Product Details

Description

QVAR (beclomethasone disproportionate) is an inhaled medication that can be prescribed as a prophylactic therapy to reduce the occurrence, severity, and duration of acute episodes of asthma. QVAR is also used off-label to decrease symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

Patients with asthma may have acute episodes of bronchospasm, which is when their airways constrict (tighten) and it becomes harder to breathe. During bronchospasm, the lungs become inflamed, so the airways cannot hold as much air and the bronchioles exchange less gas with the bloodstream

QVAR is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that works by reducing inflammation in the lungs. ICS drugs inhibit cells of the immune system and prevent them from releasing chemical signals, causing a downstream decrease in inflammation.

Directions

The QVAR inhaler dosage varies based on the severity of asthma and the age of the patient.

The starting dose is usually between 40 mcg and 80 mcg inhaled by mouth twice daily. The maximum dose is 320 mcg inhaled by mouth twice daily.

Rinse your mouth with water after every dose of QVAR; do not swallow the water. This will help prevent a yeast infection of the mouth called thrush.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in QVAR is beclomethasone dipropionate.

Cautions

QVAR should not be used as a rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm. It must be taken every day to be effective.

Tell your doctor if you have any conditions that affect the immune system, like fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, tuberculosis, or are the recipient of an organ transplant.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma or vision changes, as QVAR may worsen these conditions.

Side Effects

The most common adverse effects of QVAR include:

• Headache
• Oral Symptoms
• Pharyngitis
• Sinusitis
• Thrush

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of possible side effects.