Answer
May 08, 2024 - 08:47 AM
Yes. QVAR RediHaler (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) requires a prescription. The current U.S. QVAR RediHaler labeling lists it as “Rx only.”
The reason you are seeing 50 mcg and 100 mcg rather than 40 mcg and 80 mcg is the way QVAR is labeled in Canada. The Canadian product monograph states:
- QVAR 50 mcg from the valve is equivalent to 40 mcg from the actuator/mouthpiece
- QVAR 100 mcg from the valve is equivalent to 80 mcg from the actuator/mouthpiece
So your U.S. prescription for QVAR RediHaler 80 mcg/actuation corresponds in delivered dose to the Canadian QVAR 100 mcg strength. Health Canada also classifies QVAR as a prescription medication.
One important point: QVAR RediHaler is a breath-activated inhaler, while the Canadian QVAR product may use a different inhaler device. Therefore, the prescription and product should be reviewed by the dispensing pharmacist to make sure the strength, device, and directions are appropriate rather than substituting based on the strength number alone.
