Becotide 50™
Inhaler

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BECOTIDE 50 INHALER

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.  This provides  a summary of the information available on your medicine. 
For further information or advice ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of this medicine is Becotide 50 Inhaler (beclomethasone dipropionate). This is one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids. They can relieve swelling and irritation in the small air passages in the lungs and so help to prevent attacks of asthma and ease breathing problems.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT BECOTIDE 50 INHALER

1.	MAKE SURE that this medicine is suitable for you (see "Before using your inhaler" inside this leaflet).	4.	Keep your inhaler OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.	
2.	Use your inhaler as directed by your doctor.  The directions  should be given on the label.	5.	If you are told to stop using this inhaler RETURN ANY UNUSED BECOTIDE 50 INHALER TO YOUR PHARMACIST.	
3.	IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS after using this inhaler you will find help inside this leaflet.		

There is more information inside this leaflet   Please read it carefully.

HOW YOUR INHALER WORKS

The name of your medicine is Becotide 50 Inhaler. The active ingredient is beclomethasone dipropionate.  This is a steroid which helps to prevent attacks of asthma by reducing swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs and so eases your breathing problems. 

BEFORE USING YOUR INHALER

*	If you are pregnant (or intending to become pregnant),

*	If you are breast feeding a baby,

*		If you have ever had to stop taking this or another medicine for this illness because you were allergic to it or it caused problems,

*	If you are having treatment for tuberculosis (TB), 

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE  STARTING TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE. In some circumstances this medicine may not be suitable and your doctor may wish to give you a different medicine.

Make sure that your doctor knows what other medicines you are taking.

USING YOUR INHALER

*	Follow the instructions shown on the next pages. If you have any problems tell your doctor or pharmacist.

*	It is important that you inhale each dose as instructed by your doctor. The label will usually tell you what dose to take and how often. If it doesn't or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

continued

DOSE 
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is:
	AduIts	–	16 puffs 
	Children	–	8 puffs. 
BUT YOU MUST NOT inhale more doses or use your inhaler more often than your doctor advises.

*	It takes a few days for this medicine to work and it is VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE IT REGULARLY.  DO NOT STOP treatment even if you feel better unless told to do so by your doctor.

*	DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE TO TREAT A SUDDEN ATTACK OF 	BREATHLESSNESS  – it will not help you . You will probably need a different kind of medicine 	in a different colour pack which your doctor may already have given you.  If you have more than one medicine be careful not to confuse them.

IF  YOU MISS A DOSE

*	If you miss a dose DO NOT WORRY – just take the next dose when it is due.

IF YOU TAKE  TOO MUCH

*	Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you accidentally take a larger dose than you were recommended.

HOW TO USE YOUR INHALER

1	Remove the mouthpiece cover and check the mouthpiece inside and outside to see that it is clean	
.	

TESTING YOUR INHALER
If you have not used your inhaler for a week or more release one puff into the air to make sure that it works.		
2  Shake the inhaler well	

		
3		Hold the inhaler upright as shown above with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece.  Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then..	4		Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips firmly around it but do not bite it.	
	5		Just atter starting to breathe in through your mouth press down on the top of the inhaler to release Becotide while still breathing in steadily and deeply.	

	
6		Hold your breath, take the inhaler from your mouth and your finger from the top of the inhaler.  Continue holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.	
7		If you are to take a second puff keep the inhaler upright and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 to 6.	
8		After use always replace the mouthpiece cover to keep out dust and fluff.	

IMPORTANT
Do not rush Stages 3, 4 and 5.  It is important that you start to breath in as slowly as possible just before operating your inhaler.  Practice in front of a mirror for the first few times.  If you see “mist” coming from the top of the inhaler or the sides of your mouth you should start again from Stage 2.	

If your doctor has given you different instructions for using your inhaler, please follow them carefully.  Tell your doctor if you have any difficulties.	

CHILDREN 
Young children may need help and their parents may need to operate the inhaler for them.  Encourage the child to breathe out and operate the inhaler just after the child starts to breathe in (see picture 5).  Practice the technique together.

CLEANING 
Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once a week. 
1.	Pull the metal canister out of the plastic body of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover. 
2.	Rinse the plastic body and the mouthpiece cover in warm water. 
3.	Leave to dry in a warm place.  Avoid excessive heat. 
4.	Replace the canister and mouthpiece cover. 
A mild detergent or a solution of the type used to clean babies feeding bottles may be added to the water (your pharmacist will advise you). 
Then rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying.
Do not put the metal canister into water.

AFTER USING YOUR INHALER

*	If you notice that your shortness of breath and wheeze is becoming worse tell your doctor as soon as possible.

*	Very occasionally some people find that their throat or tongue becomes sore after inhaling this medicine or that their voice becomes a little hoarse.  Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after inhaling each dose may help.  Tell your doctor but do not stop treatment unless told to do so.

*	If you feel unwell or notice anything unusual or which you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

STORING YOUR INHALER

*	Keep your inhaler in a safe place where children cannot reach it.  Your medicine may harm them.

*	Protect from frost and direct sunlight.  Store below 30°C (86°F).

*	Do not use this inhaler after the date shown as 'EXP’ on the metal canister and carton.

*	If the inhaler becomes very cold, remove the metal canister and warm IN YOUR HAND for a few minutes before use.  NEVER use other forms of heat.

*	WARNING 
	The metal canister is pressurised.  Do not puncture it or burn even when apparently empty.

WHAT’S IN YOUR INHALER

*	Becotide 50 Inhaler contains 50 micrograms Beclomethasone Dipropionate BP (as the trichlorofluoromethane solvate) in each puff.  Each canister contains 80 puffs.

	REMEMBER: This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to someone else. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

FURTHER INFORMATION

This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine.  
If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, then 
you should ask your doctor or the pharmacist.

You will be able to find more information about prescribed medicines 
from books which may be found in the public libraries.

You may want to read this leaflet again.  Please DO NOT THROW IT 
AWAY until you have finished your medicine.

This leaflet has been prepared in accordance with guidance from the 
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The information 
given only applies to Becotide 50 Inhaler.

Becotide is a trade mark of the Glaxo Group of companies.

Product licence held by Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK Limited,
Stockley Park, UB11 1BT, England
Manufactured by Glaxo Pharmaceuticals UK Limited,
Speke, Liverpool, L24 9JD, England

Allen & Hanburys Limited, Stockley Park, UB11 1BT, England ©
Date of preparation April 1993