Mometasone respiratory inhalation suspension spray

What is this medicine?

MOMETASONE (moe MET a sone) is a corticosteroid. It helps decrease inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma. Never use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Shake well before each inhalation. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions. Rinse your mouth after each use. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

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 of age 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, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone pain

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• infection

• nausea, vomiting

• 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

• painful menstrual periods

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and telithromycin

• certain antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• cobicistat

• nefazodone

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. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a dry place at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not puncture the canister. Do not store it or use it near heat or an open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees F may cause it to burst. Never throw it into a fire or incinerator. Do not wash the inhaler in water. The mouthpiece should be cleaned using a dry wipe after every 7 days of use. Throw away after the expiration date or when the inhaler is empty (dose counter reads "0"), whichever comes first.

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

• glaucoma

• immune system problems

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

• recent surgery or injury of the mouth or throat

• taking corticosteroids by mouth

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. 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.

Using this medicine for a long time may increase your risk of low bone mass. Talk to your doctor about bone health.