Qvar Inhaler
Qvar Inhaler
Keep asthma symptoms at bay with the Qvar preventer inhaler.
- Lowers lung inflammation, preventing asthma attacks
- Typically used twice a day
- Contains the corticosteroid, beclometasone, to reduce airway irritation
- Available as Easi-Breathe (brown), Autohaler (red/white) and Aerosol (red)
- Available in 50mcg and 100mcg
Available for next-day delivery or same day Click & Collect if you have already been prescribed a Qvar inhaler from your GP.
Product details
Qvar is a type of preventer inhaler that is used daily to prevent asthma symptoms from flaring up. There are 3 types of Qvar inhalers available which contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate, in the same doses but the inhalers work in slightly different ways.
The active ingredient in Qvar, beclometasone, is a corticosteroid which reduces inflammation and irritation in the lungs that can cause asthma attacks. You’ll usually need to carry a separate reliever or ‘blue’ inhaler with you at all times, just in case you experience any asthma flare-up symptoms.
You can request Qvar preventer inhalers from Superdrug Online Doctor, if it has already been prescribed to you by your GP, by completing a short online health questionnaire. If Qvar is suitable for you, you can choose to have it delivered next-day to your door or you can collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 23 Oct 2024
Qvar asthma inhaler prices
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 50 mcg - 1 inhaler(s) | £25.00 |
| 50 mcg - 2 inhaler(s) | £45.00 |
| 100 mcg - 1 inhaler(s) | £40.00 |
Delivery Options
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How it Works
Order a Qvar Inhaler Online
What is Qvar?
Qvar is a steroid inhaler used to prevent asthma symptoms, also known as a preventer inhaler. It is available in 2 doses, 50 micrograms (mcg) and 100 mcg of beclometasone dipropionate. There are 3 types of Qvar inhalers available:
- Qvar Easi-Breathe (brown)
- Qvar Autohaler (red/white)
- Qvar Aerosol (red)
Each Qvar inhaler contains the same active ingredient in the same doses, but you use them in slightly different ways. The Qvar Aerosol provides a measured dose when you press down on the inhaler.
Some people find these more ‘traditional’ asthma inhalers tricky to use, so the Qvar Easi-Breathe and Qvar Autohaler may be more suitable options. They are breath-operated inhalers which means they only release a dose when you breathe in, making them easier to use and they do not contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
CFC is a propellant that converts inhaler medicine into small enough particles to be breathed in, which then evaporates before it reaches the lungs but can harm the environment.
How does Qvar work?
Qvar contains the active ingredient, beclometasone dipropionate, which gets to work deep within the lungs. It is a steroid inhaler, sometimes known as the Qvar brown inhaler, and it works by reducing swelling and irritation in the airways responsible for causing asthma symptoms, such as:
- coughing
- wheezing
- breathlessness
- chest tightness
Qvar is a type of preventer inhaler that is taken every day, even if you do not have any asthma symptoms.
How long does Qvar take to work?
Qvar does not work instantly, so will need to be taken daily even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. It can take up to a week for you to notice an improvement in symptoms like wheezing or breathlessness.
If you do require instant relief from sudden asthma attacks you will also need to use a reliever inhaler alongside Qvar.
How effective is Qvar?
Inhalers containing beclometasone usually begin to show improvements in the treatment of asthma after 3 -7 days.
Research shows that inhaled beclometasone dipropionate is more effective than a placebo at improving forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), and FEF25 to 75%. These are all measurements of breathing and airway obstruction that are improved by taking Qvar and are especially important for people with asthma.
Another study found that a twice daily dose of 200 mcg of beclometasone was superior to placebo in improving FEV1. FEV1 is the maximum amount of air you can forcefully breathe out in 1 second and can be used to measure airway obstruction caused by asthma. Low FEV1 means your asthma is causing obstruction and a higher FEV1 shows an improvement in asthma.
Studies assessing the effectiveness of combined inhalers containing beclometasone as the corticosteroid found that 92% of patients with persistent asthma maintained control while nearly 50% experienced improved asthma control. These results reflect when beclometasone was combined with the bronchodilator, formoterol.
How to use Qvar
You should use your Qvar inhaler exactly as your doctor has prescribed to ensure you get the best results. How you need to use your inhaler will depend on which type you have been prescribed.
How to use the Qvar Aerosol inhaler
Before you use the Qvar Aerosol inhaler for the first time or if you have not used it for at least 2 weeks, you will need to test it as follows:
- Remove the mouthpiece cover.
- Press down on the canister inside the inhaler.
- Release 2 puffs into the air, facing away from you.
Now you can use your Qvar Aerosol inhaler:
- Remove the cover protecting the mouthpiece.
- Breathe out as far as you feel comfortable and immediately place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
- Close your lips around the mouthpiece but do not bite on it.
- Begin to slowly and deeply breathe in through your mouth and press down on the canister inside the inhaler to release one puff.
- Keep breathing in after the puff has been released.
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Do not breathe into the inhaler.
- If you have been prescribed more than 1 puff, repeat steps 2 to 6 again.
- When finished, replace the mouthpiece cover.
If you are unsure about using your Qvar Aerosol inhaler, the patient information leaflet has detailed usage instructions.
How to use the Qvar Easi-Breathe
- Hold the inhaler upright and open it by folding down the cap which fits over the mouthpiece.
- Breathe out normally and as far as you comfortably can.
- Hold the mouthpiece firmly between your lips, being careful not to bite down on it with your teeth.
- Holding the inhaler upright, make sure your hands are not blocking the air holes.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. Keep breathing in even after the inhaler puffs the dose into your mouth. Carry on breathing in until you have taken a deep breath.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Then breathe out slowly.
- Once you have finished, hold it upright and close the cap immediately.
- If you need more than 1 dose, close the cap, wait about 1 minute and repeat steps 1 to 7.
You can read the patient information leaflet that is supplied with your inhaler for full usage instructions.
How to use the Qvar Autohaler
- Remove the mouthpiece cover by pulling down on the lip at the back of the inhaler.
- Hold the inhaler upright and push the lever up so that it stays up. Make sure your hand is not blocking the air vent at the bottom of the inhaler.
- Breathe out as far as you can and then immediately place your lips around the mouthpiece, making sure you create a seal so the medication will not escape.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. You will hear a slight click and feel the puff in your mouth. It is important that you continue to breathe in even after you feel the medication has been released.
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds, then begin to breathe out slowly.
- Return the lever to the down position when finished. If you have been prescribed 2 puffs by your doctor, repeat steps 2 to 6.
If you are unsure about using the Qvar Autohaler, the patient information leaflet contains detailed usage instructions.
When to take Qvar
You need to take Qvar exactly as you have been advised by your doctor. Qvar should be taken daily at the recommended dose.
How often to use Qvar
Qvar is used everyday to prevent asthma symptoms. How often you should take it will depend on the dose you have been prescribed and the severity of your asthma.
| Qvar 50mcg | Qvar 100mcg | |
| Mild asthma |
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| Moderate asthma |
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| Severe asthma |
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Your doctor will advise how many puffs and what dosage you need. The maximum dose for Qvar 50mcg is 16 puffs per day. The maximum dose for Qvar 100mcg is 8 puffs per day. You should not take more than this.
If your symptoms are not being managed at your current dose, or you need to use your reliever inhaler more, speak with your doctor. You may need a different dose to keep managing your asthma.
How long do you need to use Qvar for?
Most people will use their Qvar inhaler for as long as they need to prevent asthma symptoms. Do not stop unless you are advised to do so by your doctor. If you feel you need to stop using Qvar you should consult your doctor first.
How long will Qvar last?
Qvar inhalers contain 100 or 200 single-puff doses in them. So, if you take 4 puffs per day, the inhaler would last 50 days for a 200-dose inhaler or 25 days for a 100-dose inhaler.
Beclometasone can remain effective in your body for up to 8 hours.
Where can I buy Qvar?
Qvar is a prescription-only medication, so you will need approval from your doctor in order to obtain it. It is also available to request from reputable online services, like Superdrug Online Doctor, or it may be available on the NHS.
Can I buy Qvar online?
Yes, you can request a Qvar inhaler from Superdrug Online Doctor as long as you’ve been prescribed it by your GP before. It is very quick and easy, simply:
- complete a short online questionnaire about your health and lifestyle
- order your preferred treatment and make payment
- one of our doctors will review your answers to the questionnaire and your order to see if it is suitable for you
- if approved, your order will be delivered to your address in plain packaging or to a Superdrug Pharmacy for collection, based on what you choose during the order process
- if our doctors do not feel a Qvar inhaler is right for you, they will contact you via your account with other suitable treatment options
It’s important that you still have regular asthma checkups with your GP or asthma consultant, even if you get your prescription with us.
Can I buy Qvar over the counter?
No, Qvar inhalers are not available over the counter because they are a prescription-only medication. This means you will need a prescription from a doctor to get it.
Can I get Qvar on the NHS?
Qvar inhalers may be available on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your GP first to see if it is a suitable asthma treatment for you.
Side effects of Qvar
As with all medications, Qvar may cause side effects, however, not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- difficulty swallowing, followed by swollen glands, or a sore throat
- hoarseness
- sore mouth or thrush (white spots in your throat and mouth)
- changes in taste
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- headache
- feeling sick (nausea)
- tremor (shaking)
- feeling faint or dizzy
- difficulty breathing, increase in wheezing, cough, or shortness of breath
- blurred vision
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- rounded face
- clouding in the lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision
- bone thinning
- vision loss resulting from too much pressure in the eye
The following may also happen but the frequency is unknown:
- sleep issues
- depression or feeling worried
- restlessness
- nervousness
- feeling over-excited
- irritability
If you experience the following serious allergic reaction side effects, stop using the Qvar inhaler and call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E:
- swollen face, lips, neck, or tongue that leads to severe difficulty in breathing and a skin rash or hives
If after you have taken a puff you immediately feel tight chested or wheezy, stop using the inhaler, use your reliever inhaler to help your breathing, and contact your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor straight away if you experience any of the following after using the Qvar inhaler:
- abdominal pain
- weakness
- being sick (vomiting)
How long do Qvar side effects last?
Most Qvar side effects are mild and will settle down or go away on their own within the first few weeks to months of treatment as your body gets used to the medication.
What to do if you get Qvar side effects
If you are experiencing mild or common side effects of Qvar inhaler such as:
- headaches - we recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers
- mouth thrush/sore mouth - try rinsing your mouth
If you have been experiencing side effects that will not pass and are disrupting your day to day life, you should speak with your doctor and they should be able to find a solution.
If you experience any serious side effects, report them to your doctor immediately or call 111 if it is out of hours. In an emergency, call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E.
You can also report any side effects to the Yellow card scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search MHRA yellow card.
Qvar warnings
Do not use Qvar if you are:
- allergic to any of the ingredients contained in it, including beclometasone dipropionate
- are or have been allergic to any similar inhalers
- are suffering from sudden attacks of breathlessness, you will need to use your reliever inhaler instead
Before using Qvar, tell your doctor if you:
- have or have had tuberculosis (TB)
- cannot drink alcohol – Qvar contains a small amount of ethanol (alcohol) in each puff
- notice your asthma is getting worse
- need to use your reliever inhaler more often
- are taking any other prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, particularly disulfiram or metronidazole
Long term inhaler use
You should speak to your doctor if you use your reliever inhaler more than usual while using Qvar, they should give you a steroid card. You will need to carry the steroid card with you to let healthcare professionals know that you use an inhaler long term. Long term inhaler use means you may need additional steroid cover when you are unwell in hospital, and regular doctor reviews on your use of steroids.
Qvar in pregnancy
If you are or are planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before using Qvar.
Qvar and breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding or going to start breastfeeding you should talk to your doctor before using Qvar.
Qvar alternatives
Qvar inhalers are not suitable for everyone. Superdrug Online Doctor offers a range of asthma inhalers.
Usually, asthma is treated with a preventer and a reliever inhaler or a combination inhaler. Preventer inhalers are usually brown and relievers are typically blue.
At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer the following Qvar alternatives:
- Pulmicort Turbohaler: a preventer inhaler which contains the active ingredient budesonide. This is a corticosteroid which reduces inflammation and swelling in the lungs, preventing asthma symptoms from flaring up.
- Clenil Modulite: a preventer asthma inhaler which contains the same active ingredient as Qvar, beclometasone dipropionate. Despite containing the same ingredient, these inhalers are not interchangeable. Qvar contains extra-fine particles and is approximately twice as potent as Clenil Modulite, a CFC inhaler.
Qvar FAQs
What is the difference between Clenil and Qvar?
Qvar and Clenil Modulite contain the same active ingredients, but Qvar has extra-fine particles and is twice as potent as Clenil Modulite, meaning it delivers more of each dose to the lungs than Clenil Modulite when inhaled.
Can you overdose on Qvar?
Yes, you can overdose on Qvar. It is important that you only take the prescribed dose as advised by your doctor. The maximum daily dose for Qvar 50mcg is 16 puffs and for Qvar 100mcg is 8 puffs.
If you take more puffs than you have been prescribed, contact your doctor for advice straight away.
Will Qvar inhalers help to treat an asthma attack?
No, Qvar is a preventer inhaler and works by reducing the inflammation, swelling, and irritation in your lungs and airways that can cause an asthma attack. If you have a sudden asthma attack, you should use your reliever inhaler to help you breathe more easily. You must always carry your reliever inhaler with you.
Sources
Beclometasone inhalers (2020) NHS [accessed 18 July 2021]
Cushing's syndrome (2021) NHS [accessed 19 July 2021]
How to use a pMDI inhaler (2021) Asthma UK [accessed 18 July 2021]
How to use an Autohaler inhaler (2021) Asthma UK [accessed 18 July 2021]
Qvar 100 Easi-Breathe (2020) EMC [accessed 18 July 2021]
Qvar Autohaler 100 micrograms (2019) EMC [accessed 18 July 2021]
Qvar MDI 100 micrograms (2019) EMC [accessed 18 July 2021]
Reliever inhalers (2021) Asthma UK [accessed 18 July 2021]