QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Asthma Control Inhaler

QVAR® Usage and Cleaning Instructions

Instructions for taking a dose from your QVAR® inhaler

Read these instructions before using QVAR®, or watch our instructional video to learn how to use and clean your QVAR® inhaler. Be sure to use your asthma controller therapy regularly as your doctor has directed.

As with all aerosol medications, prime the QVAR® inhaler before using it for the first time. In addition, prime the QVAR® inhaler if you haven't used it in the last 10 days or longer. (See Patient Instructions below.)

  1. REMOVE the plastic cap and be sure there are no foreign objects in the mouthpiece.
  2. Before each use, MAKE SURE THE CANISTER IS FIRMLY SEATED in the plastic mouthpiece adapter. If needed, PRIME by releasing two puffs into the air, away from your face.
  3. BREATHE OUT AS FULLY AS YOU COMFORTABLY CAN. Hold the inhaler as shown. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below it.
  4. WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY, PRESS DOWN ON THE CAN WITH YOUR FINGER. When you have finished breathing in, hold your breath as long as you comfortably can (5-10 seconds).
  5. TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF THE CAN and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Breathe out gently.
  6. If your doctor has told you to take more than one inhalation per treatment, repeat steps 3 through 5.
  7. Rinse your mouth with water.

Clean at least once per week

DO NOT WASH YOUR INHALER OR GET ANY PART OF IT WET. Clean the mouthpiece weekly with a clean, dry tissue or cloth.

Keep track of doses as you take them

DISCARD THE CANISTER ON the date calculated by your physician or pharmacist, or after you have used the number of puffs indicated on the canister. Although the inhaler may not be completely empty at this time, inhalations after this may not have the right amount of medication.

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE the discard date to ask if you will need a refill.

DO NOT TAKE EXTRA DOSES OR STOP TAKING QVAR without consulting your doctor.

This video also shows you how to use and clean your QVAR® inhaler.

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.

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