Inhaler Usage and Cleaning

Instructions for using and cleaning your QVAR® asthma control inhaler

Before using QVAR, learn how to use and clean your inhaler. Be sure to use your asthma controller therapy regularly as directed by your doctor. QVAR even has a built-in dose counter to help you know when to refill your prescription. As with all aerosol medications, prime the QVAR inhaler before using it for the first time. Also, prime the QVAR inhaler if you haven't used it in the last 10 days or longer.¹

Inhaler usage and cleaning instruction sheet.



Instructions for using the QVAR inhaler

  1. REMOVE the plastic cap and be sure there are no foreign objects in the mouthpiece.
  2. MAKE SURE THE CANISTER IS FIRMLY SEATED in the plastic mouthpiece adapter and check the dose counter to make sure you have doses left. If needed, prime by releasing 2 puffs into the air, away from your face. If you’re priming your inhaler for the first time, the inhaler will show a black dot in the dose counter window. After priming 2 times, the dose counter should read “120.” Your inhaler is now ready to use.
  3. BREATHE OUT AS FULLY AS YOU COMFORTABLY CAN. Hold the inhaler to your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below it.
  4. WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY, PRESS DOWN ON THE CANISTER WITH YOUR FINGER. When you have finished breathing in, hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can (5–10 seconds).
  5. TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF THE CANISTER and remove the inhaler from your mouth. Breathe out gently.
  6. If your doctor has told you to take more than one inhalation per treatment, repeat steps 3 through 5.
  7. Rinse your mouth out with water.

Clean your QVAR inhaler at least once a week


  • DO NOT WASH YOUR INHALER OR GET ANY PART OF IT WET
  • Clean the mouthpiece weekly with a clean, dry tissue or cloth

When to replace your QVAR inhaler


  • The QVAR inhaler comes with a dose counter that tells you how many doses are left
  • When the dose counter reaches 20, the numbers will change to red, indicating that you should talk to your doctor about getting your prescription refilled
  • When the dose counter reaches 0 or your inhaler reaches its expiration date, you should discard your inhaler, even if it does not seem empty. If you use your inhaler after the dose counter reaches 0, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine

  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 July 27, 2015.

Important Safety Information

  • QVAR does not replace quick-relief inhalers for sudden symptoms
  • Do not use QVAR if you are allergic to beclomethasone dipropionate or any of the ingredients in QVAR
  • Do not use QVAR more often than it is prescribed. Do not stop taking QVAR abruptly without talking to your healthcare provider
  • QVAR may cause serious side effects, including:
    • QVAR does not replace quick-relief inhalers for sudden symptoms
    • Do not use QVAR if you are allergic to beclomethasone dipropionate or any of the ingredients in QVAR
    • Do not use QVAR more often than it is prescribed. Do not stop taking QVAR abruptly without talking to your healthcare provider
    • QVAR may cause serious side effects, including:
    • Fungal infections (thrush). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any redness or white-colored patches in your mouth or throat. Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after using QVAR to help prevent an infection in your mouth or throat
    • Worsening asthma or sudden asthma attacks. After using your rescue inhaler, contact your healthcare provider right away if you do not get relief from your sudden asthma attacks
    • Reduced adrenal function. This potentially life-threatening condition can happen when you stop taking oral corticosteroid medicines and start using QVAR. Tell your healthcare provider right away about any symptoms such as: tiredness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness or faintness
    • Immune system effects or infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any signs or symptoms, such as: fever, pain, body aches, chills, feeling tired, nausea, or vomiting
    • Increased wheezing right after QVAR use. Always have a rescue inhaler with you to treat sudden wheezing
    • Serious allergic reactions. Stop using QVAR and call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following: hives; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; rash; or breathing problems
    • Slowed growth in children. Children should have their growth checked regularly while using QVAR
    • Lower bone density. This may be a problem for people who already have a higher chance for this condition
    • Eye problems. If you have had glaucoma, cataracts or blurred vision in the past, you should have regular eye exams while using QVAR
    • The most common side effects of QVAR include: headache, throat irritation, and sinus irritation

Approved Use

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.

Please see full full Prescribing Information.

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