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Mometasone

MOMETASONE (Inhalation-Local)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Asmanex Twisthaler

†

Category

  • Anti-inflammatory (inhalation)
  • Antiasthmatic

Description

Mometasone (moe-MET-a-sone) belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It is used to help prevent the symptoms of asthma. When used regularly every day, inhaled mometasone decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks. However, it will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Inhaled mometasone works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

  • Oral
  • Powder for inhalation (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking mometasone for inhalation must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For mometasone inhalation powder, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Allergies— Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual allergic reactions to mometasone. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances such as foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Pregnancy—Mometasone has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that mometasone causes birth defects. Also, too much use of corticosteroids during pregnancy may cause other unwanted effects in the infant, such as slower growth and reduced adrenal gland function. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—It is not known if mometasone inhalation powder is distributed in breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—This medicine has only been tested in children 12 years of age or older. Mometasone powder for inhalation may adversely effect the adrenal gland and stunt growth in pediatric patients. Before this medicine is given to a child, you and your child's doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of mometasone inhalation powder in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of mometasone. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Eye problems such as:
  • Cataracts or
  • Glaucoma or
  • Intraocular pressure increased—Mometasone may make these conditions worse
  • Liver problems—May increase the amount of mometasone that stays in the body
  • Immobilization for long periods of time or
  • Osteoporosis, family history—Mometasone may make your bones weaker and increase the chance of a broken bone after a minor fall or injury.
  • Infections—Mometasone may make infections like chickenpox and measles more dangerous; it might also hide the effects of certain infections
  • Tuberculosis of the respiratory tract—Mometasone may either hide the effects of this disease or make it worse

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of mometasone inhalation powder will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of mometasone inhalation powder. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of powder that you inhale depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking mometasone inhalation powder

  • For asthma (treatment)
    • If you have had previous asthma therapy with bronchodilators alone:
      • Adults—220 mcg once daily in the evening
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • If you have had previous asthma therapy with inhaled corticosteroids alone:
      • Adults—220 mcg once daily in the evening
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • If you have had previous asthma therapy with oral corticosteroids:
      • Adults—440 mcg twice daily
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage—To store this medicine:

  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
  • Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Check with your doctor if:

  • You go through a period of unusual stress to your body, such as surgery, injury, or infection.
  • You have an asthma attack that does not improve after you take a bronchodilator medicine.
  • Your asthma symptoms do not improve or your condition worsens.
  • You are exposed to the chickenpox or measles.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card stating that you are using this medicine and that you may need additional medicine during times of emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 06/10/2005