Indications
QVAR RediHaler is a medication used for the maintenance treatment of asthma as a prophylactic therapy in patients 4 years of age and older. It contains the active ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate and is available as a breath-activated aerosol. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. QVAR RediHaler works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and helping to open airways to make breathing easier
Uses and Dosage
QVAR RediHaler should be inhaled by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. The dosage of this medication is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use a spacer device with this medication, and you do not need to prime or shake the inhaler before use. If your prescribed dose is two puffs, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug (the corticosteroid) last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, you should gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use of the inhaler, and then spit out the water. Do not swallow the rinse water. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions closely and to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment with QVAR RediHaler.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Qvar Redihaler (Beclometasone Dipropionate):
- Yeast infection
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (cold-like symptoms)
- Sinus pain or swelling (nasopharyngitis)
- Sore throat
- Rhinitis
Serious Side Effects of Qvar Redihaler (Beclometasone Dipropionate):
- Mouth or throat infection caused by fungi
- Asthma symptoms that worsen (increased frequency or intensity of attacks, or attacks that do not go away when you use your rescue inhaler)
- Insufficiency of the adrenal glands (fatigue, lack of energy, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, weakness)
- Vision effects (blurred vision, tunnel vision, pain, seeing halos around lights)
Form and Strength
Qvar Redihaler (Beclometasone Dipropionate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Qvar Redihaler: Easi-Breathe Inhaler
- 50 mcg
- 100 mcg
Caution
- It is not known if Qvar Redihaler is safe and effective in children younger than 4 years of age.
- Qvar Redihaler should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis infections of the respiratory tract, untreated fungal, bacterial, systemic viral, or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex.
- Qvar Redihaler may interact with other medications, including certain antifungal or antibiotic medications, so patients should check with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medications.
- Qvar Redihaler may cause side effects, including changes in vision, increased or decreased blood pressure, changes in blood glucose levels, decreased bone density, and increased risk of infections.
- Qvar Redihaler can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is a sudden worsening of breathing difficulties. If this occurs, patients should discontinue using Qvar Redihaler immediately and seek medical attention.
- Patients with a history of certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, or diabetes, may require extra monitoring while using Qvar Redihaler.
- Qvar Redihaler should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver disease or decreased liver function, as beclomethasone dipropionate is primarily metabolized by the liver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for QVAR to take effect?
It may take 3 to 4 weeks after starting QVAR RediHaler to feel the benefits, although some people may notice a change in asthma symptoms within 24 hours.
How many times can you use QVAR inhaler?
With QVAR RediHaler the usual dose in adults for mild to moderate asthma is one to four puffs twice a day. For more severe asthma the usual dose in adults is up to eight puffs twice a day.
Can I use Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) if I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) with your provider. There is not much information about the safety of Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) during pregnancy.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/beclomethasone_inhaled/generic-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cada897a-264e-450d-ae00-36e7fe747080
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-174256/qvar-redihaler-inhalation/details
- https://hcp.qvar.com/dosing
- https://www.goodrx.com/qvar/what-is
- https://hcp.qvar.com/coverage-and-reimbursement
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