Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• cough
• headache
• hoarseness, voice change
• increased number of infections
• mouth, tongue, or throat irritation
• nausea

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• behaviour changes (e.g., hyperactivity, irritability)
• inability to speak
• joint pain with limited motion
• Osteoporosis or bone fractures
• pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, sinus pain and congestion, worsening breathing problems (Churg-Strauss Syndrome)
• signs of respiratory tract infection (e.g., Fever or chills, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, weight loss, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or wheezing)
• signs of too much corticosteroid (e.g., round face, rapid weight gain, increased sweating, thinning of skin, muscle weakness)
• signs of thrush (e.g., white patches in mouth and throat, sore throat)
• skin bruising
• slowed growth (children and adolescents)
• swelling of face, lips, or eyelids
• symptoms of Glaucoma or Cataracts (e.g., blurred vision, seeing halos of bright colours around lights, red eyes, increased pressure in your eyes, eye pain or discomfort)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, skin rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face)
• worsening asthma symptoms even after using your reliever medication

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh).

50 µg
Each pressurized, metered-dose inhaler actuation, intended for oral inhalation only, delivers beclomethasone dipropionate 50 µg from the valve, equivalent to beclomethasone dipropionate 40 µg from the actuator. Nonmedicinal ingredients: HFA-134a propellant (hydrofluoroalkane-134a or 1,1,1, 2 tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol. Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Particle size of the emitted aerosol spray is 1 to 1.2 microns.

100 µg
Each pressurized, metered-dose inhaler actuation, intended for oral inhalation only, delivers beclomethasone dipropionate 100 µg from the valve, equivalent to beclomethasone dipropionate 80 µg from the actuator. Nonmedicinal ingredients: HFA-134a propellant (hydrofluoroalkane-134a or 1,1,1, 2 tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol. Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Particle size of the emitted aerosol spray is 1 to 1.2 microns.

Do not use the beclomethasone inhaler if you:

• are allergic to beclomethasone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• have moderate-to-severe Bronchiectasis (a condition where airways are damaged), status asthmaticus (a severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment), or an acute asthma attack
• have untreated fungal, bacterial, or Tuberculosis infections of the lung

There may be an interaction between beclomethasone inhaler and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• amphotericin B
• Asa (acetylsalicylic acid)
• BCG
• Deferasirox
• Diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide)
• echinacea
• Leflunomide
• Natalizumab
• other steroid medications (e.g., Prednisone, fluticasone, budesonide)
• Pimecrolimus
• Roflumilast
• Tacrolimus
• telaprevir
• tofactitinib

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh).

Asthma attacks: Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) is not a "reliever" medication. If you start developing asthma symptoms, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your asthma symptoms. It is very important that you have your "reliever" medication with you at all times. If you persistently use more of your "reliever" medication, contact your doctor.

Bone effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids such as beclomethasone may affect bone density and increase the risk of fracture. Your doctor will monitor your bone health while you are taking Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh).

Eye problems: If you have glaucoma or cataracts or are at risk of developing them, have your eyes checked by your doctor before starting long-term treatment with Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh). Have your eyes monitored at regular intervals while using Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh).

Growth effects: Long-term use of corticosteroids, including inhaled forms such as Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh), may slow the growth of children and adolescents. It is important to use the lowest effective dose for managing asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Infections: Corticosteroids such as beclomethasone may worsen existing infections, mask the signs of infection, and increase the risk of new infections, especially for people who are also taking medications that suppress the immune system (e.g., Azathioprine, cancer medications, Cyclosporine). If you use Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) for several months or longer, your doctor will monitor you periodically for signs of infection. If you have not had chicken pox or Measles or have not been vaccinated against these infections, take special care to avoid exposure to them.

Medical conditions: If you have a Thyroid disorder or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Oral hygiene: Adequate oral hygiene is very important in minimizing the overgrowth of microorganisms such as candidiasis (thrush). Proper oral hygiene includes rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler. Using a spacer device with the inhaler can greatly reduce how much medication stays in your mouth. Thrush infections, should they occur, may require treatment with appropriate antifungal therapy or the discontinuance of treatment with fluticasone, depending on the severity of the infections.

Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking oral steroid medications over the last several months, consult with your doctor before using Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh). In times of stress or during a severe asthma attack, your doctor may want you to start your oral steroid medication again.

Stopping medication: Do not stop Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) abruptly, as this may cause your condition to get worse. When Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.

Worsening of asthma: Increasing use of your bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol) to control asthma symptoms is an indication that your asthma may be worsening. Sudden and progressive worsening in asthma control is potentially life-threatening, and consideration should be given to increasing the dose of fluticasone inhalation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how to properly monitor for symptoms of worsening asthma.

Wheezing: Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) may cause the airways to spasm immediately after using the inhaler. If this happens, use your rescue inhaler as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms, then call your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking beclomethasone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Qvar (Beclomethasone-inh) have not been established for children under 5 years or age.