick or tired, headaches and loss of appetite. You do not need to stop beclometasone before surgery.

Suddenly stopping treatment can make you feel unwell and may give you symptoms. If you are having surgery or having emergency treatment, for example after an accident, tell the person treating you that you are taking beclometasone. Your doctor may decide you need extra steroids for a while.

If you have been given a blue steroid treatment card, show your card to anyone treating you so they can plan your treatment. As well as beclometasone inhalers, there are other "preventers" that contain steroids such as budesonide, ciclesonide and fluticasone. They can look very different, and some are for adults only. It's important to use your own beclometasone inhaler.

Your inhaler may be different to a friend's or relative's. Their inhaler might contain a different dose of beclometasone. Preventer inhalers are different from the inhalers used during asthma attacks. These are called bronchodilators or "reliever" inhalers. Bronchodilators also known as "relievers" work by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs. This makes it easier to breathe. A Fostair inhaler can be used as both a preventer and a reliever to relieve any symptoms when you get them.

This means you may use it more often. Your GP may tell you to use it every day as a preventer and also during an asthma attack as a reliever.

Always follow the instructions from your doctor. There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking beclometasone will reduce fertility in either men or women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant. Beclometasone does not affect any type of contraception including the contraceptive pill and emergency contraception. Try not to smoke. Smoking irritates the lungs and will make your breathing problem worse. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you're finding it hard to stop smoking.

Stop smoking treatments are available on the NHS. For most people, using a beclometasone inhaler will not affect their ability to drive a car or cycle. There are several things you can do to help your condition when you're living with asthma.

These include:. Some people say that using an air filter or air purifier helps with their asthma symptoms. However, there needs to be more research into this. Page last reviewed: 18 March Next review due: 18 March Beclometasone inhalers - Brand names: Clenil, Qvar On this page About inhaled beclometasone Key facts Who can and cannot use beclometasone inhalers How and when to use your inhaler Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About inhaled beclometasone Beclometasone inhalers sometimes called "puffers" are used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD.

It also comes as: nose spray nasal spray — for hay fever and cold-like symptoms caused by common allergies rhinitis cream and ointment — for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis tablets — for ulcerative colitis. NHS coronavirus advice If you have a steroid inhaler or nebuliser, carry on using it as usual. Updated: 06 April Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

Use your beclometasone inhaler every day for it to work, even if you do not have any symptoms. It's important to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using a steroid preventer inhaler. This is to prevent infections and a sore mouth.

You may get a blue steroid treatment card if you need high doses of beclometasone to control your symptoms. Beclometasone sometimes comes mixed with formoterol. This type of inhaler is both a preventer and a reliever, and brand names include Fostair.

Do not change your brand of steroid inhaler without checking with your doctor first. Adults can use beclometasone inhalers for asthma or COPD. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you: have had an allergic reaction to beclometasone or any other medicines in the past cannot have alcohol for any reason some brands contain a very small amount of alcohol have ever had TB tuberculosis are pregnant or trying to get pregnant — your doctor may want to lower your dose are being treated for viral or fungal infections.

The usual dose is 1 or 2 puffs, taken twice a day. Different types of inhalers There are different types of beclometasone inhaler. Information: Watch a video Asthma UK has some short videos showing you how to use your inhaler to help you manage your symptoms. Check your inhaler technique To get the most from your inhaler, it's important to have your technique checked regularly.

Using your inhaler with a spacer If you or your child find it difficult to use an inhaler, your doctor or nurse may give you a spacer to use with it. Will my dose go up or down? What if I forget to use it? Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. What if I take too much? Taking too much beclometasone by accident is unlikely to harm you. If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Steroid cards If you are using a steroid inhaler regularly, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you need to carry a blue steroid card. Important If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your blue steroid card to the doctor, dentist or pharmacist so they know that you're taking beclometasone.

Common side effects These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in people.