How do you take Qvar (beclomethasone dipropionate)?

How to Take QVAR (Beclomethasone Dipropionate) Inhaler

QVAR should be primed by actuating into the air twice before using for the first time or if it has not been used for over ten days. The inhaler should be administered by oral inhalation without using a spacer device in patients 5 years and older. 1

Proper Administration Technique

1. Preparation:

   • Prime QVAR by spraying twice into the air if it's new or hasn't been used for over 10 days
   • Avoid spraying in eyes or face when priming
   • No shaking required (QVAR is a solution aerosol)

2. Inhalation Technique:

   • Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
   • Breathe out fully (away from the inhaler)
   • Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, closing your lips around it
   • While beginning to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth, press down on the inhaler to release the medication
   • Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply
   • Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, then breathe out slowly
   • If a second dose is prescribed, wait about 1 minute before taking the next puff

3. After Use:

   • Replace the cap on the mouthpiece to keep it clean
   • Rinse your mouth with water after each use (to help prevent oral thrush)

Dosing Information

QVAR comes in two strengths: 40 mcg and 80 mcg per actuation. The dosage depends on age and previous therapy:

For Adults and Adolescents:

• Starting dose: 40 to 80 mcg twice daily
• Highest recommended dose: 320 mcg twice daily

For Children 5-11 Years:

• Starting dose: 40 mcg twice daily
• Highest recommended dose: 80 mcg twice daily

Important Considerations

• Improvement in asthma symptoms typically begins within 1-2 weeks, but maximum benefit may take 3-4 weeks 1
• QVAR should be taken regularly as prescribed, not just during asthma attacks
• Using QVAR without a spacer device has shown better results in lung function tests compared to using it with a spacer device in some studies 2
• QVAR contains ethanol as an ingredient, which may be relevant for patients with alcohol-induced asthma 3
• Once daily dosing (evening dose) may be as effective as twice daily dosing in some patients with mild to moderate asthma 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Not priming the inhaler when it's new or hasn't been used for over 10 days
2. Breathing in too quickly - slow, deep inhalation is essential for proper medication delivery
3. Not holding breath after inhalation, which reduces medication effectiveness
4. Not rinsing mouth after use, which can lead to oral thrush (fungal infection)
5. Using the inhaler when empty - keep track of doses used
6. Stopping medication when feeling better - QVAR is for maintenance therapy and should be continued as prescribed

Remember that QVAR is a maintenance medication for asthma control and is not intended for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. Always have a rescue inhaler available for sudden symptoms.