Formoterol; Mometasone metered dose inhaler

What is this medicine?

FORMOTEROL; MOMETASONE (for MOH te rol; moe MET a sone) inhalation is a combination of two medicines that decrease inflammation and help to open up the airways in your lungs. It is used to treat asthma. Do NOT use in an acute asthma attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Rinse your mouth with water after use. Make sure not to swallow the water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• dizziness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever or chills

• high blood pressure

• infection

• nausea, vomiting

• tremors

• unusually weak or tired

• white patches or sores in the mouth or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• coughing, hoarseness or throat irritation

• dry mouth

• headache

• muscle pain

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following mediations:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aminophylline or theophylline

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, linezolid, and telithromycin

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for colds

• certain medicines for depression or emotional conditions

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• cobicistat

• diuretics

• other medicines for breathing problems

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule, spacing doses evenly. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Throw away the inhaler after the dose counter reaches 0 or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, and flame.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• immune system problems

• infection, like chickenpox, tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection

• pheochromocytoma

• recent surgery or injury of the mouth or throat

• seizures

• taking corticosteroids by mouth

• thyroid disease

• worsening asthma

• an unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol, mometasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhalers for this purpose. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.