Uses

Mometasone is used to prevent and treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing). It is also used to treat certain growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Mometasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved US professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for sinus inflammation (sinusitis). It should be used with an antibiotic if sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using mometasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for runny nose (rhinitis) and once or twice a day for polyps. Do not spray in the eyes or mouth. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Shake the container well before each use. Follow the instructions to properly prime the spray pump.

To use the spray, remove the protective cap. Close one nostril by pressing it with your finger. Tilt your head slightly forward and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril. Press down firmly on the pump to deliver the prescribed number of sprays. Do not spray directly onto the middle wall of your nose (nasal septum). Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat in the other nostril. Wipe the applicator tip and replace the plastic cap. Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using this medication.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Younger children may need a smaller dose and help from an adult to use this medication properly. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently than directed.

This medication does not work right away. Some people will feel this medication working within 2 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. When using mometasone to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms, you may need to start this medication 2-4 weeks before pollen season begins. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should also use other medications (such as nose drops/spray, allergy drugs taken by mouth) along with this drug until it takes full effect.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package. Follow the package instructions to unblock the spray tip if needed and to clean the spray bottle.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks or if they worsen.

Side Effects

See also Precautions.

Nose/throat dryness or irritation, blood-tinged mucus/phlegm, and nosebleeds may occur. If any of these side effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:

• pain/sores in your nose
• white patches in your nose/mouth
• painful swallowing/trouble swallowing

Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• unusual/extreme tiredness
• weight loss
• headache
• swelling ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• vision problems

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using mometasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts)
• infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection)
• recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)

Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Medical examinations (especially of your nose and eyes) should be performed periodically during prolonged use of this medication to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Make sure all of your doctors know that you are using this medication or have used it in the past.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store upright at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Different brands of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.