Key Takeaways: How To Use Qvar Correctly

Preventer inhaler: Use twice daily, every day, even when you feel well.
Breath‑actuated: Autohaler releases dose automatically when you inhale – no hand‑breath coordination needed.
Step sequence: Upright position, lever up, breathe out, inhale deeply, hold breath, lever down.
After use: Rinse mouth with water to prevent oral thrush and hoarseness.
Cleaning: Wipe mouthpiece weekly with dry tissue; never wash or immerse in water.

Qvar Autohaler is a breath‑actuated preventer that delivers beclometasone dipropionate directly to your lungs. Using it correctly ensures you receive the full benefit and minimises side effects. Below we explain the exact technique, dosage, and important safety considerations.

Important Medical Advice

Immediate action required: If you experience sudden wheezing or chest tightness after using Qvar, stop using it and use your blue reliever inhaler. Contact your doctor urgently. Allergic reactions (swelling of lips, face, neck, skin rash) are rare but need emergency medical attention.

How to Take Qvar: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

The Qvar Autohaler is designed to be easy to use. Follow these steps exactly:

Remove the cover: Pull down on the lip at the back of the mouthpiece to take off the cover.
Hold upright: Keep the device upright. Ensure the air vent at the bottom (marked with an X) is not blocked by your hand.
Load the dose: Push the lever up until it clicks and stays in the upright position.
Breathe out gently: Exhale away from the mouthpiece – do not breathe into it.
Inhale the medicine: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. You will hear a soft click and feel a puff – this is normal. Continue to breathe in even after the click to ensure the dose reaches your lungs.
Hold your breath: Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out slowly.
Reset the lever: Push the lever back down to its original position.
Repeat if needed: If a second puff is prescribed, wait about 30 seconds and repeat steps 3‑7.
After use: Replace the mouthpiece cover. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out – this reduces the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness.

Cleaning your Autohaler

For normal hygiene, wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue once a week. Do not wash or put any part of the device in water – moisture can damage the mechanism. Never push anything into the air vent or mouthpiece.

🗒️ Pro tip: If you haven’t used the inhaler for a few days, the first inhalation may require a little more effort to release the dose – this is normal. Simply follow the steps as usual.

Dosage Guide for Adults & Children

Your doctor will prescribe the strength and number of puffs that suit your asthma. Qvar Autohaler is available as 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms per metered dose.

Age group	Typical starting dose	Maximum usual dose
Adults (18+)	100‑200 mcg twice daily	400 mcg twice daily (under specialist supervision)
Children (5‑11 years)	50‑100 mcg twice daily	200 mcg twice daily
Children under 5	Not licensed – alternative formulations may be used under specialist care	–

Missed dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never double the dose.

If you use more than prescribed: Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Using too much over a long period may temporarily reduce adrenal gland function.

Who Should Use Qvar & Who Should Not

Qvar is suitable for: Adults and children aged 5 years and older who need regular preventer therapy for mild, moderate, or severe asthma. It helps control inflammation and prevent symptoms.

Do NOT use Qvar if:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients (propellant HFA‑134a, ethanol).

Talk to your doctor before using Qvar if:

You have or have had tuberculosis (TB).
You are due to have surgery or have recently had surgery.
You are using topical corticosteroids (creams, ointments) – your doctor may need to adjust doses.
You are switching from steroid tablets – special monitoring is required (see PIL).
You have an infection in your lungs.

Remember: Qvar is a preventer – it does not relieve sudden asthma attacks. Always keep your blue reliever inhaler with you.

Should Qvar Be Taken With Food?

Qvar is inhaled, not swallowed, so food does not affect its absorption. You can use it at any time of day, with or without meals. However, it’s a good habit to use it at the same times each day (e.g., morning and evening) to help you remember.

Rinsing your mouth with water after each use is more important than timing with food – it removes any drug deposited in the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of local side effects.

🍽️ Practical advice: If you find it convenient, use your inhaler just before brushing your teeth – then you can rinse immediately afterwards.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & More

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you might be, consult your doctor before using Qvar. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered safe when the expected benefit outweighs the risk, but your doctor will advise based on your individual situation. Poorly controlled asthma poses risks to both mother and baby, so maintaining control is important.

Breastfeeding

Beclometasone dipropionate passes into breast milk in negligible amounts. At therapeutic doses, it is not expected to affect the breastfed infant. Discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Children and adolescents

Qvar is licensed for children aged 5 years and older. Prolonged use of inhaled corticosteroids may slightly slow growth; therefore, your doctor will monitor your child’s height regularly and prescribe the lowest effective dose.

Elderly

No special dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients. Use the same dosage as for adults, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Liver or kidney impairment

No dose adjustment is usually required, as beclometasone is mainly activated in the lung and has very low oral bioavailability. However, if you have severe liver disease, your doctor may monitor you more closely.

Qvar Usage FAQs

Can I use Qvar during an asthma attack?

No – Qvar is a preventer, not a reliever. It does not work quickly enough to stop an attack. Always use your blue reliever inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) for sudden symptoms.

How do I know when my Qvar Autohaler is empty?

When the device is empty, you will no longer feel or hear any propellant being discharged. Some versions have a dose counter; when it shows zero, the inhaler is empty.

Can I clean the Autohaler with water?

No – never wash or put any part of the Autohaler in water. Moisture can damage the mechanism. Wipe the mouthpiece weekly with a clean dry tissue only.

What if I accidentally get Qvar in my eyes?

Rinse your eyes thoroughly with water. If irritation or blurred vision persists, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use a spacer with Qvar Autohaler?

The Autohaler is breath‑actuated and does not require a spacer. Using a spacer is not recommended as it may interfere with the device’s mechanism. If you have difficulty, consult your doctor or asthma nurse.