Qvar (Beclometasone Dipropionate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Qvar Used For?
Qvar contains beclometasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid that works directly on your airways to reduce inflammation and help prevent asthma attacks.
Primary Uses
Qvar is a preventor medicine used to prevent asthma attacks and must be used every day even if you have no symptoms. It helps manage asthma by reducing inflammation in your lung airways.
How It Works
Beclometasone dipropionate acts directly on your air passages to reduce inflammation. This helps improve your condition and prevent asthma attacks by treating the underlying inflammation that makes breathing difficult.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Qvar is addictive.
How to Take Qvar
Your doctor will prescribe the specific strength and dose that best suits your condition. Follow all directions given by your doctor and never change the dose yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Adults – Qvar 50: usual dose is 1-4 puffs twice daily for mild to moderate asthma, up to 8 puffs twice daily for severe asthma. Qvar 100: usual dose is 1-2 puffs twice daily for mild to moderate asthma, up to 4 puffs twice daily for severe asthma. Children 5 years and over – Qvar 50: recommended dose is 1 puff twice daily. Take at the same times each day for best effect.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. If you have trouble remembering, ask your doctor or pharmacist for hints.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Continue using Qvar for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well or have no symptoms.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- sore, creamy-yellow raised patches in the mouth (thrush)
- hoarse voice
- rashes
- itching and irritation
- redness and swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat and eyes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- narrowing of airways or chest tightness
- changes to eyesight or vision including blurred vision
- stunted growth or reduced growth rate in children and adolescents
- Cushing’s syndrome symptoms (round moon-shaped face, weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleeping disorders, increased irritability)
Important Warnings
Do not use Qvar if you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any ingredients. Always check with your doctor about your medical history before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Qvar
Do not use if you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any ingredients listed. Do not use to treat acute asthma attacks. Do not give to children under 5 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; have or previously had tuberculosis; have an infection (Qvar may mask signs of infection); have any other medical conditions; or are unsure whether you should start using Qvar.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Qvar if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, as it may affect your developing baby. Nursing mothers should avoid using Qvar as the active ingredient probably passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Growth in Children: Long-term use of inhaled steroids may cause stunted growth or reduced growth rate in children and adolescents. Ask your doctor to regularly check the height of children using Qvar.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Qvar and affect how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
Surgery Alert: If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are using Qvar as it may affect other medicines used during surgery.
- medicines for breathing problems
- other prescription medicines
- vitamins and supplements bought without prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities that require alertness until you know how Qvar affects you, and inform your doctor about alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Qvar affects you.
Storage
Store below 30°C and protect from frost. Keep in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Keep device clean and dry – do not wash or put in water. Clean mouthpiece weekly with clean dry cloth or tissue.
Overdose Information
Too much use of any asthma inhaler may be harmful. If you think you have taken too much Qvar, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Qvar is addictive.
No, do not use Qvar to relieve acute asthma attacks. Use a reliever inhaler as prescribed by your doctor for sudden breathing difficulties.
Qvar is a preventor medicine that must be used every day even if you have no symptoms. It helps control your condition over time but does not provide immediate relief.
If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
No, continue using Qvar for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well or have no symptoms. Do not stop using Qvar or lower the dose without checking with your doctor first.
Keep your Qvar device clean and dry. Do not wash or put any part in water. Clean the mouthpiece once a week with a clean dry cloth or tissue. Replace the mouthpiece cover after use.
Qvar should not be given to children under 5 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Children 5 years and over can use it under supervision, with a recommended dose of 1 puff twice daily.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.