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:
- Take the mouthpiece cover off.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cover the mouthpiece when finished and store your inhaler for next use.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for around 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out gently.
- 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.
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