Beclomethasone

US Brand Names: Beclovent, Vanceril, Becloforte, Beconaise

Corticosteroid, Oral Inhaler

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

When switching from an oral steroid to an inhaled one there can be problems. Symptoms such as weakness, feeling tired, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, inability to think clearly, or low blood sugar may occur. Call healthcare provider right away if any of these occur. If you have a serious accident and are injured, have surgery, or any type of infection you may need extra doses of oral steroids. These extra steroids will help your body deal with these stresses. Carry a warning card saying that you may need extra steroids at certain times.

Reasons not to take this medicine

If you have an allergy to beclomethasone or any other part of the medicine.

If you have a fungal infection in your body.

This medicine will not help if you have a severe asthma attack.

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used for the treatment of chronic asthma to prevent attacks. It is not helpful during an asthma attack. The biggest benefit may be seen after 2 weeks of the medicine. It may help patients get off oral steroids.

How does it work?

Beclomethasone prevents and reduces irritation in the airways of the lungs.

How is it best taken?

Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right way is very important. For aerosol, shake well first. If you cannot work the inhaler, ask healthcare provider for a device called a spacer to help. Children younger than 8 years of age should use a spacer.

Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it at a high dose for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.

Rinse mouth out after each use.

Throw medicine out after date given to you by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.

Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

Do not use this medicine on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

Wear disease medical alert identification if you have asthma, lung disease, are an allergy sufferer, or if you are going to be on this medicine longer than 3-4 weeks.

Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

Sore throat, stuffy, runny nose, hoarseness.

Mouth infection. To prevent, rinse with water after each use.

What should I monitor?

If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.

Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Any signs or symptoms of infection. This may include a fever greater than 99 degrees, chills, sore throat, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, anal itching or pain.

Feeling weak, tired, irritable, trembling, having rapid heartbeats, confusion, sweating, dizzy, especially if you missed a dose or recently stopped the medicine.

No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

Store aerosol at room temperature. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight.

Inhaler should be kept at room temperature for best effects.