Qvar Aerosol
"A standard preventer inhaler that contains beclometasone dipropionate."
What is Qvar Aerosol?
The brown-coloured Qvar Aerosol is an inhaler that helps prevent asthma attacks.
How does it work?
Qvar Aerosol contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Qvar Aerosol
- Get into an upright position, either standing or sitting.
- Take off the inhaler’s mouthpiece cover and make sure it's clean.
- Give the Qvar inhaler 4-5 good shakes.
- Now, position your thumb on the base of the inhaler and your fingers on top of the canister, holding it upright. Your hand should form a 'C' shape.
- Exhale fully until comfortable, then place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Seal your lips around it without biting.
- Begin breathing in through your mouth and just as you start your breath, push down on the canister's top to release the medicine.
- Keep breathing in deeply and steadily. Once you've taken your full breath, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- After 30 seconds, you can take your second puff by repeating the process, if required.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
- Finally, make sure you put the mouthpiece cover back on to protect it.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 2 different strengths of the Qvar Aerosol: 50mcg and 100mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Qvar Aerosol doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working in approximately 2 days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Qvar Aerosol can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or nighttime coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Qvar Aerosol
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Qvar Aerosol. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, you can use what’s called a spacer device. It's also advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Qvar Aerosol patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Reduces inflammation in your lungs
Can stop asthma attacks happening
Normally used twice a day
What is Qvar Aerosol?
The brown-coloured Qvar Aerosol is an inhaler that helps prevent asthma attacks.
How does it work?
Qvar Aerosol contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, a type of steroid known as corticosteroids. Steroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways, helping to provide relief from asthma symptoms and make breathing easier.
How to use Qvar Aerosol
- Get into an upright position, either standing or sitting.
- Take off the inhaler’s mouthpiece cover and make sure it's clean.
- Give the Qvar inhaler 4-5 good shakes.
- Now, position your thumb on the base of the inhaler and your fingers on top of the canister, holding it upright. Your hand should form a 'C' shape.
- Exhale fully until comfortable, then place the mouthpiece between your teeth. Seal your lips around it without biting.
- Begin breathing in through your mouth and just as you start your breath, push down on the canister's top to release the medicine.
- Keep breathing in deeply and steadily. Once you've taken your full breath, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- After 30 seconds, you can take your second puff by repeating the process, if required.
- After you've taken your prescribed dose, put the cover back on and rinse your mouth with water.
- Finally, make sure you put the mouthpiece cover back on to protect it.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Once you've completed your short consultation, we can recommend and prescribe the dosage that's right for you. It's usually 1-2 puffs, twice each day. There are 2 different strengths of the Qvar Aerosol: 50mcg and 100mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Qvar Aerosol doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working in approximately 2 days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Qvar Aerosol can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or nighttime coughing.
With asthma, there's always the possibility you’ll need a fast-acting medicine. That's why it's important to also have a reliever inhaler like Ventolin (salbutamol). Our clinicians can prescribe this.
Side effects of Qvar Aerosol
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Qvar Aerosol. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, you can use what’s called a spacer device. It's also advisable to brush your teeth and rinse or gargle with water after each use of the inhaler.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Qvar Aerosol patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Qvar Aerosol FAQs
-
How long does Qvar Aerosol take to work?
You’re likely to notice an improvement in just a few days. However, it’s important to keep using this inhaler regularly, even when you feel well. Only stop the treatment if your doctor says it’s safe to do so.
-
Who can use Qvar Aerosol?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- You’ve needed hospital admission in the last 12 months due to asthma symptoms.
- Your asthma symptoms have ever caused you to receive intensive care treatment.
- You’re allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
If any of these do apply to you, our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Qvar Aerosol.
-
Can I use Qvar Aerosol while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe this medication for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
-
Where can I buy Qvar Aerosol?
You can’t buy a Qvar Aerosol over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription for the treatment, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after a short online consultation where we make sure it’s right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
-
What should I do if I get Qvar Aerosol side effects?
If you notice any side effects (including ones not mentioned in the patient information leaflet), contact your GP or pharmacist. There are some situations where you’ll need to take immediate action.
If you experience wheezing or chest tightness right after using your inhaler:
- Stop taking additional puffs and use your relief inhaler to help your breathing.
- Contact your doctor right away.
If you have signs of a severe allergic (hypersensitive) reaction:
- Stop using your inhaler immediately.
- Seek emergency medical care at the nearest hospital.
Watch for warning signs like swollen lips, face, or neck. You could also have difficulty breathing, a skin rash, or hives.
While severe allergic reactions are rare, they need urgent medical attention and, in some cases, hospitalisation.
-
Qvar Aerosol warnings
Before using this medication, you should speak to your GP if you:
- Have tuberculosis (TB) now or have had it previously
- Are having surgery soon or have recently had surgery
- Are using any steroid creams or ointments
Important: Using high doses of Qvar Aerosol for a long time may affect your adrenal glands and increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor can tell you more about this.
-
Taking Qvar Aerosol with other medications
As with all medications, Qvar Aerosol can interact with certain other medicines. So, it’s important you let your clinician, or pharmacist know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
-
How to dispose of Qvar Aerosol inhalers
Always take any empty or unwanted inhalers to your pharmacy. They'll be able to dispose of them safely.
-
Alternative asthma treatments
Alongside prescribed medications, there are certain lifestyle adjustments you can also make to help manage your asthma. If you smoke or vape, quitting is particularly important as it can significantly lower your chances of getting asthma symptoms or attacks.
Some activities can also help you manage your asthma. Yoga and mindfulness can all help build strength, promote relaxation, and support better breathing. They can complement, but not replace, your regular asthma treatments.
