Qvar Inhaler
- Preventer inhaler
- Contains the steroid Beclometasone
- Available as an inhaler/autohaler
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:
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.
