Qvar Inhaler & Autohaler (50 & 100)

What is Qvar and what is it used for?

Qvar inhalers are a preventative everyday treatment for the symptoms of asthma. These inhalers will help to control your asthma and prevent future attacks from occurring. Two varieties of Qvar inhalers are available: the Aerosol Inhaler and the Autohaler. They work by reducing inflammation within the airways, making breathing much easier. All Qvar inhalers contain the active ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate, which is a corticosteroid.

Qvar's Aerosol inhaler is a standard inhaler device – when the metal canister is pressed down, the medicine is released as a spray. This requires that you time your inhalation correctly, so it is worth checking frequently with your GP or nurse to make sure that your technique is correct.

The second option is the Qvar Autohaler. Once primed, this type of inhaler automatically releases the dosage when you inhale from the mouthpiece. This may be preferable for you if, for any reason, you find it difficult to coordinate pressing down the canister with inhaling. Both types of the inhaler are available in strengths of 50 or 100 micrograms. Your doctor will prescribe the strength appropriate for you.

Qvar Inhalers and Autohalers are available to purchase from The Independent Pharmacy, following a free consultation, to help control asthma in those who have been previously diagnosed with the condition.

What is asthma?

Asthma affects over five million people in The United Kingdom. The condition is characterised by an inflammation of the bronchi (the tubes connecting the windpipe to the lungs). This swelling causes the airway passages to contract, which also increases the production of phlegm. This will further obstruct the airways, leading to symptoms such as; coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

How do Qvar inhalers work?

Preventer inhalers, such as Qvar, reduce the inflammation that can lead to an asthma attack. Once the active corticosteroid, beclomethasone dipropionate, enters the lungs, it stops cells in the area from producing the chemicals that cause inflammation. When used every day, Qvar inhalers will effectively manage the inflammation of the airways, reducing your risk of an asthma attack. You should continue to use Qvar inhalers even if your symptoms improve, to prevent your breathing problems from returning.

Importantly, preventer inhalers will not treat asthma immediately. This product will not provide relief from an asthma attack. For this reason, you should always carry a reliever inhaler as well. You will likely be prescribed a Qvar inhaler alongside a reliever inhaler, in order to effectively control your asthmatic symptoms.

Alternatives to Qvar

Asthma is not a condition that can be effectively treated with over the counter medications. If you are looking for another treatment or wanting to swap inhalers you will need to broach this subject with your GP at your regular asthma review. Please do not 'Try' a new inhaler without seeing your GP first.

We recommend you have a regular check-up with your regular GP to ensure your inhalers are still keeping your asthma controlled and are still the best course for you.

Sources

• Qvar Inhaler, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• Qvar Autoinhaler, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Qvar Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Before using a Qvar inhaler, inform your doctor if you have:

• A lung infection
• A cold or chest infection
• A liver disorder
• Any history of tuberculosis.

Inform your doctor if you are taking or intend to take Disulfiram or Metronidazole.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to use Qvar Inhalers

Qvar Aerosol Inhaler:

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Hold the device vertically and shake it up and down
3. Exhale deeply, then place your lips around the mouthpiece
4. Press down on the top of the inhaler as you begin to inhale
5. Remove the device from your lips, while holding your breath as long as is comfortable
6. Exhale slowly

Further instructions are available in the Product Information Leaflet.

Qvar Autohaler:

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Shake the device up and down (ensure the lever is in the ‘down’ position)
3. Hold the inhaler vertically and push the lever ‘up’
4. Exhale deeply, then place your lips tight around the mouthpiece
5. Inhale deeply from the mouthpiece
6. Remove the device from your lips, while holding your breath for at least ten seconds
7. Exhale slowly
8. Return the lever to the ‘down’ position

Further instructions are available in the Product Information Leaflet.

Each of these inhalers is most effective if used daily. You will likely be instructed to use your inhaler twice per day. Your doctor will advise you on the ideal dosage. This table provides a general guide on how many puffs to take, based on the strength of your inhaler and the severity of your asthma.

If you are taking more than eight puffs per day from a 50mcg inhaler (or four puffs per day from a 100mcg inhaler), check with your GP to see if there is a better available treatment for your asthma.

Qvar Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Qvar inhalers is beclomethasone dipropionate.

Qvar inhalers also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Propellant HFA-134a and ethanol.

The amount in one puff of this medicine is equivalent to less than 1ml beer or 1 ml wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects.

Qvar inhalers do not contain chlorofluorocarbon propellants; this is replaced by propellant HFA-134a.

Qvar Inhalers Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use a Qvar inhaler, however, if you do they can include:

• Allergic reactions (including rash, eczema or sneezing)
• Thrush (fungal infection) in the throat or mouth
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tremors
  

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.