What is Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Beclomethasone nasal is used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Beclomethasone is also used to keep nasal polyps from coming back after surgery to remove them.
Beclomethasone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Before using beclomethasone, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, herpes simplex infection of your eyes, tuberculosis, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Beclomethasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using beclomethasone nasal.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using beclomethasone nasal.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to beclomethasone.
Before using beclomethasone, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use beclomethasone nasal until you are well.
Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- glaucoma or cataracts
- herpes simplex virus of your eyes
- tuberculosis or any other infection or illness
- sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
- if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use beclomethasone nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using beclomethasone nasal.
Beconase AQ Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- severe or ongoing nose bleed
- sores in the nose that won’t heal
- wheezing, trouble breathing
- vision problems; or
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
Less serious side effects may include:
- sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
- dryness or irritation in your nose or throat
- nausea, headache, feeling light-headed
- unpleasant taste or smell; or
- sores or white patches inside or around your nose
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Beconase AQ Interactions
What other drugs affect Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with beclomethasone nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Beclomethasone nasal can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using beclomethasone nasal.
Beconase AQ Dosage
How should I take Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The usual dose of beclomethasone nasal is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray 6 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 7 days. Spray until a fine mist appears.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Throw the medication away after you have used 180 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
What happens if I overdose on Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of beclomethasone nasal is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What happens if I miss a dose of Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone Nasal)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com