What is beclomethasone inhalation?
Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause
inflammation.
Beclomethasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack
that has already begun.
Beclomethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking beclomethasone inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any
kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use beclomethasone inhalation until you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an
unborn baby. Before using beclomethasone inhalation, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use beclomethasone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Beclomethasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is
not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you
do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family
history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
How should I take beclomethasone inhalation?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Beclomethasone comes with patient
instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions.
Do not
use beclomethasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has
already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting
inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using
beclomethasone inhalation. Do not swallow.
Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use
all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule
without advice from your doctor.
It is important to use beclomethasone inhalation regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone
inhalation for 2 weeks.
Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well
as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your
dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an
asthma attack.
If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation,
you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack
or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know
that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
Store beclomethasone inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
the medicine canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister
may explode if it gets too hot.
What happens if I miss a dose of beclomethasone inhalation?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about beclomethasone inhalation?
Your pharmacist has information about beclomethasone inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of beclomethasone inhalation?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss;
-
wheezing or breathing problems after using this
medication;
-
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle
weakness;
-
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in
your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
-
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
headache;
-
dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
-
stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or
-
hoarseness or deepened voice.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about beclomethasone inhalation?
Do not
use beclomethasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has
already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting
inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using beclomethasone
inhalation for 2 weeks.
Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well
as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your
dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an
asthma attack.
If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to beclomethasone inhalation,
you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack
or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know
that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
What should I avoid while taking beclomethasone inhalation?
Beclomethasone inhalation can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This
can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people
who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor if you have been exposed to someone with
measles or chicken pox.
What other drugs will affect beclomethasone inhalation?
If you are also using a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways to improve breathing), use
it first before using the beclomethasone inhaler. This will allow more beclomethasone to reach your
lungs. Bronchodilators include albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), bitolterol
(Tornalate), and others.
There may be other drugs that can interact with beclomethasone inhalation. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of beclomethasone inhalation?