beclomethasone inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

beclomethasone inhalation

Brand name(s):

beclomethasone, Qvar

What is the most important information I should know about beclomethasone inhalation?

Do not use beclomethasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone inhalation for 2 weeks.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

What is beclomethasone inhalation?

Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Beclomethasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Beclomethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using beclomethasone inhalation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use beclomethasone inhalation until you are well.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use beclomethasone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Beclomethasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.