Beclometasone

What is beclometasone?

Beclometasone is used to prevent asthma. It is also called a preventer because when used every day it prevents asthma attacks. Beclometasone works by preventing the swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. It belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

In New Zealand, beclometasone inhalers are available in different brands (Beclazone and Qvar) and strengths.

Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body. 

Dose

The usual dose is 1 or 2 puffs inhaled two times a day. However, the dose of beclometasone will be different for different people depending on the severity of your symptoms and the strength of your inhaler.

• Always take your beclometasone exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
• Beclometasone inhalers are available in different strengths. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which strength you are taking. If your inhaler looks different to what you were expecting, ask your pharmacist.
• Keep using your beclometasone every day. Do not stop using beclometasone, even if you feel better. Since asthma is a long-term condition, prevention with beclometasone is ongoing and it will need to be used every day for months or years.
• Try to use beclometasone at the same time each day, to help you to remember to use it regularly.
• If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take your next dose at the right time.
• Beclometasone can cause a sore throat and hoarse voice - rinse your mouth after each use to prevent this.

How to use your inhaler (puffer)

You will get the most benefit from your inhaler if you use the correct technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain how to use your inhaler. Even if you have been shown before, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain how to use your inhaler if you still have any questions. Here is some guidance.

How to use your MDI (puffer)
	Take off the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
	Shake the inhaler to mix the medication.
	Sit upright, tilt your head back slightly (as if you are sniffing) and breathe out gently.
	Hold the device upright, insert the inhaler into your mouth, ensuring that your lips firmly seal the mouthpiece. At the beginning of a slow, deep breath, breathe in through the mouthpiece as you press the inhaler to release one dose or 'puff'.
	Breathe in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Breathe out gently through your nose.

Learn more about metered dose inhalers

Using a spacer with your inhaler

A spacer is an attachment to use with your MDI. Using a spacer with your MDI makes it easier to use the inhaler and helps to get the medicine into your lungs, where it’s needed (with less medicine ending up in your mouth and throat). Spacers improve how well your medicine works. Read more about spacers.

Precautions – before using beclometasone

• Are you breastfeeding?
• Are you lactose intolerant?
• Have you ever had pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)?

If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start using beclometasone. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, beclometasone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Learn More

Beclazone, Qvar Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets
Beclometasone (for inhalation) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information

References

1. Beclometasone dipropionate New Zealand Formulary