QNASL contains beclomethasone, a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
QNASL Nasal Aerosol (80 mcg) is a prescription medicine that treats seasonal nasal and year-round nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
QNASL Nasal Aerosol (40 mcg) is used for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms in children 4-11 years of age.
QNASL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Before using QNASL Nasal Aerosol, tell your doctor if you have been sick or have had an infection of any kind. Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, herpes simplex infection of your eyes, tuberculosis, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using QNASL Nasal Aerosol as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Beclomethasone can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using QNASL. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using QNASL.
Before using QNASL
You should not use QNASL if you are allergic to beclomethasone.
Before using QNASL, tell your doctor if you have been sick or have had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use this medicine until you are well.
To make sure you can safely use QNASL, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
-
glaucoma or cataracts;
-
herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
-
tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
-
sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
-
if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether QNASL will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether beclomethasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use QNASL without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using QNASL.
QNASL should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I use QNASL?
Use QNASL Nasal Aerosol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
QNASL comes with patient instructions for safe use, and directions for priming and disposal of the nasal spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. QNASL Nasal Aerosol is for use in the nose only. Do not spray it into your eyes or mouth.
The usual dose of QNASL is 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
QNASL Nasal Aerosol must be primed before you use it for the first time and if you do not use it for 7 or more days in a row. Do not prime the QNASL Nasal Aerosol every day.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store QNASL at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not puncture the QNASL Nasal Aerosol canister.
Throw away the QNASL nasal spray after you have used 120 sprays, or if the dose indicator shows a zero.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of beclomethasone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor. Beclomethasone can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using QNASL.
QNASL side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to QNASL: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
severe or ongoing nose bleed;
-
sores in the nose that won"t heal;
-
wheezing, trouble breathing;
-
blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious QNASL side effects may include:
-
sneezing, runny or stuffy nose;
-
dryness or irritation in your nose or throat;
-
nausea, headache, feeling light-headed;
-
unpleasant taste or smell;
-
mild itching or rash; or
-
sores or white patches inside or around your nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect QNASL?
There may be other drugs that can interact with QNASL. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
