Brand BECLATE
(Beclovent, Becotide, QVAR, Vanceril)
Pronounced: BECK-low-METH-ah-sone
Brand names: Beclovent, Beconase AQ Nasal Spray, Beconase Inhalation Aerosol,
Qvar Inhalation Aerosol, Vancenase AQ Nasal Spray and Double Strength Nasal
Spray, Vancenase Nasal Inhaler and PocketHaler Nasal Inhaler, Vanceril
Inhalation Aerosol and Double Strength Inhalation Aerosol, Vanceril Inhaler
Why is Beclomethasone prescribed?
Beclomethasone is a type of steroid used for respiratory problems. Beclovent
and Vanceril are prescribed for the prevention of recurring symptoms
of bronchial asthma.
Beconase and Vancenase are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever
and to prevent regrowth of nasal polyps following surgical removal.
Most important fact about Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly
open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when
bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not expect
immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in
an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief, but
it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.
How should you take Beclomethasone?
Beclomethasone is prescribed in an oral inhalant or a nasal spray form.
Use Beclomethasone only as preventive therapy, and take only the dose
prescribed.
Although some people begin to notice improvement within a day or two,
it may take 1 or 2 weeks for the full benefits to appear. If there's
no improvement after 3 weeks, let your doctor know.
If you are already taking a steroid in tablet form for asthma, you'll
need to make a gradual transition to the oral inhalant. During the first
week, you'll probably take the usual number of tablets. After that, you'll
be instructed to slowly reduce the number of tablets, replacing them
with the inhalant.
Be sure to take the drug regularly, even if you have no symptoms. Many
people will require additional drugs to control asthma symptoms fully,
but Beclomethasone may allow other drugs to be used in smaller doses.
If you are also using a bronchodilator inhalant, take it before inhaling
beclomethasone. This will improve the effect of the second drug. Take
the two inhalations several minutes apart.
Spray the inhalation aerosol into the air twice before you use it for
the first time and when you have not used it for more than 7 days. Use
it within 6 months.
Before you use Vancenase AQ 84 microgram nasal spray, press the pump
6 times or until you see a fine spray. If you don't use it for more than
4 days, reprime the pump by spraying once or until a fine spray appears.
To use the inhaler:
1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
2. Shake the inhaler thoroughly.
3. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat.
4. Breathe out as fully as you comfortably can. Hold the inhaler upright
and close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below
it.
5. While pressing down on the can, inhale deeply. Hold your breath as
long as you can.
6. Take your finger off the can, remove the inhaler, and breathe out
gently.
7. Allow at least 1 minute between inhalations.
Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help
prevent hoarseness and throat irritation. Do not swallow the water after
you rinse.
Be careful to avoid spraying Beclomethasone into your eyes. This medication
comes with directions. Read them carefully before using it.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember and take the remaining doses for that
day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and cold. Do
not puncture the container, store it near open flame, or dispose of it
in a fire or incinerator.
Beclomethasone side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.
* Side effects may include:
Acne, agitation, allergic reactions, breathing problems, bruising, cataracts,
chest pain, cold sores, cough, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, ear infections,
fever, fluid retention, flu-like symptoms, headache, hives, hoarseness, increased
pressure within the eye (glaucoma), itching, joint pain, light-headedness,
mental disturbances, moon face, mouth or throat infection, muscle pain, nasal
and throat dryness and irritation, nasal burning, nausea, nose infection,
nosebleed, pain, pinkeye, "pins and needles" sensation, ringing
in the ears, runny nose, skin rash, skin wasting, sneezing, sore mouth or
throat, stuffy nose, stunted growth, tearing eyes, unpleasant--or loss of--taste
and smell, upset stomach, vomiting, weight gain, wheezing
Why should Beclomethasone not be prescribed?
Your doctor will prescribe beclomethasone only if your asthma cannot
be controlled with bronchodilators and other nonsteroid medications.
Beclomethasone is not used for the treatment of non-asthmatic bronchitis,
or for intermittent asthma therapy.
Do not use beclomethasone nasal products if you've recently had nasal
ulcers, nose surgery, or an injury to the nose. It could interfere with
the healing process.
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to beclomethasone
or other steroid drugs, you should not take this medication. Rare cases
of immediate and delayed allergic reactions, such as hives, a rash, or
wheezing, have occured. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions that you have experienced.
Although unlikely, immediate allergic reactions to beclomethasone have
been known to occur.
Special warnings about Beclomethasone
When steroid drugs are taken by mouth they substitute for and decrease
the body's normal ability to make its own steroids as well as its ability
to respond to stress.
There is a risk of causing a serious condition called "adrenal
insufficiency" when people change from steroid tablets taken by
mouth to aerosol beclomethasone. Although the aerosol may provide adequate
control of asthma during the changeover period, it does not provide the
normal amount of steroid the body needs during acute stress situations,
such as injury, surgery, and infection%mdash;particularly stomach flu.
If you are being transferred from steroid tablets to beclomethasone and
you experience a period of stress or a severe asthma attack, contact
your doctor immediately. He may prescribe additional treatment with steroid
tablets. You should also carry a warning card indicating that you may
need steroid tablets during such incidents. As you continue taking beclomethasone,
your doctor may conduct periodic tests to measure your adrenal function.
Transfer from steroid tablet therapy to beclomethasone aerosol may reactivate
allergic conditions that were previously suppressed by the steroid tablet
therapy, such as runny nose, inflamed eyelids, and eczema. Some people
also experience withdrawal side effects when they switch from tablets
to aerosol. Potential symptoms include joint or muscle pain, weakness,
and depression. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
High doses of steroids can suppress your immune system. When beclomethasone
is used nasally, your chances of developing nose and throat infections
increase. Also take extra care to avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox
if you have never had them or never had shots. These infections can be
serious or even fatal if your immune system is below par. If you are
exposed, seek medical advice immediately.
Symptoms such as mental disturbances, increased bruising, weight gain,
facial swelling (moon face), acne, menstrual irregularities, increased
pressure in the eyes, and cataracts may occur with steroids. If you experience
any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. If you've ever
had cataracts or increased eye pressure, your doctor will monitor you
closely if you have any problems with your vision.
Long-term use of steroids can slow down growth in children. If your
child seems to be growing more slowly than normal, call your doctor.
If bronchodilator medications seem less effective after you start taking
beclomethasone, be sure to tell your doctor. Do not abruptly stop using
beclomethasone on your own.
If you have tuberculosis, a herpes infection of the eye, or any untreated
fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, your doctor may not
want you to use an inhaled steroid.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of beclomethasone in pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, let your doctor
know. Steroids do appear in breast milk and could harm your baby. Your
doctor may want you to avoid breastfeeding while you are using beclomethasone.
Recommended dosage for Beclomethasone
ADULTS
Overdosage
