In addition, the following side effects have beenreported for high doses, taken for prolongedperiods:• bone thinning• clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract)

resulting in blurred vision• loss of vision due to abnormally high pressure in

the eye.The following side effects may also occur inpatients taking beclometasone dipropionate. If youexperience any of these effects, keep using yourinhaler but see your doctor if they last for awhile or they are worrying you:• hoarseness• difficulty in swallowing accompanied by earache

and swollen glands, sore throat (pharyngitis)• a sore mouth or thrush (white spots in your

mouth and throat). These are less likely if you rinse your mouth out with water after using yourinhaler. If you get thrush, your doctor mayrecommend a medicine to treat you

• feeling sick• headache• feeling dizzy or faint• tremor• change in taste• difficulty in breathing, increase in wheezing,

shortness of breath and cough (bronchospasm)• sleeping problems, depression or feeling

worried, restless, nervous, over-excited orirritable. These effects are more likely to occurin children (Frequency not known).

• blurred vision (Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people).

Children or adolescents who are using the inhalerfor a prolonged period may grow more slowly. Yourdoctor may therefore wish to monitor the height ofa child receiving prolonged treatment with QvarAutohaler.

Reporting of side effectsIf you get any side effects, talk to your doctor orpharmacist. This includes any possible side effectsnot listed on this leaflet. You can also report sideeffects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRAYellow Card in the Google Play or Apple AppStore. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of thismedicine.

5. HOW TO STORE QVAR AUTOHALER• Keep out of the sight and reach of children• Do not store above 25°C.• Protect from frost• Keep pressurised container away from heat and

light.• You can use your inhaler at temperatures as low

as -10°C• Do not use Qvar Autohaler after the expiry date

that is stated on the canister label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine, return any unused medicine to your pharmacist (chemist) for safe disposal. Only keep this medicine, if your doctor tells you to

• The metal canister contains a pressurised liquid. Do not puncture, break or burn it even if you think it is empty.

• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHERINFORMATION

What Qvar Autohaler contains• The active ingredient is beclometasone

dipropionate.• Each actuation delivers beclometasone

dipropionate 100 micrograms into the mouthpiece.

• The other ingredients are norflurane and ethanol.

What Qvar Autohaler looks like and contents ofthe packQvar Autohaler is a colourless solution in a pressurised aluminium canister fitted with a metering valve and actuator.Qvar Autohaler contains 200 actuations.

Manufacturer and Licence Holder Manufactured by 3M Health Care Limited, 1,Morley Street, Loughborough, UK and is procuredfrom within the EU and repackaged by the ProductLicence Holder: Lexon (UK) Limited, Unit 18,Oxleasow Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch,Worcestershire, B98 0RE.

If you have any questions or are not sure aboutanything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They willhave additional information about this medicineand will be able to advise you.

PL 15184/1531 - Qvar 100 Autohaler 100 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution

Qvar is a registered trademark of IVAXInternational GmbH.

Leaflet revision date: 24/11/17

Blind or partially sighted?Is this leaflet hard to seeor read? Phone Lexon(UK) Limited,Tel: 01527 505414 toobtain the leaflet in aformat suitable for you

Read all of this leaflet carefully before youstart using this medicine because it containsimportant information for you.• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.• If you have any further questions, ask your

doctor or pharmacist.• This medicine has been prescribed for you only.

Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them,even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.

• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor orpharmacist. This includes any possible sideeffects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Your medicine is called Qvar 100 Autohaler 100micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalationsolution but will be referred to as Qvar Autohalerthroughout this leaflet. Please note that this leafletalso contains information about the other strengthof the medicine Qvar 50 Autohaler 50 microgramsper actuation pressurised inhalation solution

What is in this leaflet:1. What Qvar Autohaler is and what it is used for2. What you need to know before you use Qvar

Autohaler3. How to use Qvar Autohaler4. Possible side effects5. How to store Qvar Autohaler6. Contents of the pack and other information

information

1. WHAT QVAR AUTOHALER IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

Qvar Autohaler contains beclometasonedipropionate, which is one of a group of medicinesknown as corticosteroids.

Qvar Autohaler is used to prevent the symptomsof mild, moderate, or severe asthma in patientswho require regular treatment.

How your medicine works• Qvar Autohaler works deep in your lungs to

make breathing easier by reducing theinflammation, swelling and irritation in theairways. This type of medicine is known as a ‘preventer’. It needs to be taken regularlyevery day, even if you have no symptoms.

• This inhaler will not give immediate relief ofwheezing or breathlessness during a suddenasthma attack. You will need to use a ‘reliever’inhaler, which contains a different medicine. Youshould still continue to use this inhaler.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE QVAR AUTOHALER

Do not use Qvar Autohaler if you:• are allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone

dipropionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

• are suffering from a sudden attack ofbreathlessness.It will not help. Use a quick-acting ‘reliever’ inhaler for this purpose and carry it with you at all times.

Warnings and precautionsTalk to your doctor before taking this medicineif:• you are suffering from tuberculosis (TB) now or

have suffered from it in the past• you are allergic to other similar inhalers.• you must avoid alcohol for any reason.• your asthma seems to be getting worse.

Perhaps you are more wheezy and short of breath than usual, your ‘reliever’ inhaler seemsto be less effective, you require more puffs fromyour ‘reliever’ inhaler than usual, or you do notseem to be getting better. Your doctor may need to increase the dose of your steroidinhaler or give you a course of steroid tablets,or change your treatment altogether. If you have an infection in your chest your doctor mayprescribe a course of antibiotics.

• when transferring from steroid tablets to an inhaler you find that, even if your chest isgetting better, you feel generally unwell, youdevelop a rash, eczema or a runny nose andsneezing (rhinitis). Do not stop treatment withyour inhaler unless your doctor tells you to.

Important points to remember while you areusing this medicine:• Your doctor may prescribe this inhaler to

replace steroid tablets, which may mean that fora short time you have to take both medicines. Itis important to follow your doctor’s advice. Whilst you are reducing the number of steroidtablets that you take you may feel generallyunwell even though you can breathe as well asnormal or better. If you have other allergies youmay find that stopping your steroid tablets makes them worse. If this happens keep usingyour inhaler and tell your doctor.

• If you have been treated for a long time with high doses of inhaled steroid, you may requirea course of steroid tablets or possibly a steroidinjection in times of stress. For example, duringadmission to hospital after a serious accident,before an operation, during an acute attack ofasthma or if you have a chest infection or other serious illness. Your doctor will decide if you need any extra steroid treatment and will alsoadvise you as to how long you need to take thecourse of steroid tablets and how you shouldreduce these as you get better.

• There may be times when you need to take steroid tablets as well as using your inhaler, forexample if you have worsening asthma attacks,you get a chest infection or you need anoperation. Your doctor may give you a smallsupply of steroid tablets to be taken in thesesituations; if he does you will be given full instructions on how and when to take them. Contact your doctor immediately if you think that you need to take steroid tablets, even if you have your own supply.

• You should have been given a steroid card with this inhaler; if you have not, please ask yourpharmacist for one. Make sure you carry yoursteroid card with you at all times until yourdoctor decides that it is no longer necessary.

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLETQvar 100 Autohaler 100 micrograms

per actuation pressurised inhalation solution(beclometasone dipropionate)

POM

®Ref: 1531/241117/1/F

If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return theinhaler to your doctor or pharmacist for safedisposal.If you have any further questions on the use ofthis medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Using your Qvar Autohaler DeviceBefore using your inhaler, please read this leafletcarefully and follow the instructions. If you are notsure how to use the inhaler device, ask yourdoctor or a pharmacist.

Before useIf this is a new device or if you have not used it for2 weeks or more, it must be tested before use byreleasing 2 puffs into the air in the following way:1. Take the cover off from the

mouthpiece, by pullingdown on the lip at the back(fig. 1).

2. Point the mouthpiece awayfrom you so that the puffsof medicine will go into theair. Push the lever up sothat it stays up (fig. 2).

3. Then, to release a puff,push the dose release slideon the bottom of the device inthe direction indicated by thearrow on it (fig. 3).

4. To release the second puff you need to returnthe lever to its down position (fig. 4) and follow steps 2 and 3 again. After releasing the second puff, return the lever to its down position, to beready to take a puff of your medicine

How to use your Qvar Autohaler deviceDo not use the dose release slide to take yourmedicine; the Autohaler device willautomatically release a dose when you beginto breathe in from the mouthpiece.The instructions for taking a puff are given below.1. Take the cover off from the

mouthpiece, by pulling downon the lip at the back.

2. Hold your Autohaler device upright as shown.Push the lever up so thatit stays up. Continue to hold your device upright, makingsure that your hand is not blocking the air vent (markedby X in fig. 2) at the bottom ofthe device.

3. Breathe out as far as iscomfortable, then immediatelyplace the mouthpiece in yourmouth, and close your lipsaround it.

4. Breathe in slowly and deeplythrough the mouthpiece. Donot stop breathing in when youhear the slight click and feelthe puff in your mouth as it isimportant that you carry onbreathing in after the puff isreleased.

• Visit your doctor regularly for a review of your condition.

• If you have to go into hospital, remember to take all your inhalers and other medicines withyou.

• Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Other medicines and Qvar Autohaler• Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are

taking or have recently taken any othermedicines, including any medicines obtained without a prescription.

In particular tell your doctor if you are taking: • Disulfiram• MetronidazoleSome medicines may increase the effects of QvarAutohaler and your doctor may wish to monitoryou carefully if you are taking these medicines(including some medicines for HIV: ritonavir,cobicistat).

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility• If you are pregnant, planning to become

pregnant or are breast-feeding, ask your doctorfor advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines• Qvar Autohaler is not known to affect your

ability to drive or operate machinery.

Important information about some of theingredients of Qvar:Qvar contains a small amount of alcohol.

3. HOW TO USE QVAR AUTOHALER

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctoror pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctoror pharmacist if you are not sure.

There are two strengths of the Qvar Autohalerdevice available and your doctor will have chosenthe strength which best suits your condition.

This inhaler has a softer feel and a different tastethan other inhalers you may have used before,because it is an extra fine aerosol which results inmore of each dose being delivered to your lungs.Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of thisinhaler than your previously used beclometasonedipropionate inhaler.

Even when your doctor has prescribed a lowerdose, you may find that the number of puffs youare asked to take from this inhaler is the same asfrom your previous inhaler; this is because thisinhaler may be a lower strength product (whichmeans that each puff of this inhaler contains lessbeclometasone dipropionate than your olddipropionate inhaler).

Do not take more puffs than your doctor hastold you to. In some circumstances, your doctormay prescribe more than the usual number ofpuffs. You should check with your doctor orpharmacist if you are not sure. The usual numberof puffs to take is.

Qvar 50 Autohaler deviceAdults (including the elderly) and children over12 years• Mild Asthma

The starting dose is one puff twice a day. Thismay be increased up to two puffs twice a day.

• Moderate AsthmaThe starting dose is two puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to four puffs twice a day.

• Severe AsthmaThe starting dose is four puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to eight puffs twice a day.

The maximum dose is a total of sixteen puffs aday.

Qvar 100 Autohaler deviceAdults (including the elderly) and children over12 years• Mild Asthma

The Qvar 100 Autohaler device is not suitable for the starting dose. It is suitable for an increased dose of one puff twice a day.

• Moderate AsthmaThe starting dose is one puff twice a day. This may be increased to two puffs twice a day.

• Severe AsthmaThe starting dose is two puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to four puffs twice a day.

The maximum dose is a total of eight puffs a day.

Use in children under 12 yearsQvar Autohaler is not recommended for use inchildren under 12 years.

What to do if you think your treatment is notworkingIf you think your usual treatment is not working, forexample your symptoms are not getting better, orare getting worse, or you need to use more puffsfrom your reliever inhaler, or if your reliever inhalerdoes not seem to be working as well as usual, oryour peak flow falls, please tell your doctor. Yourasthma may be getting worse.

If you use more of your Qvar Autohaler thanyou shouldIt is important that you take your dose as statedon the pharmacist’s label, or as advised by yourdoctor. You should not increase or decrease yourdose without seeking medical advice.

If you accidentally take more puffs thanrecommended, please tell your doctor.

If you forget to use Qvar AutohalerIf you forget to use this inhaler at your usual time,take your recommended number of puffs as soonas you remember unless it is nearly time to useyour inhaler again. DO NOT take a double dose tomake up for a forgotten dose. Then continue touse your inhaler regularly at the correct time, asprescribed by your doctor.

If you stop using Qvar AutohalerThis inhaler must be used regularly, even whenyou feel well. You must not stop using your inhalerunless your doctor tells you to.Ask your doctor for a prescription for areplacement inhaler before this one is empty.

5. Hold your breath for 10seconds and then breathe out slowly.

6. The lever must be loweredto the down position aftereach puff. If your doctor hasprescribed more than onepuff, repeat steps 2 - 6.After use, replace the coveron the mouthpiece.

How to tell when your Qvar Autohaler device isemptyWhen the device is completely empty you will notfeel or hear any propellant being discharged.

Cleaning instructionsFor normal hygiene, the mouthpiece of yourAutohaler device should be cleaned weekly with aclean, dry tissue or cloth. You should also rinseyour mouth with water after using your inhaler.

Caution:• Do not wash or put any part of your inhaler in

water• Do not push a drying cloth or anything else into

any part of the Autohaler device since it may cause damage to its operating parts.

• Do not take the Autohaler device apart.If you have any further questions on the use ofthis medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTSLike all medicines, this medicine can cause sideeffects, although not everybody gets them.

If immediately after taking a puff of this inhaleryou feel wheezy or tight chested do not takeany more puffs. Use your reliever inhaler tohelp your breathing and contact your doctorimmediately.

Stop using your inhaler and tell your doctorimmediately or go to the casualty department atyour nearest hospital if the following happens:• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or

neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives).

This is a very serious but rare side effect. You mayneed urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Treatment with Qvar Autohaler devices may affectthe normal production of corticosteroids in thebody. Keep using your inhaler but see yourdoctor as soon as possible if you becomeunwell, particularly with any of the following:• abdominal pain• weakness• vomiting.This is especially important if you have beenexposed to other stress such as other illness, surgery or infection.

Ref: 1531/241117/1/B

In addition, the following side effects have beenreported for high doses, taken for prolongedperiods:• bone thinning• clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract)

resulting in blurred vision• loss of vision due to abnormally high pressure in

the eye.The following side effects may also occur inpatients taking beclometasone dipropionate. If youexperience any of these effects, keep using yourinhaler but see your doctor if they last for awhile or they are worrying you:• hoarseness• difficulty in swallowing accompanied by earache

and swollen glands, sore throat (pharyngitis)• a sore mouth or thrush (white spots in your

mouth and throat). These are less likely if you rinse your mouth out with water after using yourinhaler. If you get thrush, your doctor mayrecommend a medicine to treat you

• feeling sick• headache• feeling dizzy or faint• tremor• change in taste• difficulty in breathing, increase in wheezing,

shortness of breath and cough (bronchospasm)• sleeping problems, depression or feeling

worried, restless, nervous, over-excited orirritable. These effects are more likely to occurin children (Frequency not known).

• blurred vision (Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people).

Children or adolescents who are using the inhalerfor a prolonged period may grow more slowly. Yourdoctor may therefore wish to monitor the height ofa child receiving prolonged treatment with QvarAutohaler.

Reporting of side effectsIf you get any side effects, talk to your doctor orpharmacist. This includes any possible side effectsnot listed on this leaflet. You can also report sideeffects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRAYellow Card in the Google Play or Apple AppStore. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of thismedicine.

5. HOW TO STORE QVAR AUTOHALER• Keep out of the sight and reach of children• Do not store above 25°C.• Protect from frost• Keep pressurised container away from heat and

light.• You can use your inhaler at temperatures as low

as -10°C• Do not use Qvar Autohaler after the expiry date

that is stated on the canister label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine, return any unused medicine to your pharmacist (chemist) for safe disposal. Only keep this medicine, if your doctor tells you to

• The metal canister contains a pressurised liquid. Do not puncture, break or burn it even if you think it is empty.

• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHERINFORMATION

What Qvar Autohaler contains• The active ingredient is beclometasone

dipropionate.• Each actuation delivers beclometasone

dipropionate 100 micrograms into the mouthpiece.

• The other ingredients are norflurane and ethanol.

What Qvar Autohaler looks like and contents ofthe packQvar Autohaler is a colourless solution in a pressurised aluminium canister fitted with a metering valve and actuator.Qvar Autohaler contains 200 actuations.

Manufacturer and Licence Holder Manufactured by Temmler Werke GmbH,Weihenstephaner Str.28, 81673 Munchen,Germany and is procured from within the EU andrepackaged by the Product Licence Holder: Lexon(UK) Limited, Unit 18, Oxleasow Road, EastMoons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0RE

If you have any questions or are not sure aboutanything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They willhave additional information about this medicineand will be able to advise you.

PL 15184/1531 - Qvar 100 Autohaler 100 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution

Qvar is a registered trademark of IVAXInternational GmbH.

Leaflet revision date: 24/11/17

Blind or partially sighted?Is this leaflet hard to seeor read? Phone Lexon(UK) Limited,Tel: 01527 505414 toobtain the leaflet in aformat suitable for you

Read all of this leaflet carefully before youstart using this medicine because it containsimportant information for you.• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.• If you have any further questions, ask your

doctor or pharmacist.• This medicine has been prescribed for you only.

Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them,even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.

• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor orpharmacist. This includes any possible sideeffects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Your medicine is called Qvar 100 Autohaler 100micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalationsolution but will be referred to as Qvar Autohalerthroughout this leaflet. Please note that this leafletalso contains information about the other strengthof the medicine Qvar 50 Autohaler 50 microgramsper actuation pressurised inhalation solution

What is in this leaflet:1. What Qvar Autohaler is and what it is used for2. What you need to know before you use Qvar

Autohaler3. How to use Qvar Autohaler4. Possible side effects5. How to store Qvar Autohaler6. Contents of the pack and other information

information

1. WHAT QVAR AUTOHALER IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

Qvar Autohaler contains beclometasonedipropionate, which is one of a group of medicinesknown as corticosteroids.

Qvar Autohaler is used to prevent the symptomsof mild, moderate, or severe asthma in patientswho require regular treatment.

How your medicine works• Qvar Autohaler works deep in your lungs to

make breathing easier by reducing theinflammation, swelling and irritation in theairways. This type of medicine is known as a ‘preventer’. It needs to be taken regularlyevery day, even if you have no symptoms.

• This inhaler will not give immediate relief ofwheezing or breathlessness during a suddenasthma attack. You will need to use a ‘reliever’inhaler, which contains a different medicine. Youshould still continue to use this inhaler.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE QVAR AUTOHALER

Do not use Qvar Autohaler if you:• are allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone

dipropionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

• are suffering from a sudden attack ofbreathlessness.It will not help. Use a quick-acting ‘reliever’ inhaler for this purpose and carry it with you at all times.

Warnings and precautionsTalk to your doctor before taking this medicineif:• you are suffering from tuberculosis (TB) now or

have suffered from it in the past• you are allergic to other similar inhalers.• you must avoid alcohol for any reason.• your asthma seems to be getting worse.

Perhaps you are more wheezy and short of breath than usual, your ‘reliever’ inhaler seemsto be less effective, you require more puffs fromyour ‘reliever’ inhaler than usual, or you do notseem to be getting better. Your doctor may need to increase the dose of your steroidinhaler or give you a course of steroid tablets,or change your treatment altogether. If you have an infection in your chest your doctor mayprescribe a course of antibiotics.

• when transferring from steroid tablets to an inhaler you find that, even if your chest isgetting better, you feel generally unwell, youdevelop a rash, eczema or a runny nose andsneezing (rhinitis). Do not stop treatment withyour inhaler unless your doctor tells you to.

Important points to remember while you areusing this medicine:• Your doctor may prescribe this inhaler to

replace steroid tablets, which may mean that fora short time you have to take both medicines. Itis important to follow your doctor’s advice. Whilst you are reducing the number of steroidtablets that you take you may feel generallyunwell even though you can breathe as well asnormal or better. If you have other allergies youmay find that stopping your steroid tablets makes them worse. If this happens keep usingyour inhaler and tell your doctor.

• If you have been treated for a long time with high doses of inhaled steroid, you may requirea course of steroid tablets or possibly a steroidinjection in times of stress. For example, duringadmission to hospital after a serious accident,before an operation, during an acute attack ofasthma or if you have a chest infection or other serious illness. Your doctor will decide if you need any extra steroid treatment and will alsoadvise you as to how long you need to take thecourse of steroid tablets and how you shouldreduce these as you get better.

• There may be times when you need to take steroid tablets as well as using your inhaler, forexample if you have worsening asthma attacks,you get a chest infection or you need anoperation. Your doctor may give you a smallsupply of steroid tablets to be taken in thesesituations; if he does you will be given full instructions on how and when to take them. Contact your doctor immediately if you think that you need to take steroid tablets, even if you have your own supply.

• You should have been given a steroid card with this inhaler; if you have not, please ask yourpharmacist for one. Make sure you carry yoursteroid card with you at all times until yourdoctor decides that it is no longer necessary.

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLETQvar 100 Autohaler 100 micrograms

per actuation pressurised inhalation solution(beclometasone dipropionate)

POM

®Ref: 1531/241117/2/F

If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return theinhaler to your doctor or pharmacist for safedisposal.If you have any further questions on the use ofthis medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Using your Qvar Autohaler DeviceBefore using your inhaler, please read this leafletcarefully and follow the instructions. If you are notsure how to use the inhaler device, ask yourdoctor or a pharmacist.

Before useIf this is a new device or if you have not used it for2 weeks or more, it must be tested before use byreleasing 2 puffs into the air in the following way:1. Take the cover off from the

mouthpiece, by pullingdown on the lip at the back(fig. 1).

2. Point the mouthpiece awayfrom you so that the puffsof medicine will go into theair. Push the lever up sothat it stays up (fig. 2).

3. Then, to release a puff,push the dose release slideon the bottom of the device inthe direction indicated by thearrow on it (fig. 3).

4. To release the second puff you need to returnthe lever to its down position (fig. 4) and follow steps 2 and 3 again. After releasing the second puff, return the lever to its down position, to beready to take a puff of your medicine

How to use your Qvar Autohaler deviceDo not use the dose release slide to take yourmedicine; the Autohaler device willautomatically release a dose when you beginto breathe in from the mouthpiece.The instructions for taking a puff are given below.1. Take the cover off from the

mouthpiece, by pulling downon the lip at the back.

2. Hold your Autohaler device upright as shown.Push the lever up so thatit stays up. Continue to hold your device upright, makingsure that your hand is not blocking the air vent (markedby X in fig. 2) at the bottom ofthe device.

3. Breathe out as far as iscomfortable, then immediatelyplace the mouthpiece in yourmouth, and close your lipsaround it.

4. Breathe in slowly and deeplythrough the mouthpiece. Donot stop breathing in when youhear the slight click and feelthe puff in your mouth as it isimportant that you carry onbreathing in after the puff isreleased.

• Visit your doctor regularly for a review of your condition.

• If you have to go into hospital, remember to take all your inhalers and other medicines withyou.

• Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Other medicines and Qvar Autohaler• Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are

taking or have recently taken any othermedicines, including any medicines obtained without a prescription.

In particular tell your doctor if you are taking: • Disulfiram• MetronidazoleSome medicines may increase the effects of QvarAutohaler and your doctor may wish to monitoryou carefully if you are taking these medicines(including some medicines for HIV: ritonavir,cobicistat).

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility• If you are pregnant, planning to become

pregnant or are breast-feeding, ask your doctorfor advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines• Qvar Autohaler is not known to affect your

ability to drive or operate machinery.

Important information about some of theingredients of Qvar:Qvar contains a small amount of alcohol.

3. HOW TO USE QVAR AUTOHALER

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctoror pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctoror pharmacist if you are not sure.

There are two strengths of the Qvar Autohalerdevice available and your doctor will have chosenthe strength which best suits your condition.

This inhaler has a softer feel and a different tastethan other inhalers you may have used before,because it is an extra fine aerosol which results inmore of each dose being delivered to your lungs.Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of thisinhaler than your previously used beclometasonedipropionate inhaler.

Even when your doctor has prescribed a lowerdose, you may find that the number of puffs youare asked to take from this inhaler is the same asfrom your previous inhaler; this is because thisinhaler may be a lowerstrength product (whichmeans that each puff of this inhaler contains lessbeclometasone dipropionate than your olddipropionate inhaler).

Do not take more puffs than your doctor hastold you to. In some circumstances, your doctormay prescribe more than the usual number ofpuffs. You should check with your doctor orpharmacist if you are not sure. The usual numberof puffs to take is.

Qvar 50 Autohaler deviceAdults (including the elderly) and children over12 years• Mild Asthma

The starting dose is one puff twice a day. Thismay be increased up to two puffs twice a day.

• Moderate AsthmaThe starting dose is two puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to four puffs twice a day.

• Severe AsthmaThe starting dose is four puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to eight puffs twice a day.

The maximum dose is a total of sixteen puffs aday.

Qvar 100 Autohaler deviceAdults (including the elderly) and children over12 years• Mild Asthma

The Qvar 100 Autohaler device is not suitable for the starting dose. It is suitable for an increased dose of one puff twice a day.

• Moderate AsthmaThe starting dose is one puff twice a day. This may be increased to two puffs twice a day.

• Severe AsthmaThe starting dose is two puffs twice a day. This may be increased up to four puffs twice a day.

The maximum dose is a total of eight puffs a day.

Use in children under 12 yearsQvar Autohaler is not recommended for use inchildren under 12 years.

What to do if you think your treatment is notworkingIf you think your usual treatment is not working, forexample your symptoms are not getting better, orare getting worse, or you need to use more puffsfrom your reliever inhaler, or if your reliever inhalerdoes not seem to be working as well as usual, oryour peak flow falls, please tell your doctor. Yourasthma may be getting worse.

If you use more of your Qvar Autohaler thanyou shouldIt is important that you take your dose as statedon the pharmacist’s label, or as advised by yourdoctor. You should not increase or decrease yourdose without seeking medical advice.

If you accidentally take more puffs thanrecommended, please tell your doctor.

If you forget to use Qvar AutohalerIf you forget to use this inhaler at your usual time,take your recommended number of puffs as soonas you remember unless it is nearly time to useyour inhaler again. DO NOT take a double dose tomake up for a forgotten dose. Then continue touse your inhaler regularly at the correct time, asprescribed by your doctor.

If you stop using Qvar AutohalerThis inhaler must be used regularly, even whenyou feel well. You must not stop using your inhalerunless your doctor tells you to.Ask your doctor for a prescription for areplacement inhaler before this one is empty.

5. Hold your breath for 10seconds and then breathe out slowly.

6. The lever must be loweredto the down position aftereach puff. If your doctor hasprescribed more than onepuff, repeat steps 2 - 6.After use, replace the coveron the mouthpiece.

How to tell when your Qvar Autohaler device isemptyWhen the device is completely empty you will notfeel or hear any propellant being discharged.

Cleaning instructionsFor normal hygiene, the mouthpiece of yourAutohaler device should be cleaned weekly with aclean, dry tissue or cloth. You should also rinseyour mouth with water after using your inhaler.

Caution:• Do not wash or put any part of your inhaler in

water• Do not push a drying cloth or anything else into

any part of the Autohaler device since it may cause damage to its operating parts.

• Do not take the Autohaler device apart.If you have any further questions on the use ofthis medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTSLike all medicines, this medicine can cause sideeffects, although not everybody gets them.

If immediately after taking a puff of this inhaleryou feel wheezy or tight chested do not takeany more puffs. Use your reliever inhaler tohelp your breathing and contact your doctorimmediately.

Stop using your inhaler and tell your doctorimmediately or go to the casualty department atyour nearest hospital if the following happens:• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or

neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives).

This is a very serious but rare side effect. You mayneed urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Treatment with Qvar Autohaler devices may affectthe normal production of corticosteroids in thebody. Keep using your inhaler but see yourdoctor as soon as possible if you becomeunwell, particularly with any of the following:• abdominal pain• weakness• vomiting.This is especially important if you have beenexposed to other stress such as other illness, surgery or infection.

Ref: 1531/241117/2/B