Qvar Redihaler

Primary Uses

Qvar Redihaler is prescribed for the long-term management of asthma. It belongs to a class of drugs known as inhaled corticosteroids, which work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways to make breathing easier over time.

This medication is typically used for:

• Preventing asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
• Reducing the risk and frequency of future asthma attacks.
• Maintenance treatment in patients 4 years of age and older.

Important Considerations

It is important to understand how this medication fits into an asthma treatment plan:

• Preventative use: This medication must be used regularly as prescribed to be effective. It is intended for daily maintenance rather than occasional use.
• Not for acute attacks: Qvar Redihaler is not a rescue inhaler. It will not work fast enough to stop an asthma attack that has already started. A separate fast-acting rescue inhaler is required for sudden breathing emergencies.

How it reduces inflammation

Qvar Redihaler contains beclomethasone, a corticosteroid that works directly in the lungs to decrease inflammation. It blocks the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause the airways to swell and become irritated.

Improving lung function

By reducing airway inflammation, this medication helps to:

• Keep the breathing passages open over time.
• Make the lungs less reactive to common asthma triggers like allergens, smoke, or cold air.
• Decrease the production of excess mucus in the airways.

Maintenance vs. Rescue

This medication is a maintenance treatment, meaning it is used daily to prevent symptoms from occurring. Because it works gradually to reduce underlying inflammation, it will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun. A separate rescue inhaler is required for immediate relief of sudden breathing problems.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Cough
• Sinus irritation or stuffy nose
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following serious symptoms:

• Oral Thrush: White patches in the mouth or on the tongue, which may indicate a fungal infection.
• Allergic Reactions: Hives, rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
• Vision Changes: Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.
• Paradoxical Bronchospasm: Sudden wheezing or increased breathing difficulty immediately after using the medication.
• Adrenal Suppression: Extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, or feeling lightheaded.
• Signs of Infection: Fever, chills, or persistent body aches.

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone may also lead to bone thinning (osteoporosis) or slowed growth in children. Healthcare providers typically monitor these risks during regular checkups.

Acute Asthma Episodes

Qvar Redihaler is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden, severe asthma symptoms or status asthmaticus. A fast-acting rescue inhaler is required for acute attacks.

Hypersensitivity

This medication is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to beclomethasone dipropionate or any of the ingredients in the inhaler.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Fungal infections of the mouth and throat (thrush) can occur with the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth with water without swallowing after each use may help reduce this risk.

Adrenal Suppression and Systemic Effects

Switching from oral corticosteroids to inhaled versions like Qvar Redihaler can lead to signs of adrenal insufficiency. High doses or long-term use may also cause systemic corticosteroid effects, including a decrease in bone mineral density or a slowing of growth rates in children and adolescents.

Paradoxical Bronchospasm

In some cases, inhaled medications can cause an immediate increase in wheezing and shortness of breath after use. If this occurs, the medication should be stopped immediately and alternative therapy considered.

Immunosuppression

Inhaled corticosteroids can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Patients who have not had chickenpox or measles should avoid exposure, as these illnesses can be more severe in people using corticosteroids.

Eye Problems

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, or cataracts. Regular eye exams may be recommended for long-term users.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Qvar Redihaler in pregnant women. While animal studies have shown potential risks when corticosteroids are administered at high doses, the amount of medication that reaches the bloodstream after inhalation is generally low. Decisions regarding use during pregnancy involve weighing the benefits of controlling asthma against the potential risks to the developing fetus.

It is important to note that poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, including:

• Preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure)
• Low birth weight
• Preterm delivery

Infants born to mothers who received significant doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be monitored closely by a healthcare provider for signs of hypoadrenalism, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether beclomethasone dipropionate, the active ingredient in Qvar Redihaler, passes into human breast milk. However, other similar corticosteroids are known to be excreted in milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants, healthcare providers usually exercise caution when prescribing this medication to someone who is breastfeeding.

Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of continuing or starting this medication while breastfeeding with their clinical team to determine the best course of action.

Dosage Forms

Qvar Redihaler is supplied as a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler for oral inhalation. This device is designed to deliver medication automatically as the patient breathes in through the mouthpiece, eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination.

• Inhalation Aerosol: A pressurized inhalation system that releases medication when the user inhales through the mouthpiece.

The Redihaler device does not require priming and is designed to be used without a spacer or volume holding chamber. It includes a built-in dose counter to track the remaining medication.

FDA Approval Status

Qvar Redihaler (beclomethasone dipropionate) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is indicated as a preventative therapy to reduce airway inflammation and is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.

Regulatory Requirements

This medication does not carry an FDA boxed warning, which is the most serious type of warning for prescription drugs. Additionally, there is no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) required for this product. It is a prescription-only medication and is not a controlled substance.

Important Limitations

The FDA-approved labeling states that Qvar Redihaler is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. It is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or status asthmaticus.

Role in Asthma Management

Qvar Redihaler is a corticosteroid used to prevent and control asthma symptoms. It works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways, which helps make breathing easier over time and reduces the risk of future asthma attacks.

Daily Prevention

This medication is classified as a long-term maintenance treatment. It is intended for daily use to keep asthma under control. It must be used regularly to be effective, even when you are not experiencing any symptoms.

Important Considerations

• Not a Rescue Inhaler: Qvar Redihaler will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. A separate fast-acting rescue inhaler is required for sudden shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Treatment Timeline: While some improvement may be noticed within 24 hours of starting the medication, it may take one to four weeks of consistent use to achieve the full benefit.
• Consistent Use: If you stop using this medication, your asthma symptoms may return or worsen.