Brand name: Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
Pronounced: BECK-low-METH-ah-sone
Brand names: Beclovent, Beconase AQ Nasal Spray, Beconase Inhalation
Aerosol, Qvar Inhalation Aerosol, Vancenase AQ Nasal Spray and Double
Strength Nasal Spray, Vancenase Nasal Inhaler and PocketHaler Nasal
Inhaler, Vanceril Inhalation Aerosol and Double Strength Inhalation
Aerosol, Vanceril Inhaler
Why is Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) prescribed?
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) is a type of steroid used for respiratory problems.
Beclovent and Vanceril are prescribed for the prevention of recurring
symptoms of bronchial asthma.
Beconase and Vancenase are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever
and to prevent regrowth of nasal polyps following surgical removal.
Most important fact about Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly
open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when
bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not
expect immediate relief from Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone), and do not take higher
doses in an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief,
but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.
How should you take Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)?
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) is prescribed in an oral inhalant or a nasal spray
form. Use Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) only as preventive therapy, and take only
the dose prescribed.
Although some people begin to notice improvement within a day or two,
it may take 1 or 2 weeks for the full benefits to appear. If there's
no improvement after 3 weeks, let your doctor know.If you are already
taking a steroid in tablet form for asthma, you'll need to make a gradual
transition to the oral inhalant. During the
first week, you'll probably take the usual number of tablets. After
that, you'll be instructed to slowly reduce the number of tablets,
replacing them with the inhalant.Be sure to take the drug regularly,
even if you have no symptoms. Many people will require additional drugs
to control asthma symptoms
fully, but Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) may allow other drugs to be used in smaller
doses.
If you are also using a bronchodilator inhalant, take it before inhaling
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone). This will improve the effect of the second drug. Take
the two inhalations several minutes apart.Spray the inhalation aerosol
into the air twice before you use it for the first time and when you
have not used it for more than 7 days.
Use it within 6 months.
Before you use Vancenase AQ 84 microgram nasal spray, press the pump
6 times or until you see a fine spray. If you don't use it for more
than 4 days, reprime the pump by spraying once or until a fine spray
appears.To use the inhaler:
1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
2. Shake the inhaler thoroughly.
3. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat.
4. Breathe out as fully as you comfortably can. Hold the inhaler upright
and close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below
it.
5. While pressing down on the can, inhale deeply. Hold your breath
as long as you can.
6. Take your finger off the can, remove the inhaler, and breathe out
gently.
7. Allow at least 1 minute between inhalations.
Gargling and rinsing your mouth with water after each dose may help
prevent hoarseness and throat irritation. Do not swallow the water
after you rinse.Be careful to avoid spraying Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
into your eyes. This medication comes with directions. Read them carefully
before using it.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember and take the remaining doses for that
day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and cold.
Do not puncture the container, store it near open flame, or dispose
of it in a fire or incinerator.
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.
* Side effects may include:
Acne, agitation, allergic reactions, breathing problems, bruising, cataracts,
chest pain, cold sores, cough, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, ear infections,
fever, fluid retention, flu-like symptoms, headache, hives, hoarseness, increased
pressure within the eye (glaucoma), itching, joint pain, light-headedness,
mental disturbances, moon face, mouth or throat infection, muscle pain, nasal
and throat dryness and irritation, nasal burning, nausea, nose infection,
nosebleed, pain, pinkeye, "pins and needles" sensation, ringing
in the ears, runny nose, skin rash, skin wasting, sneezing, sore mouth or
throat, stuffy nose, stunted growth, tearing eyes, unpleasant--or loss of--taste
and smell, upset stomach, vomiting, weight gain, wheezing
Why should Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) not be prescribed?
Your doctor will prescribe Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) only if your asthma cannot
be controlled with bronchodilators and other nonsteroid medications.
Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) is not used for the treatment of non-asthmatic bronchitis,
or for intermittent asthma therapy.Do not use Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) nasal
products if you've recently had nasal ulcers, nose surgery, or an injury
to the nose. It could interfere
with the healing process.If you are sensitive to or have ever had an
allergic reaction to Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) or other steroid drugs, you should
not take this medication. Rare cases
of immediate and delayed allergic reactions, such as hives, a rash,
or wheezing, have occured. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any
drug reactions that you have experienced.Although unlikely, immediate
allergic reactions to Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) have been known to occur.
Special warnings about Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
When steroid drugs are taken by mouth they substitute for and decrease
the body's normal ability to make its own steroids as well as its ability
to respond to stress.
There is a risk of causing a serious condition called "adrenal
insufficiency" when people change from steroid tablets taken by
mouth to aerosol Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone). Although the aerosol may provide adequate
control of asthma during the changeover period, it does not provide
the normal amount of steroid the body needs during acute stress situations,
such as injury, surgery, and infection%mdash;particularly stomach flu.
If you are being transferred from steroid tablets to Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
and you experience a period of stress or a severe asthma attack, contact
your doctor immediately. He may prescribe additional treatment with
steroid tablets. You should also carry a warning card indicating that
you may need steroid tablets during such incidents. As you continue
taking Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone), your doctor may conduct periodic tests to measure
your adrenal function.Transfer from steroid tablet therapy to Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
aerosol may reactivate allergic conditions that were previously suppressed
by the
steroid tablet therapy, such as runny nose, inflamed eyelids, and eczema.
Some people also experience withdrawal side effects when they switch
from tablets to aerosol. Potential symptoms include joint or muscle
pain, weakness, and depression. Inform your doctor if you experience
any of these symptoms.High doses of steroids can suppress your immune
system. When Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) is used nasally, your chances of developing
nose and throat infections
increase. Also take extra care to avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox
if you have never had them or never had shots. These infections can
be serious or even fatal if your immune system is below par. If you
are exposed, seek medical advice immediately.Symptoms such as mental
disturbances, increased bruising, weight gain, facial swelling (moon
face), acne, menstrual irregularities, increased
pressure in the eyes, and cataracts may occur with steroids. If you
experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. If
you've ever had cataracts or increased eye pressure, your doctor will
monitor you closely if you have any problems with your vision.Long-term
use of steroids can slow down growth in children. If your child seems
to be growing more slowly than normal, call your doctor.
If bronchodilator medications seem less effective after you start
taking Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone), be sure to tell your doctor. Do not abruptly
stop using Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) on your own.
If you have tuberculosis, a herpes infection of the eye, or any untreated
fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, your doctor may
not want you to use an inhaled steroid.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone) in pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, let your
doctor know. Steroids do appear in breast milk and could harm your
baby. Your doctor may want you to avoid breastfeeding while you are
using Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone).
Recommended dosage for Beconase (Vancenase, Beclomethasone)
