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QVAR®
(beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) INHALATION AEROSOL

PATIENT'S INSTRUCTIONS

It is important that you read these instructions before using QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) .

Correct and regular use of the inhaler will prevent or lessen the severity of asthma attacks.

1. Remove the plastic cap (see Figure 1) and be sure there are no foreign objects in the mouthpiece.

Figure 1


2. As with all aerosol medications, it is recommended to prime the QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) inhaler before using for the very first time after purchase, and in cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than ten days. Prime by releasing two actuations into the air, away from your eyes and face. Be sure the canister is firmly seated in the plastic mouthpiece adapter before each use.
3. BREATHE OUT AS FULLY AS YOU COMFORTABLY CAN. Hold the inhaler as shown in Figure 2. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below it.

Figure 2


4. WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY, PRESS DOWN ON THE CAN WITH YOUR FINGER. When you have finished breathing in, hold your breath as long as you comfortably can (i.e., 5 - 10 seconds).
5. TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF THE CAN and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Breathe out gently.
6. If your physician has told you to take more than one inhalation per treatment repeat steps 3 through 5.
7. You should rinse your mouth with water after treatment.
8. For normal hygiene, the mouthpiece of your inhaler should be cleaned weekly with a clean, dry tissue or cloth.
   DO NOT WASH OR PUT ANY PART OF YOUR INHALER IN WATER.
9. DISCARD THE CANISTER AFTER the date calculated by your physician or pharmacist. The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be assured after 100 actuations from the 7.3 g canister even though the canister is not completely empty. The canister should be discarded when the labeled number of actuations have been used. Before the discard date you should consult your physician to determine whether a refill is needed. It is advisable to keep track of the number of doses taken from the canister to better predict when a refill is necessary. Just as you should not take extra doses without consulting your physician, you also should not stop taking QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) without consulting your physician.

IMPORTANT QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) is preventive therapy for asthma and must be used regularly and at the times your physician has prescribed.

DO NOT CONFUSE QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) WITH OTHER ASTHMA MEDICATION. QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) WILL NOT PROVIDE IMMEDIATE RELIEF IF YOU ARE HAVING ASTHMA ATTACK.

Your physician will decide whether other medication is needed should you require immediate relief. If you also use another medicine by inhalation, you should consult your physician for instructions on when to use it in relation to using QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) . If this is the first time you will be using QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) , it may take from 1 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefits.

QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) Inhalation Aerosol canister should only be used with the QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) Inhalation Aerosol mouthpiece and the mouthpiece should not be used with any other inhalation drug product.

DOSAGE

Use only as directed by your physician.

CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE

Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 49ºC (120ºF) may cause bursting. Never throw container into fire or incinerator.

Keep out of reach of children.

Avoid spraying in eyes.

Store at 25ºC (77ºF). For optimal results, the canister should be at room temperature when used. Store QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate hfa) Inhalation Aerosol when not being used, so that the product rests on the concave end of the canister with the plastic actuator on top.

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