How It Works
The active ingredient in QVAR RediHaler is a corticosteroid called beclomethasone dipropionate. It suppresses inflammatory processes and reduces swelling in airway tissues. This helps keep the airways open, making it easier to breathe and lowering the risk of asthma attacks.
QVAR RediHaler slowly reduces chronic inflammation rather than immediately relaxing airway muscles. For this reason, standard guidelines indicate that it is for long-term use rather than treating an acute asthma attack.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Qvar, Qvar RediHale |
| Drug Class | Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) |
| Generic Status | No generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Providers typically recommend starting with a specific dosage based on your age and prior asthma treatments.
For adults starting an inhaled corticosteroid for the first time, guidelines recommend an initial dose of 40 mcg or 80 mcg, inhaled twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is typically 320 mcg twice daily.
Patients switching from another inhaled corticosteroid may require a different starting dose.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
QVAR RediHaler is FDA-approved as a therapy to prevent asthma symptoms.
Off-Label Uses
You may see QVAR RediHaler prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
While not commonly used off-label, doctors may prescribe QVAR RediHaler on a case-by-case basis for other conditions involving localized airway inflammation.
Side Effects
Like all medications, QVAR RediHaler can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sore or dry throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth or throat)
- Sinus inflammation
- General pain or back pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hoarseness or voice change
- Change in taste
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur.
- Severe allergic reactions: This medication may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include rash, hives, severe itching, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Sudden breathing problems: Also known as paradoxical bronchospasm, this involves the airways unexpectedly narrowing immediately after using the inhaler. Symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, this reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Oral thrush: When using QVAR RediHaler, a fungal infection called oral candidiasis can develop in the mouth and throat, causing red or white patches, a cotton-like feeling, cracking at the corners of the mouth, and pain when eating or swallowing.
- Reduced adrenal function: Prolonged use of QVAR RediHaler can cause adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. Although uncommon, this can occur in susceptible individuals, particularly with higher doses or long-term use. Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or low blood pressure.
- Immune system weakness: Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to serious infections. Particular caution is advised for tuberculosis and exposure to contagious illnesses such as chickenpox or measles, which can be more severe in people using corticosteroid medications.
- Weakened bones: Using this inhaler for a long period may lead to reduced bone mineral density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis, increasing the likelihood of fractures.
- Eye and vision problems: There is a rare risk of developing increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or cataracts, which can lead to blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing colorful circles around lights.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Rinse And Spit
Providers typically recommend rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after every inhalation to help prevent fungal infections such as oral thrush.
Keep The Cap Closed
Opening and closing the white cap prepares the inhaler for use. For this reason, you should not open the cap (or leave it open) unless you are ready to take your dose.
Do Not Rinse The Mouthpiece
It is generally accepted that you should not put the inhaler in water or wash the plastic mouthpiece under the sink. Instead, you can clean it with a dry tissue at least once a week.
Skip The Shaking And Priming
Because this is a breath-actuated device, there is no need to shake or prime it before use.
Maintain Consistent Timing
Inhale your prescribed doses at the same time every day to promote steady, long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Hold Your Breath
After placing your lips firmly around the mouthpiece and taking a deep breath, try to hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds to allow the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
Monitor The Dose Counter
Keep an eye on the dose counter. When it reaches 20, the numbers turn red to indicate a low supply. When it reaches 0, the display changes to a solid red background, indicating the inhaler is empty.
Store Safely At Room Temperature
Keep the inhaler in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or open flames. The pressurized canister can burst if exposed to temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drug Interactions
QVAR RediHaler does not have any specific drug interactions listed in its FDA-approved prescribing information. However, some medications may increase the risk of side effects or require additional monitoring when used with inhaled corticosteroids.
- Seizure medications: Certain seizure medications may affect how corticosteroids are processed in the body, which could alter treatment response in some patients.
- Other corticosteroids: Using QVAR RediHaler with oral, injectable, or nasal corticosteroids may increase your body’s overall exposure to steroids and raise the risk of systemic side effects.
- Immunosuppressant drugs: Medications that suppress the immune system may further increase the risk of infections when used alongside corticosteroid therapy.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Why is there no metal canister to press down on this inhaler?
QVAR RediHaler is a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler. It still contains an internal aluminum canister, but it is enclosed inside the plastic device and does not need to be pressed manually. Instead, the medication is released automatically as a fine aerosol when you place your lips around the mouthpiece and take a deep breath.
Is it true that I do not need to “prime” this inhaler before using it?
You do not need to shake or prime QVAR RediHaler before use. The device prepares the dose automatically when you open the white cap.
Why must I rinse my mouth with water and spit it out after every single use?
Providers typically recommend rinsing and spitting to remove any leftover steroid medication from the mouth and throat. Removing this residue can lower the chances of developing a localized fungal infection known as oral thrush (oral candidiasis).
How long does it typically take for this inhaler to improve my asthma symptoms?
Some people may notice slight improvement in breathing within the first day of use. Improvement in asthma symptoms is generally expected within the first 1 to 2 weeks of regular, daily use. Full benefit may take up to 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
Why should you never wash the plastic mouthpiece under the sink?
Introducing water to the device can permanently damage its internal mechanisms and prevent it from delivering the correct dose of medication. Pharmacists recommend using a clean, dry tissue to wipe the mouthpiece at least once a week.
Is it normal to barely feel or taste the medicine when I take a deep breath in?
Patients often report barely feeling or tasting the drug because the device delivers the medication as a fine liquid aerosol. Use the built-in dose counter to confirm correct medication delivery.
Can I use my standard albuterol rescue inhaler on the same days I use this medication?
Standard guidelines indicate that a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, can be used to treat sudden asthma attacks, while QVAR RediHaler is used for daily maintenance therapy. QVAR RediHaler is prescribed strictly for preventing symptoms and will not relieve a sudden asthma attack. Check with your doctor about appropriate dosages of these medications when used together.
Does using this medication long-term increase my risk of developing glaucoma?
Although it only happens rarely, long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids carries a risk of increasing pressure inside the eye, which can cause or worsen glaucoma and cataracts. Guidelines recommend routine eye exams for patients on long-term steroid therapy.
What does it mean when the numbers on the built-in dose counter turn red?
When the dose counter reaches 20, the numbers change to red as a warning that you have a limited number of inhalations remaining. When the counter reaches 0, the display changes to a solid red background, indicating the inhaler is empty. The dose counter counts down in steps of two with each use.
Why is my voice becoming hoarse or weak after using this for a few weeks?
Hoarseness and throat irritation are among the most common side effects associated with inhaled corticosteroids. These medications can cause localized irritation of the vocal cords. Rinse the mouth and throat thoroughly after each use to minimize this side effect.
Comparable Medications
QVAR RediHaler, Albuterol (ProAir/Ventolin), Fluticasone (Flovent HFA), Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair), Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort), Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), Fluticasone (Arnuity Ellipta)?
Albuterol HFA
From $43.99
This is a short-acting beta-agonist used strictly as a fast-acting rescue inhaler for immediate relief of sudden asthma attacks. In contrast, QVAR RediHaler is a daily maintenance steroid for long-term prevention of asthma symptoms.
Fluticasone Propionate HFA Inhaler
From $199.99
Fluticasone is another daily inhaled corticosteroid used for asthma control. Like QVAR RediHaler, it helps reduce airway inflammation over time rather than providing quick relief. The main difference is in how it is used: Flovent is a traditional inhaler that requires you to press the canister while breathing in, while QVAR RediHaler releases the medication automatically when you take a deep breath. Brand-name Flovent HFA is no longer sold in the U.S., but generic versions are still available.
Fluticasone And Salmeterol Diskus Inhaler
From $108.99
Advair is a combination maintenance inhaler that contains a corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation and a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) to help keep airways open. It is typically used when an inhaled steroid alone is not enough to control asthma symptoms. Advair is available as a dry powder inhaler (Diskus) and a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (HFA), and certain formulations are also approved for COPD.
Budesonide / Formoterol Inhaler
From $249.99
Similar to Advair, this is a combination inhaler containing a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) used for asthma and COPD; it is delivered as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler.
Budesonide
This is an inhaled corticosteroid similar in function to QVAR, but it delivers the medication as a dry powder rather than a liquid aerosol.
Fluticasone Furoate Ellipta
From $229.99
Arnuity Ellipta is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control. It is delivered as a dry powder inhaler and is taken once daily, which may be easier for some patients compared to twice-daily inhalers like QVAR RediHaler. It does not provide quick relief for asthma symptoms.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.