Qvar

Qvar

Qvar is a brand of brown preventer inhaler from Teva.

The active ingredient in Qvar is beclometasone dipropionate.

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

• Breathlessness
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Wheezing

You should not use Qvar as a rescue or reliever inhaler. Unlike a reliever, such as Ventolin, it takes a few days of using Qvar for the medicine to build up in the system and reach its efficacy.

Qvar is available as an aerosol inhaler with a canister that you press, an autohaler, or an Easi-Breathe inhaler.

The autohaler is activated when you inhale through the mouthpiece. These make it easier to administer your dose of Qvar without having to time your breathing with pressing the canister down.

The Easi-Breathe inhaler is an automatic inhaler. Similar to the autohaler, the Easi-Breathe inhaler is actuated by inhaling through the mouthpiece.

Qvar inhalers are available in strengths of 50mcg and 100mcg.

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 (bronchoconstriction) 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 by releasing chemicals to fight it. These chemicals cause inflammation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Beclometasone stops these cells from releasing these inflammatory chemicals. This allows your airways to remain open and make it easier to breathe.

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, such a Ventolin, to control the symptoms of an asthma attack.

How long does it take Qvar to work?

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.

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

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

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.

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 your face.

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 (MDI) aerosol

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. Do not bite down on 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 forget to take Qvar when you should, 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.

Do not take more more Qvar to make up for a missed dose.

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.

If you accidentally take more Qvar than you should, speak to your doctor right away.