Common uses

This medicine is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. This medicine is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Your doctor need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•cataracts or glaucoma
•Cushing's syndrome
•diabetic
•infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
•recent surgery or trauma
•an unusual or allergic reaction to beclomethasone, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Directions

Beclomethasone is for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs. Follow the directions on the prescription label. As with all inhalers, you should prime the inhaler prior to the first use and in cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 7—10 days. Prime by 'test-spraying' the inhaler two times into the air, away from the eyes and face.

Be sure to shake the canister well before each use. Breathe out completely. Place the mouthpiece between the open lips, past the teeth. Close lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Press down on the canister one time while breathing in deeply and slowly. When you have finished breathing in, hold your breath for a count of 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, and then breathe out slowly. If you are using more than one dose, wait a minute between inhalations, shake the inhaler again and repeat the above procedure. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Gargle or rinse your mouth with water after the last dose; do not swallow the water. Do not use more than the recommended dose.

Your pharmacist will give you an information sheet on the use and care of the specific brand of inhaler you are using. Be sure to read this information. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use or cleaning of your specific inhaler type.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Beclomethasone inhalations are usually for children 5—6 years of age and older.

Cautions

This medicine will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. After you begin using this medicine, a few weeks may pass before the full benefit is obtained. Continue to use it as directed during this time. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Important: if you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles. If you are having difficulty using this medicine or are having side effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using a spacing device. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine.
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine may affect growth rate in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Serious side effects from Beclovent are not likely to occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Beclovent and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• numbness, tingling, or pain;
• a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or
• worsening respiratory symptoms.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Beclovent and talk to your doctor if you experience
• dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;
• yeast (or other) infections in the mouth or throat (white patches);
• hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
• wheezing;
• increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
• headache or lightheadedness;
• unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell;
• decreased growth in children taking large doses; or
• cataracts, which may develop after long-term use.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medication is not likely to be harmful. If an overdose has occurred, contact an emergency room or poison control left for advice.

Additional information

Beclomethasone is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief, but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.

Drug interactions

If you are also using a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways to improve breathing), use it first before using the beclomethasone inhaler. This will allow more beclomethasone to reach your lungs. Bronchodilators include albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol (Tornalate), and others.
There may be other drugs that can affect beclomethasone inhalation. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.