mometasone inhalation

What is the most important information I should know about mometasone inhalation?

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mometasone inhalation?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma or cataracts;
• low bone mineral density; or
• a recent illness or infection of any kind, including tuberculosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.

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 use mometasone inhalation?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each use of your inhaler.

Mometasone can weaken (suppress) your immune system, and you may get an infection more easily.

If you also use an oral steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you had been taking an oral (taken by mouth) steroid, you may need to restart the oral medicine. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Keep the cap on your inhaler when not in use. Keep the inhalation aerosol canister away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Do not wash your inhaler device or allow it to get wet. Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue or cloth.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using mometasone inhalation?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using mometasone.

What are the possible side effects of mometasone inhalation?

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist);
• worsening asthma symptoms;
• signs of thrush (a fungal infection) --sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, trouble swallowing; or
• symptoms of low adrenal gland hormones --extreme tiredness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• increased sinus allergy symptoms (runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus pain), sore throat, nosebleed;
• headache;
• muscle or bone pain, back pain;
• flu symptoms;
• upset stomach;
• menstrual pain; 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.

What other drugs will affect mometasone inhalation?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antibiotic;
• antifungal medicine;
• an antidepressant; or
• antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mometasone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about mometasone inhalation.