Beclomethasone Metered Dose Inhaler (BECLOMETHASONE HFA INHALER - ORAL INHALATION)

Instructions

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Each time you receive a new inhaler, you need to get it ready to use. Point the inhaler away from you and then spray into the air. Repeat this one more time. This process is called priming the pump and removes any air from the medicine canister.

Rinse mouth and throat with water after each use and spit the water out. Do not swallow the water.

If you are using more than one puff or more than one inhaled medicine, wait at least 1 minute between puffs.

Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. Stopping suddenly could cause your breathing to become worse.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Keep track of how many times you use the inhaler. Do not use it more than the total number of doses shown on the package.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than twice during 24 hours.

Cautions

This is a steroid medication used to prevent inflammation. Inflammation is our body's response to a disease that can sometimes worsen our symptoms.

If you are switching from an oral steroid medication to this medicine, it is important that your body adapts properly to this change. Please speak with your doctor or nurse for more information.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

If this medicine causes more wheezing or makes it harder to breathe, stop the medicine. Get medical help right away.

Do not use this medicine during an asthma attack. It will not stop an attack once it has started.

If you have any trouble using the medicine, please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• headaches
• hoarseness or throat irritation

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

• increased risk for an infection

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• rarely, a severe episode of asthma may occur
• increased risk for bone fractures
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• sore throat
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• blurring or changes of vision
• yeast infection in the mouth or throat

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.