The Qvar Redihaler is a breath-actuated inhaler, which means it automatically releases medication when you inhale through it. There’s no need to coordinate pressing a canister and breathing in at the same time, making it simpler to use than traditional metered-dose inhalers. But the device has several quirks that set it apart from other inhalers you may have used before, and getting the technique right ensures the medication actually reaches your lungs.
How the Qvar Redihaler Works
Qvar delivers a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your airways over time. Unlike rescue inhalers, it won’t help during an asthma attack. You use it on a regular schedule, typically twice daily about 12 hours apart, to keep inflammation under control and prevent symptoms from flaring.
What makes this inhaler different from older versions is the particle size. The medication is dissolved in solution rather than suspended as larger particles, producing an extremely fine aerosol (about 1.1 micrometers across, compared to 3.5 to 4 micrometers in older formulations). These smaller particles travel deeper into the lungs, including into the small airways where much of the inflammation occurs. That improved delivery is one reason Qvar can be effective at lower doses than some other inhaled steroids.
Step-by-Step Inhalation
Before you begin, there are two things to know: you do not need to prime this inhaler, and you do not need to shake it. Both of these are departures from how most metered-dose inhalers work, and skipping the urge to shake is important because shaking with the cap open can accidentally trigger a dose.
Here’s the process:
- Hold the inhaler upright. Keep it in a vertical position with the mouthpiece at the bottom and the cap on top.
- Open the white cap fully. This preps the device to release a dose when you inhale. Only open the cap when you’re actually ready to take your puff.
- Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler. Exhale normally to empty your lungs, but never breathe out into the mouthpiece. Blowing into the device can damage it.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it so no air leaks in from the sides.
- Inhale slowly and deeply. Take a slow, steady breath in through your mouth. The device will automatically release the medication as you inhale. You may or may not feel or taste it.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, then hold your breath to give the medication time to settle into your airways.
- Close the cap. Snap the white cap shut right away. If your prescribed dose calls for a second puff, wait about 30 seconds, then repeat the steps above.
After you finish all your puffs, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. Don’t swallow the rinse water. This step helps wash away medication residue that can cause a yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth or throat, one of the most common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids.
What Not to Do
The Qvar Redihaler has more “don’ts” than most inhalers, and several of them can catch you off guard if you’re switching from a different device.
Don’t use a spacer. Spacers and volume holding chambers are incompatible with this inhaler. The breath-actuated mechanism is designed to work with direct inhalation only.
Don’t leave the cap open. If the cap has been open for more than 2 minutes, close it before you try to use the inhaler. Leaving it open can affect the next dose.
Don’t take the inhaler apart. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. If you drop it, inspect the outside for visible damage. If anything looks cracked or broken, replace it rather than continuing to use it.
Don’t wash it with water. This is a big one. Never run the inhaler under a faucet or submerge any part of it. Water will damage the internal mechanism. Cleaning is dry only (more on that below).
Cleaning and Maintenance
Once a week, wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. That’s the entire cleaning routine. No soap, no water, no rinsing. The simplicity is intentional: the breath-actuated mechanism inside is sensitive to moisture.
Tracking Your Doses
The inhaler has a built-in dose counter on the back that counts down with each puff. When the counter reaches 20 remaining doses, the numbers turn red as a reminder to get a refill. When it hits 0, the entire background turns solid red. Discard the inhaler once the counter reads 0 or once the expiration date printed on the product passes, whichever comes first. Don’t try to get extra puffs out of an empty inhaler; the doses beyond the counter are unreliable.
Dosing for Adults and Children
Qvar Redihaler comes in two strengths: 40 mcg and 80 mcg per puff. Your prescribed dose depends on your age, asthma severity, and whether you were already using an inhaled corticosteroid.
For adults and adolescents 12 and older who are new to inhaled steroids, the typical starting dose is 40 to 80 mcg twice daily. The maximum is 320 mcg twice daily. If you’re switching from a different inhaled steroid, your starting dose may be higher to match what you were already taking.
For children ages 4 to 11, the usual starting dose is 40 mcg twice daily. If symptoms don’t improve after two weeks, the dose may be increased to 80 mcg twice daily, which is the maximum for this age group. The Qvar Redihaler is not approved for children under 4.
When to Expect Results
Inhaled corticosteroids are not instant. You may notice some improvement within the first week or two, but full benefit typically takes several weeks of consistent, twice-daily use. It’s important to keep using the inhaler on schedule even when you feel fine. Skipping doses allows the underlying airway inflammation to creep back, which can lead to symptom flares. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and stay on your regular schedule. Don’t double up.