People's Pharmacy

Beclomethasone

Other Brand Names: Vancenase AQ

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Special Precautions

Corticosteroid sprays are not supposed to be readily absorbed into the body.

Nevertheless, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (July 3, 1997) revealed that when asthma patients inhaled beclomethasone (found in Vanceril and Beclovent) for long periods of time, they experienced a substantial increase in cataract formation.

An article in JAMA (March 5, 1997) noted that high doses of inhaled steroids (taken for more than three months) increased the risk for glaucoma. This suggests that at least for corticosteroid asthma inhalers there is absorption of the drug into the body.

Although Vancenase AQ and Beconase AQ are very effective for relieving nasal allergy symptoms, care must be taken not to overuse such sprays.

Exceeding the recommended dose could lead to systemic absorption and side effects such as fluid retention, acne, menstrual changes, enlarged face, and suppression of the body's natural cortisol production.

People exposed to chicken pox or measles should contact a physician immediately. If the immune system is impaired (through excess corticosteroid exposure) these infections could become very serious. Anyone with TB, herpes infection of the eye, or an untreated bacterial, fungal, or viral infection should probably not use any corticosteroid nasal spray unless specifically told to do so by a physician.

If someone uses corticosteroid nasal sprays for prolonged periods of time (more than several months) he should be seen by a physician so an examination of the nasal mucosa can be carried out. There have been rare cases of nasal septum perforation (a hole between the two nostrils) when such products are used for a long time.

Cases of yeast infections (Candida albicans) can occur with repeated use of any corticosteroid spray. If such an infection arises in the nose it will likely require suspension of Vancenase AQ and appropriate antifungal therapy.

If symptoms persist or someone experiences nasal irritation or breathing problems such as wheezing, a physician should be notified promptly.

In rare cases pressure within the eye has increased after exposure to nasal steroid sprays. This is unlikely with beclomethasone, but people with a risk of glaucoma should be periodically checked by an ophthalmologist.

A woman who may become pregnant should check with a physician before using any corticosteroid nasal spray.