Author: Unknown

BDP
Spacehaler_™

Please read this leaflet carefully BEFORE you take your medicine.  This leaflet provides a summary of the information available on your medicine.  If you have any questions about this medicine, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Make sure that this inhaler is suitable for you (see Before using your inhaler).

Do not stop taking your medicine unless advised to do so by your doctor.

What is your medicine?
BDP Spacehaler 50 micrograms contains Beclomethasone Dipropionate BP and delivers 50 micrograms of this medicine in each puff.

BDP Spacehaler 100 micrograms contains Beclomethasone Dipropionate BP and delivers 100 micrograms of this medicine in each puff.

BDP Spacehaler 250 micrograms contains Beclomethasone Dipropionate BP and delivers 250 micrograms of this medicine in each puff.

It also contains oleic acid, dichlorodifluoromethane or trichlorofluoromethane

Your Spacehaler contains 200 doses (puffs) of medicine

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 they seem to have the same symptoms as you have.

How your medicine works
Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is one of a group of medicines known as corticosteroids which helps in the management of asthma.  Beclomethasone dipropionate works by reducing swelling and irritation in the walls of the small air passages in your lungs.  This type of medicine is known as a ‘PREVENTER’.  As it is used to prevent asthma attacks it is important to use your inhaler regularly even when you have no symptoms or you feel better.

It may take a few days for this medicine to work.  Do not stop taking your inhaler unless told to do so by a doctor.

You may currently be using an inhaler which acts to open your airways during an asthma attack (a ’RELIEVER’).  This can be safely used together with your BDP Spacehaler.

IMPORTANT: Do not use this inhaler to provide relief from wheezing or breathlessness.  You will probably need a different kind of medicine in a different colour pack which your doctor may already have given you.

Who makes it?
BDP Spacehaler is made for Evans Medical Limited by Medevale Pharmaservices, Vale of Bardsley, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL7 9RR

Important points to note before taking your medicine
•	Are you allergic to beclomethasone dipropionate, oleic acid, dichlorodifluoromethane or trichlorofluoromethane?
	
•	Are you pregnant
	
•	Are you likely to become pregnant?
	
•	Are you breast-feeding a baby?
	
•	Do you suffer from or have you ever suffered from tuberculosis (TB)?
	
•	Has a doctor prescribed other medicines for you?  If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor (or pharmacist) before taking this medicine.

How to take your medicine
It is important to take your medicine at the right times.  You must take it as directed by your doctor.  The label will tell you how much to take and how often.  Usually this will be twice a day, a dose in the morning and one in the evening.  The usual dose for BDP Spacehaler
is as follows:

Adults:
BDP Spacehaler 50 micrograms:
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is 16 puffs.

BDP Spacehaler 100 micrograms:
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is 8 puffs.

BDP Spacehaler 250 micrograms:
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is 4 puffs.

Children:
BDP Spacehaler 50 micrograms:
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is 8 puffs.

BDP Spacehaler 100 micrograms:
Usually the most you would take in a 24 hour period is 4 puffs.

BDP Spacehaler 250 micrograms: Not recommended for children

However, all patients are different and your doctor may have prescribed more or less for you.  Detailed instructions on how to use your BDP Spacehaler are given overleaf.  Please read these instructions carefully before using your inhaler.  If you are not sure how or when to take your BDP Spacehaler ask your doctor or pharmacist.  If you forget to use your inhaler, take your recommended number of puffs as soon as you remember, then continue as before.  Never use more than the doctor has prescribed.  If you see another doctor, or go to hospital, tell them what medicine you are taking.  Do not take any other medicine without letting your doctor know.

You will find further information about this medicine overleaf.

BDP Spacehaler 50 micrograms PL 0039/0480
BDP Spacehaler 100 micrograms PL 0039/0481
BDP Spacehaler 250 micrograms PL 0039/0482
The Product Licence for BDP Spacehaler is held by
Evans Medical Limited, Regent Park,
Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7PQ, UK.
Leaflet Issue Date: November 1995.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF YOUR BDP SPACEHALER
Before using your inhaler, please read this leaflet carefully and follow the instructions.

Children
Children may need help in the use of BDP Spacehaler and may need adult guidance to breathe in at the same time as the inhaler is fired.

Before use
If you hove difficulty in working the aerosol with one hand as shown in the diagrams, use both hands.  With all aerosols ii is wise to test fire the inhaler before using it for the first time and also if it has not been used for a while.

Cleaning
To clean, remove the aerosol can and rinse the plastic container in warm water.  Dry, then replace the aerosol can. This should be done once a week

Contents
BDP Spacehaler contains at least 200 puffs.

What to do if you stop taking the medicine

Do not stop taking your medicine unless advised to by your doctor.
Since BDP Spacehaler acts to prevent asthmatic attacks it is important to keep taking your inhaler even when you have no symptoms.

What might happen while you are taking your medicine (unwanted effects)
With BDP Spacehaler only minute doses of medicine are used and these go directly to your airways reducing the risks of any effects on the rest of the body  Only occasionally are there a few unwanted effects when BDP Spacehaler is used in recommended doses

•	If you have increased difficulty in breathing or an increase in wheezing or coughing immediately after using your inhaler, stop using it and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

How to use your inhaler
•	Remove the cap from the inhaler mouthpiece.  Make sure the mouthpiece is clean and clear of fluff and dirt. | •	Hold the inhaler upright, with your thumb on the base and your first finger on the top of the can.  Now shake the inhaler up and down a few times. | •	Breathe out fully to empty the lungs and then place the mouthpiece firmly between your lips. | •	Now breathe in slowly and deeply.  At the same time press the aerosol can with your first finger to fire the aerosol and release the medicine.
•	Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for ten seconds, or as long as possible.  Breathe out slowly. | •	If more than one puff is required, wait at least one minute and repeat procedure from step 2.  Replace the cap. | •	Your inhaler should be cleaned regularly usually at least once a week.  To clean, remove the metal canister from the plastic body and remove the plastic cap from the mouthpiece.  Rinse the plastic body and the mouthpiece cap in warm water.  Dry thoroughly then replace the canister and mouthpiece cap.  Avoid excessive heat.  Do not put the metal canister into water.
Important Do not rush steps 3 and 4.  It is important that you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before operating your inhaler.  Practice in the mirror for the first few times.  If you see a mist coming from the top of the inhaler or the sides of your mouth you should start again from step 2.

Caution
Use only as directed by a doctor.  Do not stop taking the medicine except on your doctor’s advice.  The excessive use of inhalers may be dangerous.

IT IS DANGEROUS TO EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE.

If you are not sure how or when to use your BDP Spacehaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist.  If you forget to use your inhaler, take your recommended number of puffs as soon as you remember, then continue as before.  Never use more than your doctor has prescribed.

If your asthma suddenly gets worse, or your reliever inhaler no longer provides as much relief from your asthma as before, you should consult your doctor.  If you see another doctor, or go to hospital, tell them what medicine you are taking.

Do not take any other medicine without letting your doctor know.

What to do if you are taking other medicines
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines especially other steroids, diuretics (water tablets usually used to treat high blood pressure), beta blockers or xanthine derivatives, such as aminophylline or theophylline (drugs used to improve breathing in asthma).

What to do if an overdose is taken
In the event of an overdose (taking too many puffs) contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.

•	Very occasionally some people experience a hoarse voice, or candidiasis ("thrush) of the mouth and throat (white spots on the mouth or throat) after inhaling this medicine. Rinsing your mouth out with water immediately after inhaling each dose will help to stop candidiasis.  Even if you have not experienced a sore mouth or throat, or a hoarse voice, you should still rinse your mouth out with water to prevent these symptoms occurring.  If these symptoms do occur tell your doctor but do not stop treatment unless told to do so
	
•	If you feel unwell or notice anything unusual, tell your doctor as soon as possible.  If you notice any of these effects or any other side effects, or are concerned in any way, tell your doctor and he will be able to advise you regarding any extra treatment or changes needed.  If you think this medicine has upset you in any way, please tell your doctor.

How to store your medicine
Store below 30°C.  Keep your BDP Spacehaler away from direct sunlight or heat.  Protect from frost.  Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the pack.  Do not puncture or burn the canister even when it seems empty.

KEEP ALL MEDICINES IN A SAFE PLACE WHERE CHlLDREN CANNOT REACH THEM.

If your doctor decides to stop your medicine or you have some left at the end of treatment, return all unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal

Canisters should not be transferred between inhalers.