Beclomethasone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Beconase AQ (for the nose) is used to treat symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. The Beconase brand of this medication is also used to keep nasal polyps from coming back after surgery to remove them.

Beclomethasone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

The usual dose is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Shake the Beconase bottle well just before each use.

Steroid medicine can weaken (suppress) your immune system, and you may get an infection more easily. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

It may take several days before your symptoms improve. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis, to make sure this medicine is not causing harm to your nose or sinuses.

Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Throw this medicine away after you have used all the sprays and the dose counter shows a zero, even if there is still medicine left in the pump or canister.

You should not use Beconase AQ if you are allergic to beclomethasone.

Before using beclomethasone, tell your doctor if you have been sick or have had any infections. You may not be able to use Beconase AQ until you are well.

Beconase should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Qnasl should not be given to a child younger than 4 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma;

• glaucoma or cataracts;

• herpes simplex virus of your eyes;

• tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;

• sores or ulcers inside your nose; or

• an injury or surgery affecting your nose.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

High doses or long-term use of steroid medicine can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Beconase AQ may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing nosebleed;

• sores in the nose that won't heal;

• blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• signs of a hormonal disorder--worsening tiredness or muscle weakness, anxiety, feeling irritable, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, or weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); or

• signs of infection--fever, chills, sores or white patches in or around your nose, flu symptoms, redness or swelling.

Beconase AQ can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Beconase AQ.

Common side effects of Beconase AQ may include:

• discomfort or irritation inside your nose;

• sneezing, runny or stuffy nose;

• nosebleed;

• fever, sore throat;

• headache, nausea; or

• unpleasant taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect beclomethasone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.