Does Clenil Modulite cause any side effects?

Clenil Modulite is one of the most widely used preventer inhalers in the UK. It is called a preventer inhaler as it helps to prevent symptoms of asthma from occurring.

If you have been prescribed clenil modulite or any other preventer inhaler for your asthma, it is likely that you will need to use this treatment for the rest of your life.

Before you buy clenil modulite or start a long term asthma treatment plan, it is natural to have questions regarding the long term side effects that it may cause. Our guide details the different side effects that you may experience when using a Clenil Modulite inhaler.

What does Clenil Modulite do?

Clenil Modulite is a preventer inhaler that should be taken each day to prevent the symptoms of asthma from occurring.

Clenil Modulite should be taken if you intend to do anything strenuous like exercise, or if there is a high risk that you will come into contact with an asthma trigger.

Even seasonal weather trends can trigger asthma symptoms.

The active ingredient in Clenil Modulite is a corticosteroid medicine called beclometasone. This medicine is absorbed by the lungs’ cells and airways, which prevents the cells from releasing chemicals that would normally cause inflammation as a result of the body’s immune and allergic responses.

By stopping these chemicals from being released, inflammation in the lungs is reduced, which makes it easier for you to breathe. Regular use of Clenil Modulite will help to prevent the symptoms of asthma from affecting you.

What are the side effects of Clenil Modulite?

Most people who use Clenil Modulite will not experience side effects, as the inhaler is designed to deliver a small dose of the steroid directly to the area of the lungs that needs it. However, like any other type of medication, there is always a risk of side effects.

Knowing exactly how and when to use your clenil modulite inhaler can also help to reduce the risk of side effects.

Common side effects

According to the NHS, the most common side effects of Clenil Modulite occur in more than 1 in 100 people who use this inhaler.

The common side effects include:

• Oral thrush
• Dry or sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Nosebleeds
• Coughing

If any of these side effects persist or worry you, do not stop using your inhaler but talk to your doctor about them.

Serious side effects

Using a beclometasone inhaler like Clenil Modulite is unlikely to cause serious side effects. However, if you are using high doses of the inhaler, side effects are more likely.

You should seek medical attention straight away if you get any of the following serious side effects:

• Symptoms of an infection: ear or sinus pain, a severely sore throat, high temperature, chills, coughing up phlegm or a change in colour of your phlegm, a cough, pain while urinating, mouth sores or an open wound
• Signs of adrenal gland problems: severe nausea or vomiting, passing out, muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, mood swings, weight loss or loss of appetite, severe dizziness
• Any eyesight problems, such as blurred vision
• Moon face: puffiness or rounding of the face, weight gain in the stomach or upper back

Are there any other side effects of inhaled steroids that I should know about?

Providing you use steroid inhalers properly and in the correct dosage, you are unlikely to get any side effects.

However, if you need to use a high dose of beclometasone for a prolonged period, you may experience side effects such as:

• Mood swings
• Sleeping problems
• Increased appetite

You should always read the patient information leaflet before you use Clenil Modulite, this will detail exactly how and when to take the inhaler. Proper inhaler usage can also help to reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

You can report any side effects to the MHRA via their Yellow Card scheme.

Why do I need to rinse my mouth out after using Clenil Modulite?

Using an asthma inhaler like Clenil Modulite can lead to oral thrush, which is a fungal infection that can cause white patches in your mouth and also make it sore.

Some of the steroid medicine you inhale can stick to your mouth and cause thrush, which is why you are advised to rinse and gargle after using your inhaler. This will significantly reduce the risk of developing oral thrush as a result of using Clenil Modulite.

Does Clenil Modulite cause weight gain?

Clenil Modulite will not cause weight gain. However, if steroids are taken for a long time in high doses, you may experience an increased appetite. Speak to your doctor if you need to take high doses for a long period of time.

Is it safe to use beclometasone for a long time?

Clenil Modulite is designed to deliver a small amount of the steroid beclometasone directly to the area of the lungs that needs it. Because of this, the steroid is not absorbed by other parts of the body, which also helps to reduce the risk of side effects.

Asthma is a lifelong condition that requires the sufferer to keep on top of it each day. For this reason, if you are prescribed Clenil Modulite, it is likely that you will need to take it every day for a long time. In many cases, people will need to use it each day for the rest of their lives.

NetDoctor has explained some of the main issues that may occur as a result of taking Clenil Modulite for a long time in high doses. It is advisable to keep a diary if you are using an asthma inhaler to monitor your usage, as long term use in high doses can cause issues such as:

• A reduction in natural steroids being produced by your adrenal glands
• An increase in wheezing or difficulty breathing straight after using the inhaler

If you are taking Clenil Modulite in the long term, you may also be prescribed an additional steroid medication if you become ill or need to have an operation.

Is it safe to use Clenil every day?

Yes, steroid inhalers such as Clenil are intendended for long term every day use.

Can Clenil Modulite cause baldness?

Some people who take steroid tablets experience hair loss. However, you will not go bald as a result of using Clenil Modulite. If you notice that you are losing your hair while using this inhaler and are not sure why, you should talk to your doctor. The cause is highly unlikely to be related to this asthma medication.

Can steroid inhalers cause anxiety?

Anxiety is listed as a potential undesirable effect when using clenil modulite. However, the likelihood of experiencing anxiety after using clenil modulite is very rare. In fact, it is so low that the likelihood of experiencing this cannot be estimated from available data.

What happens if I stop using clenil?

Your inhaler is intended to control your breathing difficulties and prevent asthma symptoms, suddenly stopping taking your inhaler may cause asthma symptoms to appear.

Can I drink alcohol whilst using Clenil?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol whilst using Clenil inhaler.