Drugs & Vitamins

Beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation Active Ingredients: Beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation   Representative Names: Beconase AQ Available Product Images: What is beclomethasone nasal spray? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with beclomethasone? What side effects may I notice from using beclomethasone? What should I watch for while taking beclomethasone? Where can I keep my medicine? What is beclomethasone nasal spray? (Back to top) BECLOMETHASONE (Beconase AQ®) is a corticosteroid. Beclomethasone nasal sprays relieve allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching of the nose and throat. It does not give rapid relief, but controls symptoms when used regularly. It also helps to prevent recurrent nasal polyps following surgical removal. Generic beclomethasone nasal spray is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •cataracts or glaucoma •Cushing's syndrome •diabetic •infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox •recent surgery or trauma •an unusual or allergic reaction to beclomethasone, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) These sprays are only for use in the nose. Do not spray in the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Gently blow nose first to clear the nasal passages. If nasal passages are blocked, you may administer a nasal decongestant spray 5—10 minutes prior to administration, if approved of by your prescriber. Do not use the nasal spray for more than one person. Do not use extra doses or use more of this medicine than your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed. Beconase® or Vancenase®: Prior to the use of the nasal inhaler for the first time, get the drug ready for use by priming the inhaler according to the instructional leaflet that comes with this medicine. Shake the nasal inhaler thoroughly prior to each use. Tilt the head backwards, close one nostril by pressing your finger on the nose, and insert the nozzle into the other nostril. Point the nozzle away from the middle of your nose. While gently inhaling through the nose, press the canister down to release a spray of medication. Exhale through the mouth. Before using in the other nostril, shake the inhaler again, and repeat the above procedure. If 2 sprays are required per nostril, point one spray toward the upper and one toward the lower part of the nostril to ensure adequate coverage of the nasal area. After use, you may clean the nasal inhaler if needed. Remove the aerosol container and wash the plastic parts regularly in warm-not-hot water with addition of mild detergent if necessary. Allow the plastic parts to dry completely and then replace the aerosol container. Beconase® AQ or Vancenase® AQ: Prior to the use of the nasal spray for the first time, get the spray ready for use by priming the spray according to the instructional leaflet that comes with this medicine, usually by pumping the spray 6 times into the air and away from the face. Shake the nasal sprayer well before each use. Close one nostril, then, with head upright, spray the medicine into the other nostril. Point the nozzle away from the middle of your nose. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. Administer the dose in the other nostril in the same manner. After use, rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle. Dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap directly after cleaning. Your pharmacist will give you an information sheet on the use and care of the specific brand (®) of nasal spray you are using. Be sure to read this information. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of your specific nasal spray. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with beclomethasone? (Back to top) No interactions have been recorded. Do not use other nasal preparations at the same time as beclomethasone unless prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using beclomethasone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •chest pain or tightness •fever or chills •nosebleeds or unexplained bloody mucus from the nose •skin rash and itching (hives) •sore mouth, with cream or white curd-like patches in the mouth or throat •troubled breathing or wheezing •unusual swelling Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •burning and irritation inside the nose •coughing, hoarseness •dry mouth •headache •runny nose, sneezing •watery eyes What should I watch for while taking beclomethasone? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid you are taking, and your prescriber's name and address. It can take two or three days before your symptoms respond to beclomethasone. Do not use beclomethasone for more than 3 weeks if there is no improvement in your condition, without checking with the prescriber or health care professional. Do not stop using beclomethasone except on your prescriber's advice. This medicine may make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice white patches or sores in your mouth while you are being treated with beclomethasone. If you need surgery, or have any kind of accident or stress, tell the prescriber or health care professional that you are using beclomethasone. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Beconase® Nasal Inhalation Aerosol or Vancenase® Pockethaler®: Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). The effect of aerosol medications is decreased when the canister is too cold. Do not use or store near heat or an open flame. The canister may burst if exposed to high heat. Do not puncture the canister or throw it on a fire or incinerator. Throw away after the expiration date. Beconase® AQ or Vancenase® AQ: Store at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused mediation after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/31/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.