Mometasone (Nasonex®) nasal spray
What is mometasone nasal spray?
MOMETASONE (Nasonex®) is a corticosteroid. Mometasone helps to prevent or relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching of the nose. Generic mometasone nasal spray is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use mometasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- any type of infection
- nasal problems or recent nasal surgery or trauma
- vision problems
- an unusual or allergic reaction to mometasone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Mometasone nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Before use, the sprayer must be primed. Pump the sprayer 10 times or until a fine spray appears. Make sure you point the spray away from yourself, other people, and pets while priming. If you haven’t used the sprayer for 1 week, reprime by pumping twice or until a fine spray appears. Shake sprayer well before using. Blow nose gently, without squeezing. With head upright, spray the prescribed amount into each nostril. Sniff briskly while squeezing the bottle quickly and firmly. After use, rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle. Dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap directly after cleaning. Do not use the sprayer for more than one person. Do not use extra doses or use more of this medicine than your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed. You may need to use this medicine for several days as prescribed before you start to feel better.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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.
What drug(s) may interact with mometasone?
Before using medications for other nasal problems, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using mometasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
- continuing stuffy or runny nose
- coughing
- earache
- headache
- increased abdominal pain and cramping at menstrual period
- redness of the eye or eyelid
- shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing
- sores inside nose
- white patches inside nose or mouth
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- diarrhea
- joint or muscle aches or pain
- nausea
- sore throat
- sneezing
- upset stomach
What should I watch for while taking mometasone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of corticosteroid you are taking, and your prescriber’s name and address. It can take two or three days before your symptoms respond to mometasone. Use the spray at regular intervals; effectiveness depends on regular use. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your condition after three weeks of use. Do not stop using mometasone except on your prescriber’s advice.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice white patches or sores in your mouth while you are being treated with mometasone.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/1/2001 ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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