Qvar Inhaler

What is Qvar Inhaler?

The Qvar 50-100 inhaler is a treatment for preventing asthma symptoms. It works to control your symptoms and prevent an asthma attack from happening. It is also available in the form of an autohaler.

Two variations of Qvar inhalers are available. The aerosol inhaler has a metal canister that contains the medicine; this is pressed down to release a dose of medicine into your mouth, which is inhaled. 

The Qvar Autohaler is also available, which will release a dose of the medicine automatically when you inhale straight from the mouthpiece. This version may be preferable for people who might find it hard to press down on a canister.  

Whichever version you prefer, you must have a prescription to buy Qvar inhalers. 

What is a Qvar inhaler used to treat?

The Qvar inhaler is used daily to prevent and manage the symptoms of asthma over time.

The active ingredient helps the body build up a tolerance to asthma triggers that cause inflammation in the airways.

Why is Qvar prescribed for asthma?

Clinical trials have shown beclometasone dipropionate inhalers to be an effective treatment for asthma symptoms, making it easier for users to build up a tolerance to asthma triggers. 

How does Qvar 50/100 inhaler work?

Qvar contains a corticosteroid medicine called beclometasone dipropionate, which works to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. This makes it less likely that you will suffer from an asthma attack.

Working deep in your lungs, this steroid medicine works by reducing the swelling, inflammation, and irritation in your airways. This makes breathing much easier.

You need to use this device every day, even when you do not have any asthma symptoms. 

A Qvar inhaler will not work to relieve the effects of an asthma attack if you suffer one. For this, you should always carry a 'reliever inhaler' with you at all times. To control your asthma properly, you will likely be prescribed a reliever inhaler alongside Qvar.

Who can use a Qvar Inhaler 50 or 100?

If you need to use high doses of a steroid inhaler, your doctor may also prescribe you steroid tablets or, in some cases, a steroid injection at a time of stress. This may happen if you have to be admitted to hospital after a serious injury.

Do not use Qvar inhaler if any of the following applies to you:

• You are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You are allergic to any other inhalers that are similar to this one
• You are suffering from sudden shortness of breath. Qvar will not help to relieve this, you will need to use a reliever inhaler for this problem

Make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Qvar if:

Can you buy Qvar inhalers over the counter?

No, Qvar inhalers are only available on prescription. 

Can you buy Qvar inhalers online?

Yes, you can buy a Qvar inhaler or autohaler online from most UK pharmacies.

It is important to ensure that you are buying medicine from a fully regulated UK pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. All you need to do is complete a confidential online consultation with one of our UK-based prescribers. 

Qvar Inhaler Alternatives

There are a number of preventer inhalers that may be prescribed as an alternative to Qvar. Other commonly prescribed preventer inhalers include:

• Clenil Modulite brown inhaler
• Pulmicort Turbohaler
• Symbicort Inhaler
• Flixotide Inhaler

A 2002 study concluded that there was some evidence to suggest inhalers that contain budesonide when inhaled via Turbuhaler are more effective than beclometasone dipropionate inhalers. However, the difference in effectiveness is not sufficient enough to suggest a change in clinical guidance.

Qvar Inhaler Dosage and indications

All of our doctors and pharmacists follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Qvar.

Always use Qvar exactly how your doctor or pharmacist has instructed. 

How to use Qvar Aerosol Inhaler

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Shake the inhaler up and down while holding it vertically
3. Breathe out fully then place the mouthpiece into your mouth
4. Inhale deeply and press down on the top of the metal canister at the same time
5. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, hold your breath for as long as is comfortable
6. Exhale slowly
7. Place the cap back over the mouthpiece

How to use Qvar Autohaler

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Make sure the lever is in the 'down' position, then shake it up and down
3. Push the lever into the 'up' position
4. Breathe out fully then place the mouthpiece into your mouth
5. Inhale from the mouthpiece deeply 
6. Remove the device from your mouth and hold your breath for at least 10 seconds 
7. Breathe out slowly
8. Put the lever back in the 'down' position 
9. Replace the cap over the mouthpiece

For more information on how to use Qvar inhalers, read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Side Effects

Like all medicine, Qvar inhalers can cause side effects, although they will not affect everyone who uses them.

Common side effects of Qvar may affect up to 1 in 10 people and include:

• Change in taste
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, sore throat
• Sore mouth or thrush (you can help to prevent this by rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler)

Less common side effects may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Tremor
• Feeling dizzy or fainting
• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Blurred vision
• Breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, wheezing, cough)

Always read the patient information leaflet for complete details of the side effects associated with this treatment. 

Qvar Inhaler Warnings and Drug Interactions

Before you start to use a Qvar inhaler, please ensure you tell your doctor if you are already using any other type of medicine. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements.

It is particularly important that you tell them if you are already taking any of the below medicines:

• Disulfiram
• Metronidazole

See the NICE website for more information on Qvar inhaler drug interactions.

Certain medicines can also increase the effects of the Qvar aerosol inhaler, so your doctor might need to monitor you more carefully. Medicines used to treat HIV can increase the effects of this asthma treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are currently pregnant
• You are trying to get pregnant
• You think you might be pregnant
• You are currently breastfeeding

If you become pregnant while using Qvar tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Please read the patient information leaflet for full details on who Qvar may not be suitable for. If you are not sure if this inhaler is suitable for you, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns.

Qvar Autohaler Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Beclometasone dipropionate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.