QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Asthma Control Inhaler
Asthma and Airway Inflammation

Asthma and Airway Inflammation

Inflammation is a key part of what causes asthma symptoms. Inflammation makes the airways in the lungs more sensitive to asthma triggers like pollen, smoke, and pet dander. Even when people with asthma don't have symptoms, their airways—the tubes that bring air into the lungs—may still be inflamed.1 If left untreated, chronic inflammation can possibly cause irreversible changes to the airways in the lungs.2,3

Inflammation from ashtma attacks cause airways of the lung to become narrow or blocked

QVAR® is a type of long-term control medication for asthma called an inhaled corticosteroid (or ICS). QVAR® can help prevent asthma symptoms and improve lung function4-6 for many people with asthma. ICSs like QVAR® work by reducing inflammation in the airways. ICSs are the first choice in asthma control medications for many patients.1

Approved Uses


QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is used in the ongoing treatment of asthma as preventative therapy in patients 5 years of age or older.

QVAR® is also used for asthma patients who require systemic corticosteroid administration, where adding QVAR® may reduce or eliminate the need for systemic corticosteroids.

Important Safety Information


QVAR® does not replace quick-relief inhalers for sudden symptoms.

CAUTION: If you are stopping or switching from an oral corticosteroid to QVAR®, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid health risks. (See WARNINGS, Prescribing Information).

Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate, so children taking QVAR® should have their growth checked regularly. The long-term effect on final adult growth is unknown.

Do not stop taking QVAR® abruptly without talking to your doctor.

In clinical studies, common side effects included headache and sore throat. These are not all of the possible side effects of QVAR®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
  1. NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed April 20, 2010.
  2. Martin RJ. Therapeutic significance of distal airway inflammation in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunology. 2002; 109(2):S447-S460.
  3. Hyde DM, Hamid Q, Irvin CG. Anatomy, pathology, and physiology of the tracheobronchial tree: emphasis on the distal airways. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;124:S72-S77.
  4. Thongngarm T, Silkoff PE, Kossack WS, Nelson HS. Hydrofluoroalkane-134A beclomethasone or chlorofluorocarbon fluticasone: effect on small airways in poorly controlled asthma. J Asthma. 2005;42(4):257-263.
  5. Busse WW, Brazinsky S, Jacobson K, et al. Efficacy response of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in asthma is proportional to dose and is improved by formulation with a new propellant. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999;104(6):1215-1222.
  6. Data on file. Teva Respiratory, LLC; 2010.
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