Generic Beclovent, aerosol

Chemical Name: BECLOMETHASONE

Common uses

This medicine is a corticosteroid used to treat asthma. This medicine is also used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: if you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Deaths have occurred during such stresses, due to low steroid levels.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist now for specific advice regarding stress situations; you may need to carry a supply of corticosteroid tablets as a precaution. Routine blood tests may be performed (e.g., morning cortisol levels). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting or severe dizziness. Carry a warning card or medical id bracelet that identifies your need for oral corticosteroids during times of stress as noted.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions such as: glaucoma, cataracts, and any illnesses or infections. Inform your doctor of any recent exposure to contagious diseases such as chickenpox or measles. Also, tell your doctor about any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine.

Before using this medicine, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and shake well. Each time a new inhaler is used turn the canister away from the face and press down into the mouthpiece to release test sprays into the air. This process is called priming and will allow you to be sure the inhaler is working properly and will provide a full dose of medicine. Exhale slowly and deeply. Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through the nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process.

Keep the spray away from your eyes. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. Rinse your mouth or gargle with water after using this medicine to prevent mouth sores or bad taste. Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn the canister even if it appears to be empty. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions

This medicine will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. If you are also using a bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. After you begin using this medicine, a few weeks may pass before the full benefit is obtained. Continue to use it as directed during this time. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

Important: if you have switched from an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids, especially if your body is stressed due to major infections such as stomach infections (gastroenteritis), surgery, or injury. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice regarding stress situations.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fainting, or severe dizziness. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles. If you are having difficulty using this medicine or are having side effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using a spacing device. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine may affect growth rate in children. Your child's growth should be checked regularly while using this medicine.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may go away during treatment include headache, dry mouth, hoarseness, or irritated throat. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience white curd-like patches in mouth, or rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve after regular use of this medicine or if your asthma becomes worse, contact your doctor. If you switched from oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the last 12 months, carry a warning card or medical id bracelet that identifies your possible need of supplemental steroids during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.