What is mometasone inhalation?
Mometasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause
inflammation.
Mometasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that
has already begun.
Mometasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mometasone inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any
kind. You may not be able to use mometasone inhalation until you are well.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mometasone is harmful to an unborn
baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether mometasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use mometasone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Mometasone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not
growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you
do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family
history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
How should I take mometasone inhalation?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger
amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. This medication comes with patient
instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions.
Do not
use mometasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has
already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting
inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
Mometasone is a powder that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with the medicine.
The device will deliver a measured dose of mometasone as a fine spray of powder each time you use
the inhaler.
You may or may not be able to feel or taste this powder in your mouth while using the
inhaler. Do not use extra doses if you do not feel or taste the powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you think your inhaler is not working properly.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using
mometasone inhalation. Do not swallow.
Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use
all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule
without advice from your doctor.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best
results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve
after 2 weeks of treatment.
Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently
had an asthma attack.
Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in
treating or preventing asthma attacks.
If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to mometasone inhalation, you
may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or
other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know
that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
Store mometasone inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat. When
you first open the foil pouch and remove the inhaler device, write the date on the device. Throw away
the inhaler after 45 days, or when the dose counter shows "00."
Do not wash your inhaler device or allow it to get wet. Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry
tissue or cloth after each use.
What happens if I miss a dose of mometasone inhalation?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about mometasone inhalation?
Your pharmacist has information about mometasone inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of mometasone inhalation?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
-
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle
weakness;
-
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in
your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist); or
-
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
headache;
-
runny nose, increased sinus allergy symptoms;
-
stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, nosebleed;
-
muscle or joint pain, back pain;
-
nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
-
changes in menstrual periods;
-
tired feeling; or
-
hoarseness or deepened voice.
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about mometasone inhalation?
Do not
use mometasone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has
already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting
inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.
Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well
as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best
results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve
after 2 weeks of treatment.
Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently
had an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as
well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.
If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to mometasone inhalation, you
may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or
other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know
that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.
What should I avoid while taking mometasone inhalation?
Mometasone inhalation can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can
make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who
are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken
pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using mometasone
inhalation.
What other drugs will affect mometasone inhalation?
Before using mometasone inhalation, tell your doctor if you are using ketoconazole (Nizoral).
There may be other drugs that can interact with mometasone inhalation. Tell your doctor about
all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of mometasone inhalation?