What Is Qvar? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Qvar RediHaler (Beclomethasone Dipropionate) is a prescription inhaled corticosteroid used as a daily maintenance treatment to prevent asthma symptoms in patients ages 4 and older.

What Is Qvar?

Qvar is a brand-name inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) made by Teva Pharmaceuticals. The active ingredient is Beclomethasone Dipropionate, a synthetic corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling inside your airways.

The current version — Qvar RediHaler — is a breath-actuated metered dose inhaler. That means it automatically releases the medication when you breathe in, so you don't need to coordinate pressing a button and inhaling at the same time. This makes it easier to use correctly compared to traditional press-and-breathe inhalers.

Qvar is a maintenance inhaler, not a rescue inhaler. It's designed to be used every day to prevent asthma symptoms — it will not provide quick relief during an asthma attack. You'll still need a rescue inhaler (like Albuterol) for sudden symptoms.

What Is Qvar Used For?

Qvar is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Maintenance treatment of asthma as preventive therapy in patients 4 years of age and older

It's used to keep asthma under control over time by reducing the chronic inflammation that causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Qvar is not approved for:

• Quick relief of acute asthma symptoms or asthma attacks
• Treatment of status asthmaticus (a severe, life-threatening asthma attack)
• COPD (though some doctors may use it off-label in certain situations)

For a deeper explanation of how it works in your body, see our article on how Qvar works.

How Is Qvar Taken?

Qvar RediHaler is inhaled through the mouth, typically twice daily, about 12 hours apart.

Available Strengths

• 40 mcg per inhalation (120 actuations per inhaler)
• 80 mcg per inhalation (120 actuations per inhaler)

Typical Dosing

• Adults and adolescents (12+): 40 to 320 mcg twice daily, depending on asthma severity and prior treatment
• Children (4-11 years): 40 mcg twice daily; maximum 80 mcg twice daily

Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your asthma severity and how well other treatments have worked for you.

How to Use the RediHaler

1. Open the cap fully (this loads the dose)
2. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it
4. Breathe in steadily through your mouth
5. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds
6. Close the cap
7. Rinse your mouth with water and spit — this helps prevent oral thrush

The RediHaler requires a relatively low inspiratory flow rate (about 20 liters per minute), making it accessible for most patients, including those who have difficulty with other inhaler types.

Important Usage Notes

• Use Qvar at the same times each day for best results
• Don't stop using it suddenly — talk to your doctor about tapering if needed
• It takes 1 to 2 weeks to start working, with full benefit at about 4 weeks
• Keep using it even when you feel well — it's preventing symptoms behind the scenes

Who Should Not Take Qvar?

Qvar is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Qvar if you:

• Are allergic to Beclomethasone Dipropionate or any ingredient in the inhaler
• Need immediate relief from an acute asthma attack (use your rescue inhaler instead)
• Have status asthmaticus (a severe, prolonged asthma attack requiring emergency treatment)

Use With Caution If You Have:

• Active or untreated infections (especially tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, or viral infections)
• A history of glaucoma or cataracts
• Osteoporosis or risk factors for bone loss
• Liver disease
• A weakened immune system

Tell your doctor about all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications can interact with Qvar — see our guide on Qvar drug interactions for details.

For information on side effects, read our article on Qvar side effects and when to call your doctor.

How Much Does Qvar Cost?

Qvar is a brand-name medication with no generic available. Patents are expected to expire around May 2031. As a result, it can be expensive.

Cash Price

Without insurance, Qvar typically costs $306 to $414 per inhaler (10.6g, 120 inhalations).

With Insurance

Most commercial insurance plans cover Qvar, usually as a Tier 3 (preferred brand) medication. Copays vary by plan but are often $30 to $75 per fill. Some plans may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying another inhaled corticosteroid first). Medicare Part D typically covers it as well.

Savings Options

• Teva Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $15 per fill. Teva covers up to $25 of your copay, with maximum savings of $40 per fill for up to 25 fills.
• Teva Cares Foundation: Free medication for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements. Apply through qvar.com or tevausa.com.
• Discount cards: GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and similar services may offer coupons that reduce your out-of-pocket cost at participating pharmacies.

For a complete breakdown of all savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Qvar.

Alternatives to Qvar

If Qvar isn't available or isn't the right fit, your doctor may consider these alternatives:

• Fluticasone Propionate (generic Flovent HFA) — a widely available generic inhaled corticosteroid
• Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) — available as a dry powder inhaler and nebulizer solution
• Ciclesonide (Alvesco) — a once-daily option with potentially fewer oral side effects
• Mometasone (Asmanex) — available as a dry powder inhaler or MDI with once-daily dosing

For more on this topic, see our article on alternatives to Qvar.

Final Thoughts

Qvar RediHaler is a well-established maintenance inhaler that helps millions of people keep their asthma under control. It's easy to use, effective at reducing airway inflammation, and approved for both adults and children ages 4 and up.

The key things to remember: use it every day, rinse your mouth after each dose, and don't rely on it for sudden asthma symptoms. If cost or availability is a concern, explore the savings options and tools mentioned above — or use Medfinder to find Qvar in stock near you.