How to Use QVAR RediHaler® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA)

How To Use QVAR RediHaler

With the QVAR RediHaler, the medicine comes out when you breathe in.

Watch this video to learn about the innovative design of the QVAR RediHaler device.

Parents: Watch a video that can help you teach your child how to use their QVAR RediHaler.

Three Steps for Operation

Before using your QVAR RediHaler, read the steps below. Always use it as directed by your doctor. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. See the Full Instructions for Use found in the Patient Information Guide.

The white cap must be closed to prepare the inhaler before each inhalation or you will not receive your medicine. Do not open the cap until you are ready to take your inhalation.

Step 1

Open the white cap that covers the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Do not open the cap unless you are taking a dose. Breathe out fully.

Step 2

Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it so you form a good seal. To avoid blocking airflow through the device, be sure that your hand doesn't cover the air vent on top of the inhaler. Hold the inhaler and mouthpiece upright as you take your inhalation. Inhale deeply to release the medicine. Remove the inhaler, hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly away from the inhaler.

Step 3

Close the white cap after inhaling to prepare your next inhalation.

Please remember to keep your device clean and dry between uses.

If your doctor has told you to take more than one inhalation per dose, make sure the white cap is closed and repeat steps 1 to 3. Do not take extra doses or stop taking QVAR RediHaler without consulting your doctor.

After taking your prescribed number of inhalations, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing to help reduce the risk of a fungal infection (thrush) in your mouth.

Get to know your inhaler better with our quick reference guide on how to use, clean and store your QVAR RediHaler.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Image of night and day asthma symptom relief — Your Twice-a-Day Routine

QVAR RediHaler is designed to help prevent asthma symptoms and minimize attacks by reducing lung inflammation—but only for up to 12 hours at a time. That’s why it’s important to use QVAR RediHaler two times a day, every day, as directed by your doctor.

Important Safety Information

Do not use QVAR RediHaler to treat sudden severe symptoms of asthma. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden symptoms.
Do not use QVAR RediHaler if you are allergic to beclomethasone dipropionate or any of the ingredients in QVAR RediHaler.
Do not use QVAR RediHaler more often than prescribed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take and about all of your health conditions.
QVAR RediHaler may cause serious side effects, including:
- Fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat. Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using QVAR RediHaler to help prevent an infection in your mouth or throat.
- Worsening asthma or sudden asthma attacks. After using your rescue inhaler, contact your healthcare provider right away if you do not get relief from your sudden asthma attacks.
- Reduced adrenal function (adrenal insufficiency). This potentially life-threatening condition can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines and start using inhaled corticosteroid medicines (such as QVAR RediHaler). Tell your healthcare provider right away about any signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as: feeling tired or exhausted (fatigue); lack of energy; low blood pressure (hypotension); dizziness or feeling faint; nausea and vomiting; or weakness.
- Immune system effects and a higher chance for infections. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms of infection such as: fever, chills, pain, feeling tired, body aches, nausea, or vomiting.
- Increased wheezing (bronchospasm) right after using QVAR RediHaler. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing.
- Serious allergic reactions. Stop using QVAR RediHaler and call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following: hives; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; rash; or breathing problems.
- Slowed growth in children. Children should have their growth checked regularly while using QVAR RediHaler.
- Lower bone density. This may be a problem for people who already have a higher chance for low bone density (osteoporosis).
- Eye problems. If you have had glaucoma, cataracts or blurred vision in the past, you should have regular eye exams while using QVAR RediHaler.
Common side effects of QVAR RediHaler include: yeast infection in the mouth (oral candidiasis); cold symptoms (upper respiratory tract infection); pain in the throat (oropharyngeal pain); pain or swelling in your nose and throat (nasopharyngitis); sinus irritation (sinusitis); and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
These are not all the possible side effects of QVAR RediHaler. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Approved Use

QVAR RediHaler Inhalation Aerosol is a breath-actuated inhaled prescription medicine used as a maintenance treatment for the prevention and control of asthma in people 4 years of age and older.
QVAR RediHaler Inhalation Aerosol is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and won’t replace a rescue inhaler.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Thinking routine. Not asthma.