Beclate Inhaler 200mcg (beclamethasone 200mcg)

Beclate Inhaler general information

What is Beclate Inhaler used for?

Beclate Inhaler is an inhaled asthma medication used in the management of asthma to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, to improve lung function and prevent but not treat asthma attack.  Beclate Inhaler is known as a “preventer” asthma medication and is used regularly as part of a long-term asthma management plan, which may also include a “reliever” or “rescue” medication, for use when needed.  Beclate Inhaler blocks the inflammatory process, which causes swelling in the airways of the lungs, and reduces symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

How does Beclate Inhaler work?

Beclate Inhaler contains beclomethasone propionate, a topical corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction (narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Beclomethasone in Beclate Inhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.  

What does Beclate Inhaler contain?

Beclate Inhaler contains the active ingredient beclomethasone propionate, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication.  It also contains the CFC-free propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 200mcg beclomethasone as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler.   Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations. 

Treating asthma with Beclate Inhaler

Beclate Inhaler contains beclomethasone, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  Beclomethasone in Beclate Inhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  Beclate Inhaler is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways).  You should not use Beclate Inhaler as a “reliever” or “rescue” medication for bronchospasm or if you are having an asthma attack, for this you need a fast acting bronchodilator.  

What are the side effects of Beclate Inhaler?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Beclate Inhaler include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).  Long term use of Beclate Inhaler inhaler may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Beclate Inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

When should Beclate Inhaler not be used?

You should not use Beclate Inhaler if you:

• are allergic to beclomethasone or any ingredients in Beclate Inhaler
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the beclomethasone in Beclazone inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• currently have an infection, as Beclate Inhaler may hide some of the signs of infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Beclate Inhaler, like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole.

How should Beclate Inhaler be taken?

You should take your Beclate Inhaler as recommended by your doctor.  The dose of Beclate Inhaler you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Beclazone inhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  You should not stop taking your Beclazone inhaler, even if you feel better. 

How to use your Beclate Inhaler

Follow the instructions provided with your Beclate Inhaler. 

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth. 
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of beclomethasone while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full, and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally. 
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover. 
6. Rinse your mouth after use.

Note:  You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly.

How many puffs to take from your Beclate Inhaler?

How many puffs (inhalations) you take from your Beclate Inhaler and how often depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually take one or two puffs twice a day, morning and evening.  Beclate Inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

How long should you take Beclate Inhaler?

Beclazone Inhaler is intended as a long-term medication, which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  You should not stop taking your Beclazone inhaler, even if you feel better. 

Missed dose of Beclate Inhaler

If you miss a dose of Beclate Inhaler take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Beclate Inhaler be stored?

You should store your Beclate Inhaler below 25°C in a cool dry place.