Beconase AQ (Beclometasone)

Use Beconase AQ Spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Beconase AQ Spray. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Beconase AQ Spray is only for the nose.
Shake well before each use.
Before using Beconase AQ Spray for the first time, gently shake the container and prime the pump by spraying 6 times or until a fine spray appears.
Clear your nose before using Beconase AQ Spray by blowing it gently.
Tilt your head forward slightly. Carefully insert the applicator into the nostril, keeping the bottle upright. Breathe gently inward through the nostril while spraying. Breathe out through your mouth.
Use Beconase AQ Spray on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Always replace the cap and clip when finished.
Beconase AQ Spray works best if used on a regular basis.
To clean, gently remove the nasal applicator from the bottle. Wash the applicator and cap with cold water. Dry and replace.
If the pump becomes blocked, unscrew the pump and soak in warm water for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water, dry, and replace. Reprime the pump.
If your symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Throw the bottle away after 180 sprays following the priming of the bottle. The correct amount of medication in each spray cannot be ensured after a certain number of uses. Do not transfer any remaining suspension to another bottle.
Continue to use Beconase AQ Spray even if you feel well.
If you miss a dose of Beconase AQ Spray, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Beconase AQ Spray.
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The usual dosage is 1 or 2 nasal inhalations (42 to 84 mcg) in each nostril twice a day (total dose, 168 to 336 mcg/day).
Children 6 to 12 Years of Age
Patients should be started with 1 nasal inhalation in each nostril twice daily; patients not adequately responding to 168 mcg or those with more severe symptoms may use 336 mcg (2 inhalations in each nostril). Once adequate control is achieved, the dosage should be decreased to 84 mcg (1 spray in each nostril) twice daily. BECONASE AQ Nasal Spray is not recommended for children below 6 years of age.
The maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily (336 mcg/day).
In patients who respond to BECONASE AQ Nasal Spray, an improvement of the symptoms of seasonal or perennial rhinitis usually becomes apparent within a few days after the start of therapy with BECONASE AQ Nasal Spray. However, symptomatic relief may not occur in some patients for as long as 2 weeks. BECONASE AQ Nasal Spray should not be continued beyond 3 weeks in the absence of significant symptomatic improvement.
The therapeutic effects of corticosteroids, unlike those of decongestants, are not immediate. This should be explained to the patient in advance in order to ensure cooperation and continuation of treatment with the prescribed dosage regimen.
In the presence of excessive nasal mucous secretion or edema of the nasal mucosa, the drug may fail to reach the site of intended action. In such cases it is advisable to use a nasal vasoconstrictor during the first 2 to 3 days of therapy with BECONASE AQ Nasal Spray.
In general, side effects in clinical studies have been primarily associated with irritation of the nasal mucous membranes.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Bad taste; coughing; headache; hoarseness; nasal irritation or dryness; nausea; sore throat. 
  Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); acne-like rash; continuing nose discomfort; excessive sneezing; increased pressure in the eye; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); irregular menstrual period; loss of taste or smell; nosebleeds or soreness; pounding in the chest; unusual weight gain, especially in the face; vision changes; wheezing.
  This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
  Store at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused mediation after the expiration date.