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  1. T or F - Asthma is "all in the mind."
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Qvar

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QVAR® 40mcg
(beclomethasone dipropionate) HFA, 40 mcg

QVAR® 80mcg
(beclomethasone dipropionate) HFA, 80 mcg

INHALATION AEROSOL
For Oral Inhalation Only

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active component of QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) 40 mcg Inhalation Aerosol and QVAR 80 mcg Inhalation Aerosol is beclomethasone dipropionate, USP, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid having the chemical name 9-chloro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β­methylpregna-1,4-diene-3, 20-dione 17,21-dipropionate. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a diester of beclomethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid chemically related to dexamethasone. Beclomethasone differs from dexamethasone in having a chlorine at the 9-alpha carbon in place of a fluorine, and in having a 16 beta-methyl group instead of a 16 alpha-methyl group. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a white to creamy white, odorless powder with a molecular formula of C28H37ClO7 and a molecular weight of 521.1. Its chemical structure is:

QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate) Structural Formula Illustration

QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) is a pressurized, metered-dose aerosol intended for oral inhalation only. Each unit contains a solution of beclomethasone dipropionate in propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol. QVAR 40 mcg delivers 40 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate from the actuator and 50 mcg from the valve. QVAR 80 mcg delivers 80 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate from the actuator and 100 mcg from the valve. Both products deliver 50 microliters (59 milligrams) of solution formulation from the valve with each actuation. Each canister provides 100 inhalations. QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) should be "primed" or actuated twice prior to taking the first dose from a new canister, or when the inhaler has not been used for more than ten days. Avoid spraying in the eyes or face while priming QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) . This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What are the possible side effects of beclomethasone inhalation (Qvar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
  • skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
  • changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Qvar »

What are the precautions when taking beclomethasone dipropionate hfa (Qvar)?

See also Warning section.

Before using beclomethasone inhalation, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you are allergic to other corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, fluticasone, prednisone, dexamethasone); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an asthma attack, a certain lung problem (e.g., moderate/severe bronchiectasis), untreated infections of the lungs (e.g., tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, fungus, bacteria).

Though unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream, especially at higher doses. This may result in worsening of certain conditions. Before...

Read All Potential Precautions of Qvar »

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/22/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Additional Qvar Information

Qvar - User Reviews

Qvar User Reviews

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