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Mometasone Nasal Inhalation

(moe met' a sone)

Brand name(s): Nasonex

Why is this medication prescribed?

Mometasone nasal inhalation is used for the treatment and prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. Mometasone nasal inhalation is in a class of medications called topical steroids. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) in the nasal passages.

How should this medicine be used?

Mometasone comes as a spray to inhale through the nose. It is usually sprayed once a day in each nostril. To help you remember to use mometasone nasal inhalation, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use mometasone nasal inhalation exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the pump well before each use.

Do not spray mometasone nasal inhalation into the eyes.

For the prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, begin using mometasone nasal inhalation 2--4 weeks before the beginning of the pollen season.

Mometasone nasal inhalation controls the nasal symptoms of allergies but does not cure them. You should begin to feel an improvement in your nasal allergies within 1--2 days of the first dose of mometasone nasal inhalation. It may take 1--2 weeks until you feel the full benefit of mometasone nasal inhalation. Continue to use mometasone nasal inhalation even if you feel well.

Before you use mometasone nasal inhalation the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.

To use the nasal inhalation, follow these steps:

• Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
• Close one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright while inserting the nasal applicator into the other other nostril.
• For each spray, press down firmly once on the shoulders of the white applicator using your forefinger and middle finger. Support the base of the bottle with your thumb. Breathe gently inward through the nostril.
• Breathe out through the mouth.
• Repeat in the other nostril.
• Replace the plastic cap.

Before using a new pump of mometasone nasal inhalation for the first time, prime the pump by spraying ten times or until a fine spray appears. If you do not use the pump for more than 1 week, prime it again by spraying two times or until a fine spray appears.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using mometasone nasal inhalation,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mometasone or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection or a herpes infection of the eye and if you have or have ever had tuberculosis, glaucoma, or cataracts. Also tell your doctor if you have had a recent injury, surgery, or ulcer in the nose.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using mometasone nasal inhalation, call your doctor.
• avoid exposure to measles and chicken pox. If you are exposed to one of these diseases while using mometasone nasal inhalation, call your doctor immediately.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Mometasone nasal inhalation may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• vomiting
• sore throat
• cough

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• wheezing
• vision changes
• yeast infection of the nose or throat

Mometasone nasal inhalation may cause children to grow more slowly. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Mometasone nasal inhalation may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep track of the number of sprays used from each bottle of mometasone nasal inhalation. Throw away the bottle after using 120 sprays. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, call your doctor.

To clean the nasal applicator, remove the plastic cap and pull gently upward on the white nasal applicator so that it comes free. Wash the applicator and cap in cold water. Dry and replace the applicator, followed by the plastic cap.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.

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