QVAR problems

[BluebirdBell]

I have had asthma since childhood. I have taken QVAR (Beclamethasone dipropionate HFA) for the last 9 yrs. It is distributed by TEVA Pharmaceuticals & made in Ireland. I have had so many problems with their inhalers, even when they redesigned them - so now I just open the lid, put it up to my mouth and deeply inhale, rather than squeezing to actuate it. However, sometimes when I’m done with my inhalation, a large puff of medication just shoots out. I only assume that i didn’t get any- or very little- medication. Have others had this problem? It is too expensive to waste & my asthma is not well-controlled.

I take QVAR because it has the least bad side effects of all I’ve researched. Still I now have voice changes, sinus problems, osteoporosis & occasional blurry vision. I don’t know if these are caused by QVAR or not. I also have 5 heart stints and will probably need more soon. Any asthma recommendations would be appreciated. This is discouraging as I am 71 yrs old, I love to hike, exercise & ride my bike to bring down my cholesterol & strengthen my heart.

[O2Trees]

Hi BluebirdBell, I know nothing of Qvar so hopefully members will come along who use it. I use Symbicort for asthma - I have copd and bronchiectasis now too but the Symbicort seems to control those too. The inhaler is a powder breath activated one and it works well.

Perhaps have a chat with your GP, and a medication review so you could check out other options. It's a shame when you like to be active that your asthma is currently badly controlled.

Hope you get it sorted to your satisfaction - you could also call the forum's helpline on 0300 222 5800 and see what their nurses have to say. They may have spoken to others with this problem. Good luck!

[glds100]

I took Qvar some years ago and have several changes to my preventative inhaler since but I now take Fobumix which I get on well with, I don't appears to have no side effects and my asthma is the best it has been in years. Maybe speak to your doctor about it

[Izb1]

Perhaps because you are not squeezing it to activate it doesnt get inhaled and as you say just shoots out when you are finished, sounds like you are not getting any of the medication, I would speak with your nurse and see what she says perhaps she could show you a better way to use it. Good luck x

[watergazer]

Hi bluebell. I think I began my asthma meds with Qvar. I’ve had a few changes and I’m now on fostairnexthaler which I find easy to use and has been the best med so far for me. X

[knitter]

I use Qvar ….the only preventer that suits me .

I use a spacer with mine , helps with the medication delivery

Tried a few combination ones …they don’t suit .

[BluebirdBell in reply to knitter]

Hello Knitter! Thank you for your input! I will definitely try using a spacer.

[djbctla]

Hi BluebirdBell

I wholeheartedly agree with knitter, I use a spacer called an “Aero Chamber”, compact easy to carry and (does what it says on the tin!) it works. I bought mine on Amazon, u may b able to buy it in a pharmacy.

Best wishes

Bernardine xxx

[BluebirdBell in reply to djbctla]

Thank you for your input! I will definitely try using a spacer as you both have suggested. The Canadian wildfires have really been difficult to breathe through as the smoke has travelled so much.

[djbctla]

hi Bluebirdbell

Hopefully the spacer should work. Make sure u wash it frequently in warm sudsy water drying thoroughly.

BERNARDINE 🥰