QVAR (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol
Glossary of Asthma Terms

Glossary of Asthma Terms1

Airways

The breathing tubes in your lungs.

Asthma

A disease that makes it hard to breathe by causing your airways to become narrow or blocked.

Asthma action plan

A document written for an individual patient that explains what kind of asthma medicine to take, when and how much to take, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Asthma attack

A period when asthma symptoms get worse or additional asthma symptoms appear.1

Beta agonist

Drugs that relax the muscles around the airways, causing the airways to open up. Beta agonists may be long or short acting.

Bronchodilator

Drugs that relax the muscles around the airways, causing the airways to open up.

Exacerbation

See asthma attack.

Inflammation

One way your body responds to injury or irritation. An inflamed area may be warm, red, swollen, or painful.

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)

Inhaled long-term asthma control medicines that work by controlling inflammation.

Long-acting beta agonist (LABA)

A type of long-term control medicine that relaxes the muscles around the airways, causing the airways to open up. LABAs should not be used by themselves.

Long-term control medicine

Medication for persistent asthma that is taken over the long term, usually daily, to prevent symptoms

Peak flow

A measurement of how well you can blow air out of your lungs.

Quick-relief inhaler

Medicines that relieve symptoms of asthma flare-ups.

Rescue inhaler

See quick-relief inhaler.

Short-acting beta agonist (SABA)

A type of quick-relief medication that relieves asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways, causing the airways to open up.

Trigger

Something in the environment that can make asthma symptoms become worse.

Wheezing

A whistling sound when you breathe.

 

Reference
  1. What is Asthma? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html [Accessed July 16, 2010].
QVAR® 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® does not replace fast-acting (rescue) inhalers for sudden symptoms.

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

Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult growth is unknown.

In clinical studies, common side effects included headache and pharyngitis.

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

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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