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.

Inactive ingredients

Beclomethasone is the only ingredient in Qvar.

How to take Qvar

Before using Qvar for the first time, test it by releasing two puffs into the air. 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. Qvar is usually taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Qvar dosage

The standard 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. 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, rather it just increases the chance of experiencing side effects from the medicine. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly after using your inhaler reduces the chance of oral thrush. Visit your GP if you are unsure how much Qvar you should be taking. 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

Possible side effects include: 

• Sore throat 
• Dry, Hoarse through
• Thrush in the mouth 
• Unpleasant taste 
• Headaches 

Rare serious side effects may include: 

• Disturbed vision
• Tiredness 
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding 
• Muscle weakness 
• Hair thinning or loss
• Excess hair growth
• Increased thirst
• Mood changes 

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 is hitting the back of your throat or collecting 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 can use it with a spacer. Rinsing out your mouth after using your inhaler will reduce the risk of bacteria building up and causing thrush.

Contraindications

You should not use Qvar if: 

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

Inform your doctor if: 

• You have ever suffered from tuberculosis 
• 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 
• Metronidazole 

Qvar Aerosol vs Qvar Easi-Breathe vs Qvar Autohaler

Qvar comes in three different types of inhaler. The Qvar Aerosol is the standard type of asthma inhaler. Both the Autohaler and Easi-Breathe are designed to be simple to use and automatically release a puff of medicine without having to press down on the canister. The Easi-Breathe inhaler makes it easier for people who find it difficult to hold down onto the canister.

Qvar vs other inhalers

The different types of Qvar inhalers make it a flexible option whether or not you find it difficult to use a metered-dose inhaler. Qvar is an effective medication for people with mild to moderate asthma to prevent asthma attacks and symptoms from flaring up. It's also about twice the strength of the popular Clenil Modulite and makes for a more potent medicine.

Are Qvar and Pulmicort the same?

Qvar and Pulmicort are both preventer inhalers and work in similar ways to reduce lung inflammation. While Qvar is a metered-dose inhaler containing the beclometasone steroid, Pulmicort contains budesonide which is released as a dry powder. The medicine in Qvar is in the form of a spray.

Are Qvar and Symbicort the same?

Qvar and Symbicort are both preventer inhalers but Symbicort is a stronger medicine than Qvar. Symbicort differs as it is a combination inhaler containing two different medicines: budesonide and formoterol. 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 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 this then seek immediate medical attention.

What does Qvar taste like?

Qvar might leave a taste if the medicine is inhaled incorrectly, hitting the back of the throat instead of going straight into your lungs. This means it may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Rinsing with water or mouthwash should help to relieve this.

Is there a generic version of Qvar?

There is no generic version of Qvar.