Asmanex for Asthma

[barbiedoll1]

I recently was put on Asmanex for my asthma to replace Advair 500/50.  I seemed to  be irritated all the time by the powder of Advair , it would cause me to have major coughing and mucus spells.. I understand that Asmanex, also is a powder but it seems a lot finer when I used it the first time and it  hasen't irritated my throat and airways as of yet. My insurance co won't pay for it so I was given samples and told to use it in the AM 2puffs.  Is this the normal dosage ?  Do most people respond well to it? All input appreciated.  Thanks.

[National Jewish]

Since you were using an inhaled steroid, the recommended dose of Asmanex® Twisthaler® 220 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder) would be 220 mcg to 440 mcg daily.  This could be taken as 1 inhalation twice a day or 2 inhalations once daily.  However when it is taken once daily it should only be taken in the evening.  In general most people with asthma respond well to inhaled steroids.  Some have reported reactions to certain inhaled steroids like you did to Advair™ Diskus® (fluticasone/salmeterol).  It’s important for you to know that another difference between these inhaled medicines is that Advair™ Diskus® (fluticasone/salmeterol) also contains a bronchodilator and Asmanex® Twisthaler® 220 mcg (mometasone furoate inhalation powder) does not.

[barbiedoll1]

Also, I wonder is it safe to be on a pred burst starting at 60mg and down to none for a 10 day course whil being on Asmanex?? I will be on vacation and don't want to make my self worse by having too much pred in my system.  Anyone on both at the same time???

[japdip]

I was on a dose pack of Steroids and using Advair at the same time, which is also a steroid like Asmanex. Both were prescribed by my physician.

[barbiedoll1]

Thank you to the nurse for the information on how to take this inhaler.  I was told to take in the morning, however, not by the Dr. but unfortunately I was given bumm info on when to take it.  So, definitely I will take my 2 puffs at night from now on.  Why should it be taken in the evening when using 2 puff's?  Just curious.

[esra]

i've been using asmanex for almost two years now and have benefited greatly from it. the last two times i finished up all my dozes however i was curious to see what the system of the twist inhaler was so i cracked open the inhaler. i was very suprised by the amount of left over powder i found in it when i emptied the inhaler. i took the leftovers to the pharmacist who couldn't explain why, despite my correct usage of the inhaler, there was still so much leftover powder. i just cracked open my second inhaler this morning and again, almost a teaspoon full leftover. what is that mean? is it that i'm not inhaling the correct dozage b/c the twister is malfunctioning? do others ever tried to crack open to see what's inside?

thanks,

[nickylu]

A related discussion, Advair vs. Asmanex was started.