Before using Qvar RediHaler, tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have infections, tuberculosis, eye problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, liver disease, or a weakened immune system. This helps your provider determine whether Qvar RediHaler is safe for you and whether you need closer monitoring.
Use in Children
It is not known whether Qvar RediHaler is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age. This medication is approved for asthma maintenance treatment in patients 4 years and older.
Infection Risk
Qvar RediHaler is an inhaled corticosteroid. Corticosteroids can weaken the immune response in the airways and may make some infections harder to control.
Qvar RediHaler should be used with caution in people who have:
- Active or inactive tuberculosis infection of the respiratory tract
- Untreated fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
- Ocular herpes simplex, which is a herpes infection involving the eye
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, worsening cough, sore throat, unusual tiredness, or breathing symptoms that do not improve.
Drug Interactions
Qvar RediHaler may interact with other medications, including certain antifungal or antibiotic medications. Before starting any new prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, or supplement, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Possible Systemic Corticosteroid Effects
Although Qvar RediHaler is inhaled into the lungs, some corticosteroid effects may still occur, especially with higher doses or long-term use. These may include:
- Vision changes
- Glaucoma or cataracts
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in blood glucose levels
- Decreased bone mineral density
- Increased risk of infections
People with a history of glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, or diabetes may need extra monitoring while using Qvar RediHaler.
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
Qvar RediHaler can rarely cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means sudden worsening of breathing or wheezing right after using the inhaler. This can be serious.
If this happens, stop using Qvar RediHaler and seek medical attention right away. Use your rescue inhaler as directed by your healthcare provider.
Liver Disease
Use Qvar RediHaler with caution if you have liver disease or reduced liver function. Beclomethasone dipropionate is processed in the body partly through the liver, so your healthcare provider may want to monitor you more closely.
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