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Beconase Consumer Information

BECONASE

Generic Name: beclomethasone nasal (beh kloe MEH tha sone)

Brand Names: Beconase, Beconase AQ, Vancenase, Vancenase AQ, Vancenase AQ DS

What is the most important information I should know about beclomethasone nasal?

• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed. Overuse of the medication may cause serious side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Use beclomethasone nasal on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.

What is beclomethasone nasal?

• Beclomethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
• Beclomethasone nasal is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergies and other seasonal reactions. Beclomethasone nasal is also used to prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps following their surgical removal.
• Beclomethasone nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using beclomethasone nasal?

• Before using beclomethasone nasal, tell your doctor if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of any kind. The absorption of this drug into your system can inhibit the body's ability to fight off infections. You may not be able to use beclomethasone nasal if you have an infection.
• Beclomethasone nasal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether beclomethasone nasal will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk. Do not use beclomethasone nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Beclomethasone nasal is not approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

How should I use beclomethasone nasal?

• Use beclomethasone nasal spray exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with the medication. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• If your nose is congested, try to clear it before using the medication to be sure that the medicine gets into the nasal passages. If you are also using a decongestant spray, use it to open up the nasal passages before using beclomethasone nasal. However, do not use a decongestant spray unless your doctor directs you to do so.
• To use the beclomethasone nasal inhaler (Beconase Inhalation Aerosol, Vancenase Nasal Inhaler, or Vancenase Pockethaler):
• Shake the medication well before each dose.
• Snap open the cover of the actuator (Beconase) or remove the cap (Vancenase Nasal Inhaler or Vancenase Pockethaler). Tilt your head back and carefully insert the nasal piece on the actuator into one nostril and close the other nostril with one finger. While gently breathing in through the nostril, press down on the top of the canister to release the medication then breathe out through your mouth. If your doctor has prescribed more than one spray in each nostril, repeat this process. Then, shake the inhaler again and repeat this process in the other nostril. Replace the cover on the actuator.
• To clean your nasal inhaler, remove the canister from the plastic unit and rinse the actuator and cap in warm running water once a day. Dry well and insert the canister back into the plastic unit.
• To use the beclomethasone nasal spray (Beconase AQ, Vancenase AQ and Vancenase AQ Double Strength):
• Shake the medication well before each dose.
• Remove the safety clip and the plastic dust cap from the nasal applicator. The very first time the spray is used, prime the pump into the air by pressing downward on the white collar, using your forefinger and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Press down and release the pump three to six times until a fine spray appears. The Beconase AQ nasal spray will need to be reprimed when using the spray for the first time each day. The Vancenase AQ and Vancenase AQ Double Strength nasal sprays will need to be reprimed if the pump is not used for more than 4 days. To reprime the unit, spray once or until a fine spray appears.
• Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils. Close one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril. For each spray, press firmly downward once on the white collar, using your forefinger and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Breathe gently inward through the nostril. Then breathe out through your mouth. If your doctor has prescribed more than one spray in each nostril, repeat this process. Then, repeat this process in the other nostril. Replace the plastic dust cap and safety clip.
• To clean the nasal applicator, remove the dust cap and safety clip and then press gently upward on the white collar to free the nasal applicator. Wash the applicator and dust cap with cold water. Dry and replace the plastic dust cap and safety clip. If the nasal applicator becomes blocked, remove the dust cap, unscrew the complete pump mechanism, and soak the pump in warm water for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water, dry, refit the pump mechanism to the bottle, and reprime the pump.
• Use beclomethasone nasal on a regular basis for best results. It may take several weeks to get the maximum effect of this medication.
• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed. Overuse of the medication may cause serious side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Store beclomethasone nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Beclomethasone is less effective when it is cold, so do not store it in the refrigerator.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control left .

What should I avoid while using beclomethasone nasal?

• Avoid items or activities that are known allergens or that make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.
• Avoid exposing yourself to known sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox, measles, or any other type of infection. Your immune system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while using beclomethasone nasal.