Asmanex (Mometasone Furoate)

Description

Indications

Mometasone is indicated for the management and prevention of asthma symptoms, specifically wheezing and shortness of breath. Regular usage of this medication is necessary to achieve its desired efficacy. It should not be employed as an immediate solution for sudden asthma attacks.

Mometasone belongs to the class of pharmaceutical agents referred to as corticosteroids. Its mechanism of action involves reducing airway irritation and inflammation. By effectively controlling breathing difficulties, work or school absenteeism due to asthma-related symptoms is minimised.

Uses and Dosage

Mometasone inhalation is available in two forms: a powder for oral inhalation and an aerosol for inhalation using an inhaler. For oral inhalation, mometasone is typically administered twice daily, while the powder variant is usually taken once a day in the evening or twice daily. Adhere to a consistent schedule when using mometasone inhalation. Use mometasone inhalation precisely as directed, neither exceeding nor reducing the prescribed dosage or frequency without medical guidance.

During your mometasone inhalation treatment, discuss the proper usage of your other oral and inhaled asthma medications with your doctor. If you were previously taking an oral steroid like dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, your doctor may gradually decrease your steroid dosage starting at least one week after initiating mometasone inhalation.

While mometasone inhalation aids in preventing asthma attacks, it does not provide immediate relief for ongoing asthma attacks. It should not be utilized during an asthma attack. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to be used specifically for such situations.

Your doctor will likely initiate mometasone inhalation at an average dose. Depending on symptom control, the dose may be adjusted by decreasing it if symptoms are managed or gradually increasing it if no improvement is observed after two weeks.

Mometasone inhalation controls asthma symptoms but does not offer a cure. The full benefits of the medication may take 1 to 2 weeks or longer to manifest. Even if you feel well, continue using mometasone inhalation and avoid discontinuing it without consulting your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your asthma worsens during the course of treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience an asthma attack that persists despite using your fast-acting asthma medication or if you require a higher dose of your fast-acting medication than usual.

Before using the mometasone oral inhaler for the first time, carefully read the provided instructions. Familiarize yourself with the inhaler components by examining the accompanying diagrams. Seek guidance from your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the correct usage. Practice using the inhaler under their supervision.

The dose counter located on the base of your mometasone inhaler indicates the remaining doses of medication. Read the numbers on the dose counter from top to bottom. Each time you lift the cap to load a dose, the number on the dose counter will decrease. If the numbers on the dose counter do not change after loading a dose, do not use the inhaler.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• stuffy or runny nose
• swelling of nose, throat, and sinuses
• bone, muscle, joint, or back pain
• flu-like symptoms
• nose irritation or nosebleed
• dry throat
• painful white patches in the mouth or throat
• painful menstrual periods

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• throat tightness
• vision changes

Caution

Prior to initiating the use of mometasone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies to this medication or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients, such as lactose and milk proteins, which can potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have or had current or past infections, bone loss (osteoporosis), eye problems, diabetes, or decreased adrenal gland function.

If you have transitioned from an orally-administered corticosteroid to this inhaler within the past 12 months or have been using this product at higher-than-usual doses for an extended period, your body may have a diminished response to physical stress. Notify your doctor or dentist before undergoing surgery, emergency treatment, or in the event of a serious illness/injury, indicating your use of this medication or recent intake of an orally-administered corticosteroid. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience unusual or extreme fatigue or weight loss.

This medication may mask signs of infection and potentially increase the likelihood of developing new infections or exacerbating existing ones. Avoid close contact with individuals who have easily transmissible infections, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or require further information.

Prolonged use of this medication may temporarily impede a child’s growth. Poorly controlled asthma can also affect growth. Regular check-ups with the doctor are recommended to monitor your child’s height.

During pregnancy, the use of this medication should only occur when clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medication.

Form and Strength

Asmanex is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Asmanex powder inhalation:
  • 100mcg
  • 200mcg
  • 400mcg

FAQ

Is Asmanex an immunosuppressant?

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

How do I know if Asmanex is working for me?

You’ll know if it’s working for you based on how often you have asthma attacks and need your rescue inhaler.

Resources

1. https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/asmanex-hfa#:~:text=Mometasone%20can%20weaken%20(suppress)%20your,after%201%20week%20of%20treatment
2. https://www.goodrx.com/asmanex/what-is
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mometasone-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20067282?p=1
4. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/asmanex-twisthaler
5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-93720/asmanex-twisthaler-inhalation/details
6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608035.html
7. https://www.drugs.com/asmanex.html#:~:text=Asmanex%20contains%20mometasone%20furoate%2C%20a,attack%20that%20has%20already%20begun