Qvar Asthma Inhaler

Qvar Asthma Inhaler

Qvar is a steroid inhaler used to prevent asthma attacks. Qvar comes in 3 different types – Easi-Breathe, Autohaler, and Aerosol. A doctor can recommend the right one for you.

In stock
from £25.00

Product details

Qvar asthma inhaler is a preventer inhaler, which helps to prevent asthma when taken every day. It contains an active ingredient called beclometasone, which is a medication classed as a corticosteroid. If your GP has prescribed you Qvar, you can get your repeat prescription with Superdrug Online Doctor.

Dr Louisa Draper

Medically reviewed by

Dr Louisa Draper

Last reviewed: 17 Aug 2021

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

How it Works

Order a Qvar Inhaler Online

What is Qvar?

Qvar is a ‘preventer’ inhaler and when used daily, can help asthma patients breathe easier. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the lungs, which can stop asthma symptoms from happening or being as severe.

What is Qvar used for?

When used every day, Qvar can stop and relieve symptoms of asthma, making asthma more controlled. There are 3 types of Qvar inhaler:

  • Qvar Easi-Breathe (brown)
  • Qvar Autohaler (red/white)
  • Qvar MDI (red)

All Qvar inhalers are used as a ‘preventer’ inhaler and have the same doses but are slightly different in the way you use them. The Qvar MDI is a normal inhaler which gives a measured dose when you press down on the inhaler. This means you have to breathe in at the right time to get the dose.

The Qvar Easi-Breathe and Qvar Autohaler are similar and are better for people who find it hard to use a normal inhaler. With these 2 inhalers, you can simply load the inhaler and breathe in to get the dose from the inhaler, without having to release the dose yourself.

You will be prescribed with a Qvar inhaler depending on which inhaler is easier for you to use.

What is the active ingredient?

The active ingredient, also called the medication, is beclometasone. Beclometasone is a corticosteroid, and is used in the treatment and prevention of asthma symptoms.

Is Qvar a steroid?

Yes, Qvar contains beclometasone, which is a corticosteroid. This means you should not use it with another steroid tablet, unless your doctor tells you to.

What is the difference between Clenil and Qvar?

Clenil and Qvar are very similar, as they both contain the corticosteroid called beclometasone. They work in the same way to relieve asthma symptoms but have different dosages. Qvar is taken as a lower dose than Clenil because Qvar has extra fine particles in the inhaler, making it around twice as strong as Clenil Modulite.

How does Qvar work?

Qvar works by reducing swelling and stopping irritation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. This means you may not get asthma symptoms as often, or they will be easier to manage.

Qvar doses

There are different doses of Qvar. Depending on your asthma symptoms, your doctor will choose which strength of inhaler you should be given, and tell you how many puffs to take a day. For mild asthma, you may take 1 puff of the milder inhaler, twice a day. If your asthma is more severe, you may be given a stronger inhaler, and told to take more puffs. It is important you follow the advice of the doctor, and have regular check-ups to check the dose is working for you.

How to use your Qvar inhaler

Your Qvar inhaler should be used correctly to get the best effect from the medication. When using, follow the simple steps below or find out more in the patient information leaflet.

For the Qvar MDI:

  1. Take the mouthpiece cover off.
  2. Breathe out as much as possible then place the mouthpiece straight into your mouth, closing your lips to make a tight seal around the mouthpiece. Do not bite or press down too hard.
  3. Begin breathing in as deep and slow as you can and press the canister down to release a dose of your inhaler. Keep breathing in after you have done this and then remove the inhaler.
  4. Hold your breath for around 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out gently. If you are prescribed more than one puff of your inhaler, repeat these steps.
  5. Cover the mouthpiece when finished and store your inhaler for next use.

When using a Qvar Autohaler or Easi-Breathe, the steps are similar but there are a few things you must do differently:

  1. Keep the inhaler in an upright position and open it. You can open the inhaler by folding down the cap which should be over the mouthpiece.
  2. Breathe out as much as possible then place the mouthpiece straight into your mouth, closing your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not bite, press down too hard, or cover the air holes with your hand.
  3. Breathe in as deep and slow as you can and the inhaler will release the dose into your mouth for you. Do not stop breathing when you feel the puff of medicine. Keep breathing in until you have taken a deep breath.
  4. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for around 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out gently.
  5. After use, close the cap and keep your inhaler in an upright position. If you need to take another puff, keep the cap closed for 1 minute then start the process again.

When should I use my inhaler?

You should use your inhaler twice daily, once in the morning, and once in the evening. Qvar should only be used to prevent symptoms. If you have symptoms, be sure to use your ‘reliever’ inhaler at the time you get symptoms.

How long does a Qvar Inhaler take to work?

A Qvar inhaler can take around 3 to 7 days. It may be shorter or longer depending on your asthma symptoms and how your body reacts to the Qvar inhaler. If your Qvar inhaler isn’t working after a week, or your asthma gets worse, speak to a doctor.

How often can I use my Qvar inhaler?

You should use your inhaler as much as it has been prescribed by your doctor. If you feel like you need more or your symptoms are not better after a week, speak to a doctor. You should never use your Qvar inhaler if you get symptoms, for this you should use your ‘reliever’ inhaler.

How many puffs of Qvar is safe?

The highest daily dose for people with severe asthma symptoms is 8 or 16 puffs in a day, depending on which strength inhaler you have been given. You should only take the amount prescribed by your doctor. Too much Qvar is not likely to cause any harm immediately but if you are worried that you have taken too much and are having any side effects, speak with a doctor or a pharmacist. If you miss a dose, carry on as normal from your next dose, do not double dose.

How long does my Qvar inhaler last?

This will depend on how many puffs you have been prescribed each day and which Qvar inhaler you have been given. Usually, your inhaler will contain either 100 or 200 puffs. This means if you are taking one puff, twice a day and have a Qvar inhaler containing 100 puffs, your inhaler would last 50 days. You can work this out with your doctor or by checking the patient information leaflet.

How to maintain your Qvar inhaler

Your Qvar inhaler will not need much maintenance, it simply needs to be cleaned once a week. You can wipe down the mouthpiece with a piece of tissue, avoiding any liquids or water. This will remove any excess dry powder.

How to store your Qvar inhaler

A Qvar inhaler contains medication so it should always be kept away from children. Avoid leaving your Qvar inhaler anywhere that gets too hot and never use it after the expiry date. You can speak to your local pharmacist when you have finished your inhaler, they can either throw it away for you or tell you the best place to get rid of it safely.

Where can I get Qvar?

You can get Qvar through the NHS if prescribed by your doctor. If your GP has prescribed Qvar for you, you will also be able to get a repeat prescription from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get Qvar online?

Yes, you can get your Qvar inhaler through trusted and regulated sellers like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is easy and can be done via our website:

  1. Fill in an easy, secure medical questionnaire. Here, you will be able to answer questions about your symptoms.
  2. One of the doctors will then review your questionnaire and check it is safe to provide you with treatment
  3. Your prescription Qvar inhaler can then be dispensed for you to collect in-store at any Superdrug, delivered to your home address, or collected at your local Post Office.
  4. If you have any further questions, you can contact a doctor via your account at any time, for free.

Can I get Qvar over the counter?

No, Qvar contains the active ingredient beclometasone, which is a prescription-only medication.This means that you cannot buy it over the counter or get it from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Can I get Qvar on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Qvar from your GP, or you may be prescribed with Clenil instead. This contains the same active ingredient, it is just under a different brand name.

What are the side effects of Qvar?

Like with every medication, some people can experience side effects from their Qvar inhaler. If you feel as though your inhaler makes your breathing worse or you get asthma symptoms more regularly, stop use, use your ‘reliever’ inhaler and speak to a doctor straight away. If you experience any side effects, speak to a doctor.

The most common side effects of Qvar include:

  • a change in voice
  • thrush of the mouth (redness inside the mouth with white patches)
  • a change in taste
  • sore throat (pharyngitis)

Uncommon effects include:

  • headaches
  • shaking
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • rash

Rare side effects include:

  • breathing or coughing worse than before
  • allergic reaction

Very rare side effects include:

  • cloudy vision
  • thinning of the bones
  • slower rate of growth (this only happens to children)
  • loss of vision

You may also experience sleeping problems, restlessness, or blurred vision. Not enough data has been collected about these to understand how common these side effects are.

Extended use of Qvar

If you use Qvar for an extended use of time, it could cause serious side effects, so look out for and speak to a doctor if you notice:

  • vision changes
  • signs of an infection, such as a cough, pain when peeing, fever, sore throat, or pain in the ears
  • signs of adrenal gland problems such as vomiting, tiredness, weight loss, dizziness, or mood changes
  • weight gain, especially in the face, back, or stomach as this could be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome

Can you overdose on Qvar?

It is unlikely to overdose on Qvar if you are taking your inhaler as it was prescribed by your doctor. If you take it for a long time and have a high dose of Qvar, you are more likely to see some of the side effects of corticosteroids, but this is not the same as overdosing. If you do experience side effects that do not go away or notice any of the serious side effects, speak to a doctor straight away.

Does Qvar cause weight gain?

Qvar is not likely to cause weight gain as you are not getting enough of the steroid in your body to cause this. An unlikely side effect of taking Qvar can be Cushing’s syndrome, which includes weight gain. If you do start to gain weight whilst taking Qvar, speak to a doctor.

Who should not take Qvar?

Qvar may not be suitable for you if you are taking certain medications, have some health conditions, or you are allergic to the medication in Qvar, called beclometasone. If you are not sure, speak to a doctor before you start using your Qvar inhaler.

Qvar and other medication

Qvar may react with certain drugs inside the body, meaning your inhaler will not work as well as it should. It could also cause side effects. If you are taking, or have been taking any of the following medications, speak to a doctor first:

  • metronidazole
  • disulfiram
  • HIV medications
  • steroid tablets

Qvar and other conditions

It may not be suitable to take Qvar if you have other medical conditions or are allergic to certain medications.

Speak with a doctor before using your Qvar inhaler if you:

  • are allergic to beclometasone, or anything else listed in the inhaler ingredients
  • are allergic to other inhalers
  • avoid drinking alcohol for any reason
  • have, or have ever had tuberculosis (TB)
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

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]

Patient Reviews