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Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased cough, tight feeling in the chest, dizziness, lightheadedness, shakiness, nervousness, hoarse voice, white/sore patches in the mouth or throat, white discharge from the vagina, vaginal itching/burning, heartburn, changes in appetite, constipation, gas, menstrual period changes (e.g., delayed/irregular/absent periods), stomach/abdominal pain, back pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, unusual weight gain, swelling of the ankles/feet, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), fever, persistent sore throat, frequent/painful urination, eye pain/discharge, earache, cough, vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: 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 using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: untreated active fungal infections, certain eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes of the eye), certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), brittle bones (osteoporosis), certain muscle/nerve problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), current infections (e.g., other herpes), HIV, inactive infections (e.g., Ameba, Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus), bleeding problems, history of blood clots, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low salts in the blood (e.g., low potassium or calcium).

This drug may rarely make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have taken it within the last 12 months.

Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking this medication unless you have previously had these infections (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to either of these infections and you have not previously had them, seek immediate medical attention.

If you have diabetes, this drug may rarely make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because there is a slight risk that it may temporarily slow down a child's growth rate, but this will probably not affect final adult height. Though this effect is rare with inhaled steroids such as beclomethasone, monitor your child's height regularly.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to the unborn baby when the mother was taking other corticosteroids. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using high doses of beclomethasone for an extended time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.