QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Asthma Control Inhaler
Asthma Symptoms and Causes

Asthma Symptoms and Causes

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the lung airways

Asthma is a disease that makes it hard to breathe and may cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma affects the tubes, called airways, that carry air into your lungs. Asthma causes inflammation in both your small and large airways. Asthma causes the lung airways to become narrow or blocked when you have an asthma attack (or "exacerbation").1

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms. In fact, many people who could be diagnosed with asthma don't even know it, and there are different types of asthma. Some common symptoms of asthma are:1

  • A whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness

If you have some of these symptoms, use our asthma symptom checklist to see if you should talk to your healthcare provider about asthma treatment options.

Does QVAR® treat asthma?

QVAR® is a type of long-term control medication for asthma called an inhaled corticosteroid (or ICS). QVAR® works by reducing airway inflammation. QVAR® can help prevent asthma symptoms and improve lung function2-4 for many people with asthma.

Approved Uses


QVAR® (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is used in the ongoing treatment of asthma as preventative therapy in patients 5 years of age or older.

QVAR® is also used for asthma patients who require systemic corticosteroid administration, where adding QVAR® may reduce or eliminate the need for systemic corticosteroids.

Important Safety Information


QVAR® does not replace quick-relief inhalers for sudden symptoms.

CAUTION: If you are stopping or switching from an oral corticosteroid to QVAR®, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid health risks. (See WARNINGS, Prescribing Information).

Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate, so children taking QVAR® should have their growth checked regularly. The long-term effect on final adult growth is unknown.

Do not stop taking QVAR® abruptly without talking to your doctor.

In clinical studies, common side effects included headache and sore throat. These are not all of the possible side effects of QVAR®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Reference
  1. NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed April 20, 2010.
  2. Thongngarm T, Silkoff PE, Kossack WS, Nelson HS. Hydrofluoroalkane-134A beclomethasone or chlorofluorocarbon fluticasone: effect on small airways in poorly controlled asthma. J Asthma. 2005;42(4):257-263.
  3. Busse WW, Brazinsky S, Jacobson K, et al. Efficacy response of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in asthma is proportional to dose and is improved by formulation with a new propellant. J. Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999;104(6):1215-1222.
  4. Data on file. Teva Respiratory, LLC; 2010.
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