BECONASE AQ

Drug Name: BECONASE AQ

BECONASE AQ DESCRIPTION:
BECLOMETHASONE - NASAL (beck-low-METH-uh-sown)

COMMON BECONASE AQ BRAND NAME(S):
Beconase, Vancenase

BECONASE AQ SIDE EFFECTS:
BECONASE AQ may cause lightheadedness, headache, sneezing, nasal irritation, stinging, or drying of nasal tissue. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: sores in your nose, frequent nosebleeds. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BECONASE AQ:
BECONASE AQ: Patient instructions should be provided with the product. Make sure you understand how to use the medication properly. Shake well before each use. The medication must reach the nasal tissue to be effective. Therefore, blow your nose to clear the nasal passage before using the medication. If passages are blocked, a nasal decongestant may be used first (for a maximum of 3 to 5 days) to open the passages allowing proper penetration of the medication. Take BECONASE AQ exactly as prescribed. Do not take it more frequently without your doctor's approval. Full benefit of the medication requires regular use. Effects are not immediate, but should be seen in a few days.

BECONASE AQ USES:
BECONASE AQ works directly on the nasal tissue to reduce swelling and inflammation. It is used to treat symptoms of allergies which may include nasal congestion, post nasal drip, itching, runny nose, or sneezing.

BECONASE AQ PRECAUTIONS:
BECONASE AQ should be used with caution if the following medical conditions exist: glaucoma, herpes-type infection of the eye, infection, recent nasal surgery or existing nasal sores, liver disease, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid. Though very unlikely, it is possible BECONASE AQ will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised in children as BECONASE AQ may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor. Children under six years of age should not use BECONASE AQ. BECONASE AQ should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. This medication may appear in breast milk. Discuss this with your doctor prior to breast-feeding.

BECONASE AQ DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Let your doctor know if you are using: other nasal products (including nonprescription), oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), any antibiotics. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BECONASE AQ OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

BECONASE AQ NOTES:
If no improvement in your symptoms is noted after 3 weeks of using BECONASE AQ, notify your doctor. Another medication may be needed or the dose may need adjusting. Watering or itching eyes often associated with allergies are not significantly relieved by BECONASE AQ. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, BECONASE AQ.

MISSED BECONASE AQ DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

BECONASE AQ STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. Keep medicine from getting too cold or freezing. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.