Beclomethasone



BeconaseŽ[DSC]; BeconaseŽ AQ; QVARŽ







Beclomethasone

(be kloe METH a sone)

U.S. Brand Names
BeconaseŽ[DSC]; BeconaseŽ AQ; QVARŽ
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-BeclomethasoneŽ; Gen-Beclo; Nu-Beclomethasone; PropadermŽ; QVARŽ; Rivanase AQ; VancerilŽ AEM
Pharmacologic Category
Corticosteroid, Inhalant (Oral); Corticosteroid, Nasal
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • When switching from an oral steroid to an inhaled one, there can be problems. Symptoms such as weakness, feeling tired, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, inability to think clearly, or low blood sugar may occur. Call healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you have a serious accident and are injured, have surgery, or any type of infection, you may need extra doses of oral steroids. These extra steroids will help your body deal with these stresses. Carry a warning card saying that you may need extra steroids at certain times.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to beclomethasone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps.
  • This medicine is used to treat asthma. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.
How does it work?
  • Beclomethasone prevents or reduces irritation and swelling.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Shake aerosol well before use.
  • Rinse out mouth after each use.
  • A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. Children younger than 8 years of age should use a spacer.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • Nasal:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For the nose only. Keep out of mouth and eyes (may burn).
  • Shake well before use.
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Check spray use with healthcare provider at each visit.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Do not use this medicine to treat an asthma attack.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Headache.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Mouth infection.
  • Nasal:
  • Headache.
  • Nasal irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Protect from light.
  • Nasal:
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: