Qvar Autohaler
"A no-push inhaler with the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate to help stop asthma attacks happening."
What is Qvar Autohaler?
It is a no-push preventer inhaler that contains beclometasone dipropionate to help prevent asthma attacks.
How does it work?
Qvar Autohaler 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 a Qvar Autohaler
- You’ll see a lip at the back of your inhaler's cover. Pull this down to remove the cover from the mouthpiece.
- Keeping your Qvar Autohaler upright, look for the lever and push it all the way up until it stays in position.
- Before you put the inhaler in your mouth, take a deep breath out.
- Now position the mouthpiece between your lips, making sure they're sealed around it.
- Begin breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth. You’ll hear a clicking sound and you should keep breathing in steadily for as long as you can without it becoming uncomfortable.
- Try to hold your breath for 10 seconds once you've inhaled. If 10 seconds is too long, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- Let your breath out slowly.
- Remember to push the lever back down after each puff.
- If you need another dose, lift the lever up again and repeat these steps.
- When you've taken all your prescribed puffs, put the protective cover back on.
- Finally, don't forget to rinse out your mouth.
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 Autohaler: 50mcg and 100mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Qvar Autohaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin workin within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Qvar Autohaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time 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 Autohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Qvar Autohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s 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 Autohaler 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
You normally take 1-2 puffs twice a day
Easy to use
What is Qvar Autohaler?
It is a no-push preventer inhaler that contains beclometasone dipropionate to help prevent asthma attacks.
How does it work?
Qvar Autohaler 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 a Qvar Autohaler
- You’ll see a lip at the back of your inhaler's cover. Pull this down to remove the cover from the mouthpiece.
- Keeping your Qvar Autohaler upright, look for the lever and push it all the way up until it stays in position.
- Before you put the inhaler in your mouth, take a deep breath out.
- Now position the mouthpiece between your lips, making sure they're sealed around it.
- Begin breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth. You’ll hear a clicking sound and you should keep breathing in steadily for as long as you can without it becoming uncomfortable.
- Try to hold your breath for 10 seconds once you've inhaled. If 10 seconds is too long, hold it for as long as you comfortably can.
- Let your breath out slowly.
- Remember to push the lever back down after each puff.
- If you need another dose, lift the lever up again and repeat these steps.
- When you've taken all your prescribed puffs, put the protective cover back on.
- Finally, don't forget to rinse out your mouth.
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 Autohaler: 50mcg and 100mcg.
Effectiveness
Although Qvar Autohaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin workin within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed. By taking it every day, your Qvar Autohaler can prevent attacks and control asthma symptoms like wheezing or night time 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 Autohaler
Like all medications, some people may experience side effects while using Qvar Autohaler. As it’s a medicine you inhale, it may irritate your throat or cause thrush in the mouth. To help avoid this, it’s 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 Autohaler 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 Autohaler FAQs
-
How long does Qvar Autohaler take to work?
Although Qvar Autohaler doesn't control your asthma immediately, it will begin working within a few days if you use the medicine as prescribed.
-
How long should I use Qvar Autohaler for?
Qvar Autohaler is a long-term treatment that helps prevent your asthma symptoms worsening. This also applies to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
It’s vital to keep using this inhaler regularly, even when you feel well. Don’t stop the treatment unless a doctor says it’s safe to do so.
-
Who can use Qvar Autohaler?
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- Your asthma symptoms have caused you to be admitted to hospital in the last 12 months.
- Your asthma symptoms have ever caused the need 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 Autohaler.
-
Can I use Qvar Autohaler 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 Autohaler?
You can’t buy Qvar Autohaler 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 an 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.
It’s a good idea to have two inhalers, in case you run out, forget to request a repeat prescription, or lose one.
-
What should I do if I get Qvar Autohaler 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 (hypersensitive) reactions are rare, they need urgent medical attention and, in some cases, hospitalisation.
-
Qvar Autohaler warnings
Your doctor or clinician will tell you if this medicine is right for you. However, it won’t be safe to use if:
- You’re allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
- Have tuberculosis (TB) now or have had it previously.
- You must avoid alcohol for any reason.
- Your asthma seems to be getting worse.
If any of these apply to you, our clinicians won’t be able to prescribe Qvar Autohaler.
-
Taking Qvar Autohaler with other medications
As with all medications, Qvar Autohaler 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 Autohalers
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.
