Qvar - indications, dosage, use, contraindications

Qvar, also known as Beclomethasone dipropionate, is a type of corticosteroid medication specifically designed to help in the treatment of persistent asthma. When it comes to its action, Qvar performs two primary functions.

Firstly, it works by reducing inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation in the lung airways is a common symptom of asthma, leading to difficulties in breathing. Qvar contains Beclomethasone dipropionate, which, when inhaled, gets absorbed by the cells in the lungs. It works within these cells to stop the release of certain chemicals that induce inflammation, thereby helping to reduce swelling and irritation in the lungs.

Secondly, Qvar helps in preventing asthma attacks. It is not a quick-relief medication, rather it acts over time to control and prevent the onset of asthma symptoms. It functions by reducing the sensitivity of the lung airways to asthma triggers, thereby minimizing the chances of an asthma attack. This makes breathing easier and helps prevent shortness of breath, wheezing, and other symptoms associated with asthma.

It's important to note that Qvar does not cure asthma; it manages the symptoms. It is a long-term medication and should be used regularly for optimal effectiveness. It is also crucial to remember that the action of Qvar is slow and it may take several weeks to achieve maximum benefit. It should not be used as a rescue medication during an acute asthma attack when immediate relief is required.

Qvar, a medication that contains the active ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate, is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adult and pediatric patients. It's also recommended for patients requiring oral corticosteroid therapy for asthma.

Some of the specific indications of Qvar include:

• For adults and children over 5 years old who have a documented need for inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
• For patients who are currently receiving chronic oral corticosteroid therapy for asthma. It helps these patients to reduce or eliminate their requirement for oral corticosteroids.

However, it's worth noting that Qvar is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm i.e., as a rescue inhaler.

As a rule of thumb, the decision to prescribe Qvar should be based on a thorough assessment of the patient's asthma condition and an evaluation of other available treatments. It's always advisable to use this medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure optimal benefits and to minimize potential risks.

Qvar, a popular medication used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma, is not suitable for everyone. It's important to be aware of the contraindications of Qvar before beginning treatment.

First and foremost, patients who are allergic to beclomethasone or any other ingredients found in Qvar should not use this medication. An allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as itching, rash, difficulty breathing or dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms after using Qvar, seek medical attention immediately.

Qvar is not recommended for use during an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus. It does not work quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack. Instead, a quick-relief inhaler should be used.

Patients with certain medical conditions may need to avoid using Qvar or take it with caution. These conditions include:

• Tuberculosis
• Untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
• Herpes infection of the eye
• Cataracts or glaucoma
• Liver disease

If you have any of the above conditions, discuss with your doctor before starting Qvar.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Qvar if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the implications of using Qvar in these conditions.

Finally, Qvar should not be used in children under the age of 5 as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.

While Qvar is generally well tolerated by most patients, there can be potential side effects that may manifest. It is critical to be aware of these side effects so that you can report them to your healthcare provider promptly.

Common side effects of Qvar include:

• Oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth)
• Hoarseness or deepened voice
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Upper respiratory tract infection

In rare instances, Qvar may cause serious side effects. If you notice any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions, symptoms of which can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Worsened breathing problems
• Signs of a hormonal disorder, such as unusual tiredness, weight loss, nervousness, or increased thirst and urination

In case of experiencing any unlisted side effects, it's recommended to report them to your healthcare provider.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list of all potential side effects of Qvar. Some patients may experience other side effects or reactions not listed above. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance and advice on managing side effects.

Qvar is typically prescribed as a twice-daily medication. However, the exact dosage can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of the patient's asthma, their response to the medication, and their age. It's crucial that individuals use Qvar as directed by their healthcare provider to ensure its effectiveness.

For adults and adolescents aged 12 and over, the typical starting dose ranges between 40 to 80 micrograms twice daily. The dose can be increased if necessary, but should not exceed 320 micrograms twice daily. Meanwhile, for children aged 5 to 11, the usual starting dose is 40 micrograms twice daily, not to exceed 80 micrograms twice daily.

It's important to note that Qvar is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. If an individual's asthma symptoms do not improve after using Qvar for a week, they should contact their healthcare provider for further instructions.

Lastly, if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the individual remembers. If it's near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Qvar is typically used in the treatment, control, prevention, and improvement of asthma symptoms. This medication is often prescribed when asthma symptoms are not effectively managed by other asthma medicines or when a person has severe asthma. It is an inhaled corticosteroid and works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways.

It is important to take Qvar exactly as directed by your doctor. It should be used regularly to be effective, even if you do not have any symptoms. Do not suddenly stop using it without consulting your doctor as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Qvar is administered through a metered dose inhaler. Make sure to shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use. Exhale completely, put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips around it. Press down on the inhaler while taking a deep breath in. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If you are using another inhaler at the same time, wait at least one minute between the use of the two medications, and use Qvar last.

Remember to rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. It's also important to clean the inhaler at least once a week to prevent build-up and blockage. If the inhaler is new, or if it has not been used for a week or more, it should be primed by releasing a few sprays into the air, away from the face, until a fine mist appears.

When using Qvar, there are several precautions that need to be taken into consideration to ensure safe and effective use. Firstly, it is important to note that Qvar should not be used to treat sudden severe symptoms of asthma or COPD. For these types of symptoms, a quick-relief inhaler should be used instead.

Moreover, you should avoid coming into contact with people who have infections that could easily be passed to you. These include chickenpox or measles. If you do come into contact with these types of infections, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Qvar can also cause your immune system to weaken. As such, it is important to maintain good health practices such as washing your hands frequently to prevent infections. It is also recommended to get the influenza vaccine each year.

If you are scheduled for surgery or a medical test, or if you have been under severe stress, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Qvar. Always remember to inform your healthcare provider about these circumstances.

In case of allergies to any of the ingredients in Qvar, it should be discontinued immediately and an alternative treatment should be sought. Additionally, it is crucial to rinse your mouth with water after using Qvar to prevent oral thrush, a type of yeast infection in the mouth.

Lastly, it is important to regularly monitor your bone density as prolonged use of Qvar can lead to osteoporosis. Regular exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain a healthy bone density.

When using Qvar, certain medications may have an impact on its efficacy or cause adverse reactions. It is therefore essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you are currently taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all possible interactions are listed here, and some drugs may affect Qvar, including:

• Other inhaled drugs used to treat asthma
• Certain antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
• Antifungal medications like itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Some HIV drugs, including ritonavir
• Certain heart medications

Always ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of any new medication you start or stop using. This is crucial for your safety and to ensure that Qvar works effectively. Furthermore, it's important to note that Qvar may interact with conditions such as tuberculosis, infections, osteoporosis, and certain eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.

The price of Qvar varies depending on the dosage and the location where it is purchased. On average, the cost of Qvar inhaler with a standard dose of 80mcg ranges from $200 to $250 for a supply of one inhaler. However, prices can significantly vary between different pharmacies.

It's important to note that this is the average cash price without insurance. Insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, so it's always worth checking with your insurance provider. Some pharmacies also offer discount programs or generic versions at a lower cost.

Another important aspect to consider is that the price of Qvar can change over time due to factors such as changes in manufacturing costs, supply and demand, and inflation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to compare prices from different pharmacies before purchasing.

There are several alternatives to Qvar, which can be used as substitutes if Qvar is not suitable or not available. It is essential to note that these alternatives should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Here are some substitutes for Qvar:

• Alvesco (Ciclesonide): This is a corticosteroid used to prevent and control symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. It works by reducing the swelling and inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
• Pulmicort (Budesonide): This is a long-term medication used to prevent asthma symptoms. It is a corticosteroid which works by reducing irritation and swelling in the airways.
• Asmanex (Mometasone): Asmanex is another corticosteroid used to control and prevent the symptoms caused by asthma. It works by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs.
• Flovent (Fluticasone): This is a corticosteroid used to control and prevent symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. Flovent works by reducing swelling and inflammation of the airways.

Remember that these are just substitutes and may not have the same strength or dosage as Qvar. Always consult your healthcare provider before switching to a substitute.