QVAR Inhaler

Qvar 100 Aerosol / MDI (standard press-and-breathe metered-dose inhaler)

Qvar is a daily preventer inhaler used to control mild, moderate, or severe asthma in adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 years and over. It reduces airway inflammation and helps prevent symptoms, but it does not provide rapid relief during a sudden asthma attack.

QVAR is a daily preventer inhaler that contains beclometasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid designed to treat the underlying inflammation in asthma.

Asthma causes the airways to become swollen, narrow, and overly reactive. QVAR works by calming this inflammation inside the lungs. With regular use, it:

• Settles airway swelling
• Reduces excess mucus build-up
• Lowers the lungs’ sensitivity to triggers such as cold air, allergens, smoke, infections, and exercise

QVAR delivers a fine mist that reaches the smaller airways deep within the lungs. This allows effective control at the prescribed dose.

When taken consistently, QVAR helps to:

• Keep breathing more steadily throughout the day
• Reduce coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness
• Improve tolerance to physical activity
• Decrease the likelihood of asthma flare-ups

QVAR is NOT a fast-acting reliever. It does not treat sudden attacks. A separate reliever inhaler should always be available.

QVAR may be prescribed for people who require regular anti-inflammatory asthma treatment.

This includes:

• Adults and adolescents who need daily preventer therapy
• Patients whose symptoms are not controlled with a reliever inhaler alone
• Individuals with more severe asthma who need to reduce reliance on steroid tablets
• Children aged 5 years and over requiring ongoing inhaled steroid treatment

Your prescriber will select the most appropriate device:

• Autohaler – breath-activated, helpful if coordination is difficult
• Pressurised inhaler (MDI) – suitable for those confident with inhaler technique or using a spacer

Do not use QVAR if you are allergic to beclometasone or any of the ingredients in the inhaler.

Speak to a Doctor Before Use If You:

• Notice worsening asthma control
• Have a chest infection or a history of tuberculosis
• Are changing from steroid tablets to an inhaler
• Require high doses for a prolonged period
• Have osteoporosis or are at risk of bone thinning
• Have glaucoma or cataracts
• Have liver problems
• Are taking medicines that may affect steroid levels
• Children using long-term inhaled steroids should have regular growth monitoring.

QVAR may be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if a doctor determines that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Always inform your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Like all medicines, Qvar may cause side effects, although many people use it without problems. The most common effects are mild and usually affect the mouth or throat, such as oral thrush, hoarseness, throat irritation, or coughing after inhalation. Rinsing your mouth after each regular dose helps reduce this risk.

Serious reactions are uncommon but may include sudden worsening of breathing or signs of an allergic reaction. With long-term use at higher doses, steroid-related effects such as slowed growth in children, reduced bone density, or eye problems may occur. For complete safety information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Always use Qvar exactly as prescribed. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Qvar Aerosol is available in two strengths (50 and 100 micrograms). Your doctor will select the strength and dose appropriate for your asthma.

This inhaler delivers an extra-fine aerosol, allowing more medicine to reach the lungs. For this reason, your prescribed dose may differ from previous inhalers.

Good to Know

Unlike older beclomethasone inhalers (like Clenil Modulite), QVAR uses an extra-fine aerosol that penetrates deep into the small airways, providing higher potency. This means patients may need a lower dose than with traditional CFC-free beclomethasone inhalers.

QVAR DOSAGE

Adults and Adolescents (12 years and over)

Qvar 50 Aerosol

• Mild asthma: 1 puff twice daily (may increase to 2 puffs twice daily)
• Moderate asthma: 2 puffs twice daily (may increase to 4 puffs twice daily)
• Severe asthma: 4 puffs twice daily (may increase to 8 puffs twice daily)
• Maximum: 16 puffs per day

Qvar 100 Aerosol

• Mild asthma: suitable for an increased dose of 1 puff twice daily
• Moderate asthma: 1 puff twice daily (may increase to 2 puffs twice daily)
• Severe asthma: 2 puffs twice daily (may increase to 4 puffs twice daily)
• Maximum: 8 puffs per day

Children (5 years and over)

• Usual starting dose: 1 puff of Qvar 50 Aerosol twice daily
• Qvar 100 Aerosol is not normally recommended in this age group
• During worsening asthma, doses may be adjusted under medical supervision
• The dose should be reduced to the lowest amount that maintains control

Use Qvar regularly, even if symptoms improve. For full dosing instructions and device guidance, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

If you use more QVAR than prescribed

If you use more Qvar Aerosol than prescribed, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Occasional extra doses are unlikely to cause immediate harm, but regular overuse may increase the risk of steroid-related side effects.

The Autohaler releases a puff automatically when you breathe in. This may be helpful if you find it difficult to press the inhaler and inhale simultaneously.

Before first use (or if not used for 2 weeks)

• Remove the mouthpiece cover.
• Point the inhaler away from your face and release two puffs into the air to prime it.

To take your dose

1. Hold the inhaler upright.
2. Push the lever fully up to prepare the dose.
3. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
5. Breathe in steadily and deeply through your mouth.
6. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
7. Lower the lever and replace the mouthpiece cover.
   

After use, rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water.
Clean the inhaler weekly with a dry cloth. Do not immerse in water.

This is a standard metered-dose inhaler.

A spacer (for example, AeroChamber Plus®) is recommended if you have difficulty coordinating pressing and breathing.

Children under 12 years should use a spacer with this inhaler.

Before first use (or if not used for 2 weeks)

• Remove the mouthpiece cover.
• Prime the inhaler by releasing two puffs into the air.
  (Shaking is not required.)

To take your dose (without a spacer)

1. Sit or stand upright.
2. Breathe out gently.
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
4. Start to breathe in slowly and press the canister once to release a puff.
5. Continue breathing in fully.
6. Hold your breath for 5–10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
7. If another puff is needed, wait about 30 seconds and repeat.

Using with a spacer

1. Attach the inhaler to the spacer.
2. Release one puff into the spacer.
3. Breathe in slowly and deeply, or take normal breaths from the spacer mouthpiece.

After use, rinse your mouth and spit out the water. Clean the inhaler regularly as advised. DO NOT soak in water.