Qvar

What are Qvar inhalers?

Qvar is a brand of preventer inhalers from Teva. The active ingredient in Qvar is beclometasone dipropionate.

Qvar inhalers are used daily to prevent asthmatic symptoms such as:

• Breathlessness
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Wheezing

Qvar is available as both an aerosol inhaler and an autohaler.

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How do Qvar inhalers work?

The active ingredient in Qvar is a corticosteroid called beclometasone dipropionate.

This ingredient works to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks. These attacks can be brought on by triggers such as:

• Animal dander
• Cigarette smoke
• Dust
• Infections
• Pollen
• Pollution
• Stress and anxiety
• Weather

When the body is exposed to a trigger (antigen), the body's immune system responds immediately. The immune cells in the body release chemicals to fight the trigger's antigen, which results in the airways becoming swollen.

Beclometasone inhibits the immune response of these cells, preventing them from releasing these chemicals which cause the inflammation and swollen airways.

Due to the way this medicine works, it is ineffective at relieving asthmatic symptoms during the onset of an asthma attack. Preventer inhalers are often prescribed alongside a reliever inhaler to control the symptoms of an asthma attack.

Moreover, the effects of Qvar may not become noticeable until after a few weeks of daily treatment.

When used regularly, Qvar effectively prevents symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and coughing.

How long does it take for Qvar to start working?

Generally, you may see an improvement in your symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take up to 3 or 4 weeks to feel the full benefits.

If you do not notice any improvement after the first week of using your Qvar inhaler, speak to your doctor.

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How to use Qvar inhalers?

Qvar is typically taken twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. This provides effective coverage during the day and during sleep, to prevent acute asthma symptoms.

Always follow the dosage your doctor prescribed when using Qvar inhalers.

Qvar is available in three types of inhalers:

• Autohaler
• Easi-breathe inhaler
• Metered dose inhaler

When using your inhaler, it is important to sit or stand in an upright position. This helps the medicine reach your lungs more effectively.

Before taking your dose, breathe out gently until you feel ready to breathe in again.

Your doctor or asthma nurse may wish to review your technique, as using the inhaler incorrectly can impact the effectiveness of the medicine.

Autohalers

To use an Autohaler, follow the steps below.

1. Shake the inhaler well before each use.
2. Remove the plastic cap from the mouthpiece, ensuring the inhaler is in an upright position.
3. Push the tab at the top of the inhaler to an upright position.
4. Place the inhaler between your teeth and ensure your lips have a tight seal around the mouthpiece.
5. Breathe in deeply but steadily. Continue breathing in when you hear the click.
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds before gently breathing out.
7. To take another dose, shake your inhaler well, push the tab up and breathe in through the mouthpiece as before.
8. When you have finished using your inhaler, put the cap back onto the mouthpiece.

Easi-breathe inhaler

To use your Easi-breathe inhaler, take the following steps:

1. Shake the inhaler well before each dose.
2. Flip the mouthpiece's cap down, ensuring the inhaler is in an upright position.
3. Place the inhaler between your teeth and ensure your lips have a tight seal around the mouthpiece.
4. Breathe in deeply but steadily. Continue breathing in when you hear the click.
5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds before gently breathing out.
6. Flip the cover of the mouthpiece back up after each puff.
7. To take another dose, ensure the mouthpiece cover has been flipped up. Shake the inhaler, flip the cover down, put the mouthpiece between your teeth - ensuring an airtight seal with your lips - and breathe in deeply and steadily.
8. Always remember to ensure the cap is flipped up when you have finished using your Easi-breathe inhaler.

Metered dose inhaler

To use your metered dose inhaler, follow the steps below:

1. Shake the inhler well before each use.
2. Remove the cap of the mouthpiece.
3. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and ensure your lips provide an airtight seal around the mouthpiece.
4. Press the canister of the inhaler down while simultaneously breathing in deeply and steadily. It is important that your timing is precise when using this type of of inhaler, as breathing in too early or too late will decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds after each puff, then breathe out slowly.
6. To take another dose, shake your inhaler, place the mouthpiece between your teeth - ensuring your lips provide an airtight seal around the mouthpiece - and simultaneously press the canister and breathe in deeply.
7. Once you have taken your dose, place the cap back over the mouthpiece.

What should I do if I forget to take Qvar?

If you accidentally miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue using your inhaler as normal.

What should I do if I take too much Qvar?

Do not take more than the recommended dose. Using your inhaler more than recommended can increase your risk of developing side effects.

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Qvar side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. It is important to understand and be able to identify the side effects attributed to your medication.

Possible side effects of Qvar include:

• A sore mouth
• Change in sense of taste
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing, accompanied by earache and swollen glands, sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Feeling sick
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Oral thrush (white spots in your mouth and throat)
• Tremor
• Wheezing

If you feel wheezy or tightness in your chest immediately after taking Qvar, do not take any more puffs. Use your reliever inhaler to help your breathing and contact your doctor immediately.

In the rare but serious event of an allergic reaction to Qvar, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor immediately. You may need to go to the casualty department of your nearest hospital for urgent treatment.

If you experience any of the following, continue using Qvar but speak to your doctor as soon as possible:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Weakness

How do I stay safe while taking Qvar?

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before taking it.

Always take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose without discussing with your doctor first.

Do not abruptly stop using your inhaler, even if you feel well.

If you have not used your inhaler for 2 weeks or more, you should test your inhaler by removing the mouthpiece cover and spraying two puffs into the air, away from you.

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How to buy Qvar inhalers online

You can buy Qvar inhalers online, after filling in a brief medical questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.

If the doctor approves your order before 3pm, our UK pharmacy will dispense your order and dispatch it via a tracked next day delivery service.

All our medicines are delivered in discreet packaging, providing no indication of its contents.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Qvar while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Qvar.

How do I store Qvar?

Always keep medicines, such as Qvar, out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not store the medicine in an environment which exceeds 25° Celsius. Avoid storing Qvar in direct sunlight.

Protect the medicine from frost.

Do not puncture or burn the canister, even if it seems to be empty.

Does Qvar cause oral thrush?

Corticosteroids, such as the active ingredient in Qvar, have been reported to increase the risk of oral thrush.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth which causes white patches on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and inside the cheeks.

To prevent oral thrush, rinse out your mouth with mouthwash or brush your teeth after taking Qvar. Do not swallow the rinse.

Speak to your doctor if you develop oral thrush, so they can prescribe an appropriate treatment.

Can Qvar be taken with Albuterol?

Yes. It is common to be prescribed both a preventer inhaler and reliever inhaler.

Is Qvar the same as Clenil?

While Qvar and Clenil both contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate, they are not interchangeable due to differences in dosages.

Only take medicines prescribed to you and don't mix brands of medicines, even if they appear to be the same.

Before changing the medicine prescribed to you, speak to your doctor.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Qvar?

Yes - alcohol does not interact with Qvar.

However, alcohol consumption should be reduced or avoided if it triggers your asthma.

Is it safe to drive after taking Qvar?

Qvar should not affect your driving ability.

However, if you experience any side effects which may impair your driving, such as feeling dizzy or faint, you should avoid driving, cycling or operating machinery.

Speak to your doctor for advice.

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Table of contents

What are Qvar inhalers?

How do Qvar inhalers work?

How to use Qvar inhalers?

Qvar side effects and cautions

How to buy Qvar inhalers online?

Frequently asked questions