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Beclovent/Vanceril Inhaler Information:

Beclovent (Beclometasone dipropionate) given by inhalation offers preventative treatment for asthma. It provides effective anti-inflammatory action in the lungs with a lower incidence and severity of adverse effects than those observed when corticosteroids are administered systemically. Beclovent Inhaler is indicated in the prophylactic management of mild, moderate, or severe asthma in adults or children. Mild asthma: Patients requiring symptomatic bronchodilator asthma medication on a regular basis. Moderate asthma: Patients with unstable or worsening asthma despite prophylactic therapy or bronchodilator alone. Severe asthma: Patients with severe chronic asthma and those who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms. Many patients who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms may be able to reduce significantly, or eliminate, their requirement for oral corticosteroids when they are transferred to high dose inhaled beclometasone dipropionate.

Beclovent/Vanceril Inhaler Side Effects:

Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. These may include adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract and glaucoma. As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. The Becotide Inhaler should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed and, if necessary, alternative therapy instituted. Hypersensitivity reactions including rashes, urticaria, pruritus and erythema, and oedema of the eyes, face, lips and throat, have been reported. There have been very rare reports of anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioural changes, including hyperactivity and irritability (predominantly in children). Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush) occurs in some patients, the incidence increasing with doses greater than 400 micrograms beclometasone dipropionate per day. Patients with high blood levels of Candida precipitins, indicating a previous infection, are most likely to develop this complication. Patients may find it helpful to rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after using the inhaler. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy whilst still continuing with Becotide Inhaler In some patients inhaled beclometasone dipropionate may cause hoarseness or throat irritation. It may be helpful to rinse the mouth out with water immediately after inhalation. The use of the Volumatic spacer device may be considered.

Beclovent Inhaler is for oral inhalation use only. An Aerochamber spacer device may be used in patients who find it difficult to synchronise aerosol actuation with inspiration of breath. Patients should be given a starting dose of inhaled beclometasone dipropionate appropriate to the severity of their disease. The dose may then be adjusted until control is achieved, or reduced to the minimum effective dose according to individual response. Adults (including the elderly): The usual starting dose is 200 micrograms twice a day. In more severe cases the starting dose may need to increase to 600 to 800 micrograms per day which may then be reduced when the patient's asthma has stabilised. The total daily dose may be administered as two, three, or four divided doses Children: 50 to 100 micrograms should be given two, three or four times daily in accordance to the response. Alternatively, 100 micrograms or 200 micrograms twice daily should be given. The usual starting dose is 100 micrograms twice daily Beclovent 200 Inhaler is not recommended for children. There is no need to increase the dose in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.