QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol

ASTHMA CONTROL
WITH QVAR®

The Importance of Asthma Control

In addition to being associated with asthma attacks and greater difficulty breathing, chronic inflammation, if left untreated, can cause permanent remodeling of the small airways of the lungs.1,2, However, asthma control medicines can effectively control the airway inflammation and remodeling.3,4 The most effective asthma control medications are those that treat the underlying inflammation associated with asthma, including ICSs.5 ICSs such as QVAR® are considered first-line therapy for mild to moderate persistent asthma by the FDA, while ICS/LABA combination products are recommended for use only when disease severity clearly warrants their use.6

Checking Asthma Control

Asthma control may be assessed through standardized questionnaires, by using spirometry, or by evaluating the degree to which patients rely on short-acting beta agonists (SABAs).5 Indications that a patient’s asthma may not be under control include:7,8

  • Using a SABA more than two times a week for symptom control (not prevention of EIB)
  • In adults, awakening at night with asthma symptoms more than two times a month
  • Refilling a SABA prescription more than two times a year

Remember, some patients overestimate their level of asthma control. In some cases, patients may have unconsciously accommodated to their symptoms. Patients may also mistakenly attribute their asthma symptoms to other causes, like aging, obesity, or lack of fitness.5

QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 5 years of age or older. QVAR® is also indicated for asthma patients who require systemic corticosteroid administration, where adding QVAR® may reduce or eliminate the need for systemic corticosteroids.

Important Safety Information

  • QVAR® is not a bronchodilator and is not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm
  • Common side effects associated with the use of QVAR® and placebo in clinical trials include, but are not limited to, headache (12% and 9%, respectively) and pharyngitis (8% and 4%, respectively)
CAUTION: Adrenal insufficiency may occur when transferring patients from systemic steroids (see WARNINGS, Prescribing Information).
  • A reduction in growth velocity in growing children and teenagers may occur as a result of inadequate control of chronic diseases such as asthma or from use of corticosteroids for treatment

References

  1. Martin RJ. Therapeutic significance of distal airway inflammation in asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunology. 2002; 109(2):S447-S460.
  2. 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.
  3. Backman KS, Greenberger PA, Patterson R. Airway obstruction in patients with long-term asthma consistent with 'irreversible asthma.' Chest. 1997;112:1234-1240.
  4. Agertoft L, Pederson S. Effects of long-term treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid on growth and pulmonary function in asthmatic children. Respir Med. 1994;88:373-381.
  5. 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.
  6. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Drug labels now contain updated recommendations on the appropriate use of long-acting inhaled asthma medications called Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs). Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213836.htm [Accessed July 7, 2010].
  7. Hart MK, Millard MW. Approaches to chronic disease management for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: strategies through the continuum of care. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2010;23(3):223-229.
  8. Millard MW, Hart M, Abmas E, et al. Validation of “Rules of Two”(tm) as a Paradigm for Assessing Asthma Control. Chest. 2010;138(4 MeetingAbstracts):141A-141A.
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