Qvar Inhalers

What is Qvar?

Qvar is a type of steroid inhaler used to treat asthma. It is a preventer inhaler, which means it is used to prevent asthma attacks from occurring and keeps your symptoms under control.

How does Qvar work?

Qvar contains a type of corticosteroid called beclomethasone. Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by your body to reduce inflammation. Inhaling the medicine reduces the inflammation in the lungs caused by asthma, easing your symptoms and making it easier to breathe.

Why do I need to take Qvar regularly?

Qvar needs to be used regularly in order to manage your asthma. Taken daily, it reduces the inflammation in your lungs and prevents symptoms from flaring up. You should keep using it, even if you feel better; otherwise, your lungs are likely to become inflamed again, triggering your asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of an asthma attack.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Qvar is beclomethasone dipropionate. Each dose contains 50 or 100mcg depending on which strength of inhaler you have.

Inactive ingredients

All types of Qvar inhalers also contain the propellant HFA-134a (norflurane) and ethanol.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Qvar, which contains beclomethasone dipropionate, does not commonly result in a severe allergic reaction in users. If you are using this medication for the first time, you should keep an eye out for the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction which include: face swelling, throat tightening, rash, itching, dizziness, and trouble breathing. This is a medical emergency so please get medical help right away if you notice this.

How to take Qvar?

For Qvar aerosol (MDI)

Before using Qvar for the first time, or if you’ve not used it for two weeks or more, test it by removing the mouthpiece and releasing two puffs into the air by pressing down on the top of the metal canister. 

When you're ready, remove the cover and hold the inhaler upright. Breathe out gently and place the mouthpiece between your lips. Begin to breathe in at the same time as you press down on the canister. Hold it in for up to ten seconds, or as long as you can, before breathing out slowly. If you are prescribed two puffs, repeat these steps. Qvar is usually taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. 

For Qvar Autohaler

Before using Qvar Autohaler for the first time, or if it’s not been used for two weeks, you should test it first. To do this, take the cover off of the mouthpiece, push the lever on the top up so that it stays up, and then push the dose release slider on the bottom of the device in the direction indicated by the arrow on it to release a puff into the air. Replace the lever on the top and then repeat this process to release a second puff into the air. 

To use the device, hold it upright and push the lever on the top up so that it stays up. Then breathe out gently, and then seal your mouth around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly and deeply; you will hear a “click” and feel the device dispense a puff of the medication. Hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, or 10 seconds, and then slowly release your breath. Replace the lever and repeat if you need a second puff. 

For Qvar Easi-Breathe

Before using the Easi-Breathe, or if you’ve not used it in the last 2 weeks, perform two test puffs into the air. To do this, unscrew the top of the inhaler to reveal the metal canister. Remove the mouthpiece cap and press down on the canister twice, to release two puffs into the air. 

To take your Easi-Breathe inhaler, make sure the top is screwed on, and the mouthpiece cap has been removed. Hold the inhaler upright, and breathe out as far as comfortable. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep breath in; you’ll feel the puff of medication being automatically delivered. Hold this breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can before breathing out normally. If you need to take another puff, close the cap and wait one minute before repeating the process.

Qvar dosage

The usual starting dose is 1–2 puffs twice a day. Always take the amount prescribed to you by a doctor, as your dose may differ depending on the severity of your asthma and the nature of your symptoms.

What should I do if I forget to use Qvar?

If you forget a dose of Qvar then you can use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, then just skip the missed one. Do not take double the dose to make up for it.

What should I do if I find I’ve used Qvar more regularly than I should have?

If you have used more Qvar than you should have, this is unlikely to cause you any harm; however, you should inform your doctor. You should always follow the advice your doctor has given you, as the dose prescribed will depend on the severity of your asthma.

Qvar side effects

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Hoarseness
• Difficulty in swallowing accompanied by earache and swollen glands
• Sore throat (pharyngitis)
• A sore mouth or thrush (white spots in mouth and throat)
• Change in taste 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Feeling sick
• Headache
• Tremor (shaking)
• Feeling dizzy or faint  

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Difficulty in breathing, increase in wheezing, shortness of breath and cough (bronchospasm).

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Bone thinning
• Clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract) resulting in blurred vision
• Loss of vision due to abnormally high pressure in the eye
• Children or adolescents who are using the inhaler for a prolonged period may grow more slowly. 

The following may also occur, although the frequency is unknown (cannot be estimated from the available data):  sleeping problems, depression or anxiety, restlessness, nervousness,  irritability.

How to cope with Qvar side effects?

If you experience side effects such as oral thrush or a hoarse sore throat, it may be that you are not using your inhaler correctly. This means that the medicine hits the back of your throat or collects in your mouth rather than being inhaled straight into the lungs. Take some time to revise how to use the inhaler correctly or, if you find this difficult, you may be able to use it with a spacer. Rinsing out your mouth after using your inhaler will reduce the risk of thrush.

Contraindications

You should not use Qvar if: 

• You are allergic to beclometasone or any other steroid
• You have experienced an allergic reaction to any other inhaler 
• You are having an asthma attack 

Inform your doctor if: 

• Your asthma is getting worse 
• You cannot have alcohol

Drug interactions

You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. In particular, if you are taking: 

• Disulfiram (a medication used to treat alcohol abuse)
• Metronidazole (an antibiotic)
• Ritonavir (a protease inhibitor)
• Cobicistat

Qvar Aerosol vs Qvar Easi-Breathe vs Qvar Autohaler

Qvar comes in three different types of device. The Qvar Aerosol is the standard type of asthma inhaler, also known as a metered dose inhaler (MDI). The Autohaler and Easi-Breathe are designed to be easier to use and automatically release a puff of medicine without having to press down on the canister. 

Qvar vs other inhalers

Qvar is just one brand of steroid inhaler, and the different Qvar devices give you a choice of which type of inhaler you’ll find easiest to use - Aerosol, Autohaler or Easi-Breathe. Qvar inhalers are about twice the strength of the popular Clenil Modulite as the puff administered is a much finer spray, making it more efficient at entering the lungs.

Are Qvar and Pulmicort the same?

Qvar and Pulmicort are both preventer inhalers and work in similar ways to reduce lung inflammation by administering a steroid. While Qvar contains the steroid beclomethasone, Pulmicort contains budesonide. Qvar inhalers deliver the medication as a fine spray, whereas Pulmicort delivers it as a dry powder. Speak to your doctor to help you decide which one is right for you.

Are Qvar and Symbicort the same?

Qvar and Symbicort are both preventer inhalers; however, Symbicort is a combination inhaler containing two different medicines: budesonide (a steroid) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator). This may be prescribed for people with worsening asthma or COPD.

Will Qvar treat an asthma attack?

Qvar cannot be used to treat an asthma attack; only your salbutamol reliever inhaler will treat an asthma attack. Qvar is a preventer inhaler which means it is used to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks from occurring. Your reliever inhaler is what you should use in the case of an asthma attack. If your symptoms do not improve after using this, then seek immediate medical attention.

What does Qvar taste like?

Qvar might leave a taste in the mouth if the medicine is inhaled incorrectly, hitting the back of the throat instead of going straight into your lungs. Rinsing with water or mouthwash should help relieve this, and it might be helpful to revise your inhaler technique.

Is there a generic version of Qvar?

There is no generic version of Qvar; however, other inhalers contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate, such as Clenil Modulite.