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What is the most important information I should know about
Beclovent?
* Beclovent will not stop an asthma attack that has already started.
It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Beclovent to treat an
asthma attack. Have available another medication that can be used
to quickly treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack
that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical
attention.
* Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than
your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication
in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an
early sign of a serious asthma attack.
* If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to
Beclovent, carry or wear identification that will let others know
that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack
or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor
the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.
* Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away
from people with chicken pox, measles, or other contagious infections.
Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection
while using Beclovent. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop
symptoms of an infection.
What is Beclovent?
* Beclovent is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances
in the body that cause inflammation.
* Beclovent is used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions
involving inflammation of the lung tissues.
* Beclovent may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
using Beclovent?
* Beclovent will not stop an asthma attack that has already started.
It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Beclovent to treat an
asthma attack. Have available another medication that can be used
to quickly treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack
that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical
attention.
* Before using Beclovent, tell your doctor if you have a viral,
bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this
drug can inhibit the body's ability to fight off infections. You
may not be able to use Beclovent if you have an infection.
* Beclovent is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether Beclovent will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
* It is not known whether Beclovent passes into breast milk. Do
not use Beclovent without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Beclovent?
* Use Beclovent exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information
insert included with the inhaler. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you.
* If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil,
Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), levalbuterol (Xopenex), or bitolterol
(Tornalate), use the bronchodilator first, then use the Beclovent,
unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Using the medications
in this order will allow more Beclovent to reach the lungs.
* Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe
out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front
of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the
spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take
a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your
breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place the inhaler
directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount
of medicine because it may be propelled onto the back of your tongue
and/ or throat. If you do use the inhaler directly in your mouth,
be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.
* It is very important that you use the Beclovent inhaler properly,
so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you
to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper
inhaler use.
* To reduce the chance of a yeast infection in the mouth, rinse
the mouth with water after using Beclovent.
* Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you,
but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling
better. It may be several weeks before you see the effects of inhaled
Beclovent. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or
if they get worse.
* Beclovent will not stop an asthma attack that has already started.
It is used to prevent attacks. Do not use Beclovent to treat an
asthma attack. Have available another medication that can be used
to quickly treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack
that is not responding to any treatment, seek emergency medical
attention.
* Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than
your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication
in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an
early sign of a serious asthma attack.
* Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your
doctor has prescribed for you. Beclovent is not a substitute for
an oral steroid.
* If you are switching from an oral steroid (pills or liquid) to
Beclovent, carry or wear identification that will let others know
that you may require a systemic steroid during a severe asthma attack
or during another traumatic situation. Discuss with your doctor
the precautions necessary when discontinuing an oral steroid.
* Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
* Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it
is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed
dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose
of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
* An overdose of this medication is not likely to be harmful.
If an overdose has occurred, contact an emergency room or poison
control left for advice.
What should I avoid while using Beclovent?
* Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay
away from people with chicken pox, measles, or other contagious
infections. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight
off an infection while using Beclovent. Contact your doctor immediately
if you develop symptoms of an infection.
* Avoid items or activities that are known allergens or that make
your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate
your condition.
What are the possible side effects of Beclovent?
* Serious side effects from Beclovent are not likely to occur.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop
using Beclovent and seek emergency medical attention or notify your
doctor immediately:
o an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
o numbness, tingling, or pain;
o a rash or unexplained open sores or bruising; or
o worsening respiratory symptoms.
* Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to use Beclovent and talk to your doctor if you experience
o dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;
o yeast (or other) infections in the mouth or throat (white patches);
o hoarseness or deepening of the voice, cough, or sore throat;
o wheezing;
o increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;
o headache or lightheadedness;
o unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell;
o decreased growth in children taking large doses; or
o cataracts, which may develop after long-term use.
* Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Beclovent?
* Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist
about any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral, nasal,
or inhaled steroids may increase the chance of side effects or overdose.
* Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Beclovent
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herba products.
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