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IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE AEROSOL - FOR ORAL INHALATION

(beck-low-METH-uh-sown)

WARNING: If you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses and suddenly stop using it, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Deaths due to low corticosteroid levels have sometimes occurred during such stresses. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) any type of corticosteroid. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice about stress situations. You may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution.

USES: Beclomethasone is used to help prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. For those who must take corticosteroids by mouth to control their asthma, beclomethasone can be used to help decrease the dose of the medication that must be taken by mouth. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs, and decreasing phlegm and other asthma symptoms.

This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) as prescribed.

HOW TO USE: First read the manufacturers instruction leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using beclomethasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaler device. Using this inhaler device with a spacer makes it easier to inhale the medication. To use the inhaler, shake the canister for about 10 seconds. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat. Place the inhaler or spacer mouthpiece into your mouth over the tongue. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Press the inhaler while taking a slow deep breath through your mouth for 5 seconds. Hold your breath for 10 seconds while keeping the inhaler in your mouth so that the drug can be absorbed into the lungs. Remove the inhaler device from your mouth and slowly breathe out.

Use this medication twice daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

If 2 or more inhalations/puffs for each dose are prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between them.

If you are using other inhalers at the same time, use them first. Wait several minutes between the use of those inhalers and beclomethasone.

To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and fungal infection of the mouth, rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have been taking high doses of this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, weight loss, or nausea. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur after stopping the medication.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.