Qvar Autohaler

What is Qvar?

Qvar Autohaler is a prescription-only 'preventer' inhaler used for the daily management of asthma. Its active ingredient is beclometasone dipropionate, which belongs to a class of medicines known as corticosteroids.

Mechanism of Action

Think of asthma as a constant, low-level inflammation in your airways, making them overly sensitive. Qvar works by delivering beclometasone directly to the lungs, where it reduces this inflammation, swelling, and irritation. This calms the airways down, making them less likely to react to triggers like pollen, cold air, or exercise. It's like applying a soothing anti-inflammatory cream directly to a skin rash, rather than taking a tablet that works throughout the whole body.

Unlike 'reliever' inhalers that quickly relax the muscles around the airways during an attack, Qvar is a 'preventer' that works over time to address the underlying cause of asthma symptoms.

What is Qvar Used For?

Qvar Autohaler is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma in patients who require regular treatment. It is indicated for adults and children aged 5 years and older.

Approved Indications

• Management of mild, moderate, and severe asthma
• Daily preventative therapy for regular asthma symptoms
• Suitable for patients aged 5+ requiring preventer treatment

Before Using Qvar

Before starting treatment with Qvar, it is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor.

Medical History Assessment Checklist

Inform your doctor if you have or have had:

• Tuberculosis (TB), either currently or in the past
• Any upcoming or recent surgeries
• Any current infections
• Any other medical conditions

Pre-treatment Evaluations

Your doctor will assess your asthma control and may monitor your growth if you are a child or adolescent using this inhaler long-term.

Qvar Contraindications

Do NOT use Qvar Autohaler if you:

Absolute Contraindications

• Are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• No specific dose adjustment required
• General precautions for inhaled corticosteroids apply

Children and Adolescents (5-17 years)

• Qvar is indicated for this group
• Prolonged use may slow growth in children
• Your doctor will regularly monitor your child's height

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• No specific studies have been performed
• Systemic exposure is low
• Caution is advised, and the patient should be monitored

Qvar and Other Medicines

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.

Potential Interactions

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

• Disulfiram (used for chronic alcoholism)
• Metronidazole (an antibiotic)
• Other Corticosteroids (e.g., topical creams for eczema, oral steroid tablets)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Ask your doctor for advice before using Qvar
• Your doctor will decide if the expected benefit to you outweighs any potential risk to the baby

Breastfeeding

• Consult your doctor before use
• Small amounts may pass into breast milk

Contraception

• No specific contraception requirements
• Discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor

Driving & Machine Operation

• Qvar Autohaler is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines
• The medicine is delivered directly to the lungs
• The amount that gets into your bloodstream is very small

Qvar Ingredients

Active Substance

• Beclometasone Dipropionate (50 mcg or 100 mcg per puff)

Excipients

Allergen Warning

• Do not use if you are allergic to any of the above ingredients

How to Use Qvar Autohaler

Device Type

• Qvar Autohaler is a breath-operated device
• Automatically releases a dose when you begin to breathe in
• Do not use the dose release slide to take your medicine

Usage Pattern

• Must be used regularly every day
• Continue use even when you feel well
• Not for immediate relief of asthma symptoms

Qvar Dosage Guidelines

Your doctor will prescribe the strength and dose that is right for you. The following are general guidelines.

Qvar 50 Autohaler Dosage

Qvar 100 Autohaler Dosage

*Qvar 100 is typically for children not controlled on Qvar 50.

Administration Instructions

Follow these steps for each puff. An adult should always supervise children.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prime: If new or unused for 2+ weeks, release 2 puffs into the air
2. Prepare: Remove the mouthpiece cover. Hold the inhaler upright. Push the lever up until it clicks and stays up
3. Breathe Out: Breathe out fully, away from the mouthpiece
4. Inhale Dose: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, forming a tight seal. Breathe in slowly and deeply. You will hear a click – do not stop breathing in when you hear it; continue to take a full, deep breath
5. Hold Breath: Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly
6. Reset: Push the lever down to reset the device
7. Repeat: If more than one puff is prescribed, repeat steps 2-6
8. Rinse: Rinse your mouth with water after use to help prevent oral thrush

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Unlikely to be harmful in the short term
• Long-term high doses increase risk of systemic side effects

Management

1. Contact your doctor or seek medical advice
2. No specific antidote
3. Symptomatic treatment if needed

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Qvar can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

STOP using Qvar and seek IMMEDIATE medical attention if you experience:

• An allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, neck, difficulty breathing, skin rash/hives)
• Intense wheezing or chest tightness immediately after use

Other Side Effects (by frequency)

• Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10):
  • Oral thrush (white spots in mouth/throat). Rinsing your mouth after use can help prevent this.
• Common (affects more than 1 in 100):
  • Hoarseness, sore throat
• Uncommon (affects more than 1 in 1,000):
  • Rash, nettle rash, itching
• Rare (affects more than 1 in 10,000):
  • Nausea
• Very Rare (affects less than 1 in 10,000):
  • Adrenal gland problems (symptoms: weight gain, moon-face, high blood pressure OR weakness, tiredness, weight loss, low blood pressure)
  • Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
  • Glaucoma, cataracts (blurred vision)
  • Slowing of growth in children
  • Anxiety, sleep problems, behavioural changes (hyperactivity, irritability - mainly in children)
• Frequency Not Known:
  • Depression, aggression (more likely in children)

Reporting Side Effects

You can report any side effects via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Qvar

Storage Conditions

• Do not store above 30°C
• Avoid direct sunlight and heat (do not expose to temps >50°C)
• Do not refrigerate or freeze

Safety Precautions

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• The canister is pressurised. Do not pierce or burn it, even when empty
• Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging

Pack Information

Appearance

• Aluminium canister with plastic, breath-operated actuator (Autohaler device)

Pack Sizes

• 100 or 200 metered doses per canister

Manufacturing Details

• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Norton Waterford Limited (Trading as IVAX Pharmaceuticals Ireland)
• Manufacturer: 3M Healthcare Ltd, UK

Where Can I Buy Qvar Autohaler Online in the UK