Warnings & Recalls for Qvar
Risks of Using Qvar
Qvar may
decrease the
rate of growth in children. Be sure to
monitor your child's growth and have regular physical exams.
Uusing Qvar may lead to a
decrease in your body's ability to
fight infections.
Avoid anyone who may be sick or have an infection. If you are around anyone who has
measles or
chicken pox, let your doctor know so they can help you protect yourself against any potentially serious side effects.
Do not receive a
vaccine or
immunization unless instructed by your doctor.
Extended use of Qvar can weaken your bones or may even cause
osteoporosis (loss of bone). Patients who are more likely to be affected by this include people who:
- smoke or use tobacco frequently
- do not exercise
- have a vitamin D or calcium deficiency
- have a family history of osteoporosis
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, this can increase your susceptibility to ulcers especially if you are taking any other medications such as aspirin or arthritis treatments.
Qvar and Pregnancy
Qvar is an
FDA pregnancy Category C drug. Qvar is
not expected to endanger the
fetus if used by a pregnant woman; however, sufficient research has not been conducted to confirm this. Qvar
can be passed through breast-milk to a
nursing baby.
Do not take Qvar without first consulting your doctor if you are
pregnant,
planning to become pregnant, or are
breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Tell your doctor about
any other medications you may be using, especially a
bronchodilator. Your doctor may instruct you to use it first before taking Qvar to allow a greater amount of Qvar to be inhaled into your lungs. This process may be recommended if you are taking the following or any other bronchodilators:
- albuterol
- pirbuterol
- bitolterol
- ipratropium bromide
Let your doctor know if you have
any of the following before using Qvar:
- any recent severe infections such as tuberculosis
- herpes infections (especially hepres of the eye)
- a fungal infection
- a history of liver, kidney, or intestinal disease
- heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- underactive thyroid gland disorder
- any mental disorders or illneses
- myasthenia gravis
- osteoporosis
- a history of seizures
- any stomach or intestinal ulcers
Qvar Treatment and Use
Qvar | Beclomehasone is a corticosteroid inhalant medication marketed by Ivax Pharmaceuticals and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September of 2000 for preventing symptoms caused by breathing disorders such as asthma. Qvar can be used to decrease difficulties caused by lung disease. Qvar may be prescribed for reducing the following:
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- chronic cough
- shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
- the risk of an asthma attack
Qvar should not be taken for treating an asthma attack which has already begun. Qvar should not replace fast-acting inhalers
Patients under the age of 5 should not be given Qvar.
How Does Qvar Work?
Qvar is inhaled and absorbed into the lungs and airways where it works by controlling and maintaining inflammatory responses. Qvar releases chemicals in the body that suppress immune and allergy responses and prevent the inflammation of the airways which causes breathing problems.
How Should Qvar Be Taken?
Qvar comes in the form of an aerosol for oral inhalation. Use Qvar as instructed by your doctor, do not use more than recommended. Before your first use of Qvar, or if you have not used Qvar for 10 days or more, prime the inhaler by spraying into the air away from your face. To begin using Qvar:
- remove the protective cap and check for any foreign objects in the mouthpiece
- exhale deeply, hold the inhaler between your thumb and forefinger, then insert the inhaler into your mouth
- press down on the canister while breathing in gently. Be sure to keep your tongue away from the air stream while breathing in.
- hold your breath for several seconds then stop pressing down on the canister before exhaling
- wash your mouth out with water
Qvar inhaler should be cleaned once a week following packaged instructions. Throw canister away after 100 uses.
Tell your doctor if symptoms continue or get worse.
