Beclomethasone (Into the nose)

How to Use This Medicine

Powder Under Pressure, Spray, Solution

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray bottle. To do this, first remove the safety clip and the cap from the bottle. Then pump the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 7 days or longer.
• Shake the medicine bottle well before each use.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
• Close one nostril by pressing your finger against the outside of it. Place the tip of the spray bottle inside your other nostril and tilt your head forward a little. Slowly breathe in through your open nostril. At the same time, press down on the bottle to release a spray of the medicine into your nostril.
• Remove the tip of the bottle from your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
• Now you need to use the medicine in the other nostril. Close the nostril you just sprayed by pressing your finger against the outside of it. Place the tip of the spray bottle inside your other nostril and tilt your head forward a little. Slowly breathe in through your open nostril. At the same time, press down on the bottle to release a spray of the medicine into your nostril.
• Remove the tip of the bottle from your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
• After using the nasal spray in both nostrils, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue. Then put the cap and safety clip back on the bottle.
• You may need to use this medicine for 1 to 2 weeks before you feel better. Do not stop using it without first asking your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any other corticosteroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone or prednisone.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have asthma. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a respiratory infection, or if you have any other type of infection. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any sores or pain in your eyes. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any wounds or cuts in your nose, or if you have just had surgery on your nose.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Loss of smell or taste.
• Nose bleeds.
• Severe coughing or wheezing.
• White or red patches inside your mouth or nose that are painful.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Burning, dryness, stinging, or irritation in the nose or throat.
• Changes in taste or smell.
• Funny or bad smell or taste in your mouth.
• Headache, or lightheadedness.
• Itchy or red skin, or rash.
• Nausea.
• Stuffy nose, sneezing.
• Trouble seeing, or painful or watery eyes.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Beclomethasone (be-kloe-METH-a-sone)

Treats hay fever or other allergy symptoms in the nasal (nose) passages. Also used to keep nasal polyps (growths) from growing back after they have been removed by surgery. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s)

Beconase AQ, Vancenase, Beconase, Vancenase AQ, Vancenase AQ Double Strength

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used