Becloforte CFC-Free Inhaler 250 mcg – beclometasone for regular asthma treatment

Becloforte CFC-Free Inhaler is a pressurised metered-dose inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate – a corticosteroid with an anti-inflammatory effect in the airways. Inhaled, the medicine goes straight to the lungs, so only a very small dose is needed to reduce swelling and irritation of the airways.

It is used to prevent symptoms of mild, moderate and severe asthma in patients who need regular treatment – it does not relieve a sudden asthma attack. Each dose contains 250 micrograms and the inhaler holds 200 doses. The marketing authorisation holder in Serbia is Evropa Lek Pharma d.o.o. Beograd; the medicine is prescription-only.

What is the Becloforte inhaler used for and how is it used correctly?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Becloforte used for?

Becloforte CFC-Free Inhaler helps prevent symptoms of mild, moderate and severe asthma in patients who need regular treatment. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling and irritation of the airways. It is used every day; the effect develops over several days. A sudden asthma attack is treated with another medicine – a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator.

How is it used and dosed?

For oral inhalation only. Before first use, or if the inhaler has not been used for 3 days or more, release one dose into the air. Before each dose shake the inhaler 4–5 times, breathe out fully, close your lips around the mouthpiece, start breathing in slowly and deeply and then press the canister; hold your breath for a few seconds. Wait about half a minute between doses. If you find it hard to coordinate breathing and pressing, the doctor may recommend a spacer (a Babyhaler is available for children). Clean the inhaler at least once a week with a damp cloth – do not put the metal canister in water. No dose adjustment is needed in the elderly or in liver or kidney disease; in children the doctor regularly checks height. This is the general dosage from the package leaflet – your doctor decides on your treatment.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• allergy to beclometasone dipropionate or the excipients (norflurane, ethanol, glycerol)

Warnings and precautions

• Tell your doctor if you have or have had tuberculosis or oral thrush, if you are taking or have just finished corticosteroid tablets or injections, or if you have allergic rhinitis or eczema.
• When switching from systemic to inhaled corticosteroids, allergies may get worse.
• With long-term high doses, an extra corticosteroid dose may be needed in stressful situations (accident, surgery).
• If symptoms do not improve or get worse, see your doctor; also report blurred vision.
• Each dose contains 8.93 mg ethanol – less than 1 ml of beer, which has a negligible effect.

Interactions with other medicines

• ritonavir and cobicistat (HIV medicines) – the doctor may monitor you more closely
• metronidazole and disulfiram – tell your doctor before starting treatment (the medicine contains a small amount of ethanol)
• tell your doctor about all medicines, including herbal and non-prescription products

It can be used at any time of day, regardless of meals.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Becloforte has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Possible side effects

• Very common: fungal infection (thrush) of the mouth and throat.
• Common: throat irritation, hoarseness – can be prevented by brushing teeth, rinsing the mouth or gargling with water straight after inhaling.
• Uncommon: allergic reactions (rash, redness, itching, hives).
• Very rare: severe allergic reactions, anxiety, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity and irritability (mainly in children), effects on the body's own steroid production (slowed growth in children, reduced bone density, cataract, raised eye pressure).
• Frequency not known: depression or aggression (mainly in children), blurred vision.

Do not stop treatment because of hoarseness without medical advice. Report suspected side effects to your doctor, pharmacist or ALIMS.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• If you use more than the recommended dose, contact your doctor as soon as possible; do not change the dose without advice.
• If you forget a dose, take the next one at the usual time; do not take a double dose.
• Do not stop treatment even when you feel better unless your doctor advises it.

Related information

For additional care and support with throat irritation and hoarseness, see also the Throat care category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• Active substance: beclometasone dipropionate 250 micrograms per dose.
• Excipients: norflurane (HFA 134a), anhydrous ethanol, glycerol.
• Pack: pressurised aluminium canister with metering valve in a plastic actuator with mouthpiece and cap; 200 doses.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Evropa Lek Pharma d.o.o. Beograd, Bore Stankovića 2; manufacturer Glaxo Wellcome Production, Evreux, France.

Storage

• Store below 30 °C, protected from direct sunlight; do not freeze.
• The canister is pressurised – do not expose to temperatures above 50 °C, do not puncture or burn even when empty.
• A cold canister may work less well – warm it in your hands for a few minutes, never by any other means.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

Does Becloforte help during an asthma attack?

No. It is a medicine for regular daily use that prevents symptoms. An attack is treated with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator.

How soon does Becloforte start to work?

It takes several days of regular use. If there is no improvement after 7 days, or your condition worsens, see your doctor.

Why should I rinse my mouth after inhaling?

Rinsing the mouth, gargling with water or brushing your teeth straight after inhaling reduces the risk of oral and throat thrush, throat irritation and hoarseness.

Can I use a spacer?

Yes, if you find it hard to coordinate breathing and pressing the inhaler. A Babyhaler spacer is available for children – ask your doctor.

How do I clean the inhaler?

At least once a week remove the metal canister, wipe the plastic actuator and mouthpiece with a damp cloth and let them dry. Do not put the canister in water.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Becloforte® CFC-Free Inhaler 250 micrograms/dose (Serbian)
• ALIMS – Package leaflet, Becloforte® CFC-Free Inhaler (August 2023, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.