What It Is:
Qvar, generic name beclamethasone dipropionate, is an inhaled steroid that is used to treat asthma. Inhaled steroids are the most effective type of controller asthma medicines. Qvar can be used as a first-line treatment in mild to moderate persistent asthma in the step-wise approach to preventing asthma symptoms and asthma attacks from occurring in both children (age 5 years and older) and adults.How It Works:
Qvar is inhaled in mist form, from a pressurized metered dose inhaler, into the airways, where it acts directly to reduce inflammation.Qvar blocks the action of both inflammatory cells and chemicals that act as inflammatory mediators. These cells and mediators are involved in the immune process connected with allergic asthma. Finally, this medicine makes your airways less irritable, so they won't react as easily when exposed to your asthma triggers, such as ragweed pollen or mold.
These actions on the immune system end up reducing airway swelling and mucus production. This in turn helps to prevent asthma symptoms. However, Qvar does not start working right away. Although beneficial effects may be felt in as little as 24 hours, more often it takes 1 to 2 weeks to reach its full effect. So, you should not use Qvar to relieve your acute asthma symptoms.The manufacturer claims that because Qvar uses small particles in the aerosol, rather than large particles, it is more effective than budesonide and equally potent to Flovent. They say this is because Qvar penetrates more effectively into the small airways of your lungs than with traditional suspension asthma medications.Forms & Doses:
Qvar is available in the United States as an aerosol in a metered dose inhaler. It is available in 2 different strengths, either 40 micrograms or 80 micrograms. One canister dispenses 100 puffs. The usual dosage is 1 to 2 puffs twice a day. Qvar should be taken everyday as prescribed, even if you are not having any symptoms.Risks & Side Effects:
Inhaled steroids as a group are quite safe to take in moderate to low doses. But, like most medicines, they do carry some risk of side effects. The following side effects are possible with Qvar:- coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation
- headache
- dry mouth
- loss of taste, or unpleasant taste
Most of those side effects will lessen over time, but if they do not or if they become bothersome, be sure to let your doctor know how you are feeling. There is a slight risk of more serious side effects. If you have any of the following, you should call your doctor right away:
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fever or chills
- skin rash and itching (hives)
- sore mouth, with white curd-like patches in the mouth or throat
- unusual tiredness or weakness
What You Need to Know:
Inhaled steroids like Qvar only work if you take them. And, as mentioned above, they take a while to start working to their full potential. So saving them for when your asthma symptoms appear or worsen isn't an effective way to control your asthma. If you need quick relief for asthma symptoms, then you'll want to use your quick-relief, or rescue, inhaler.It's important to use the correct technique with metered dose inhalers such as the one Qvar comes in. Be sure to read the package instructions and ask your doctor or staff for help if needed. You can also check out our step-by-step illustrated tutorial on how to use an MDI here.When you take more than one kind of medicine, they may interact with each other in unexpected ways. Check out our medical encyclopedia to see if there are any interactions among the drugs you are taking.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if any of the following things occur:- Your breathing problems get worse while you are taking Qvar.
- You need to start using your rescue inhaler more often than usual.
- Your rescue inhaler stops relieving your asthma symptoms.
- You need to use 4 or more puffs of your rescue inhaler for 2 or more days in a row.
- You use 1 whole canister of your rescue inhaler medicine in less than 8 weeks time.
- Your peak flow meter results worsen.
- Your asthma symptoms do not improve after you've been using Qvar regularly for 1 to 2 weeks.
- You come down with the symptoms of measles or chickenpox.
Sources:
"Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma." NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma. 28 Aug 2007. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 18 Dec. 2007 <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.pdf.>
"Qvar Prescribing Information." Qvar.com. 01 Apr 2008.
