Drug Notes

Mometasone (Into the nose)

Mometasone Furoate (moe-MET-a-sone FURE-oh-ate)

Treats or prevents symptoms of allergies (hay fever). Also treats nasal polyps. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Nasonex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. You should notice some improvement within 24 hours after you start using this medicine. The medicine becomes most effective after 1 to 2 weeks of use.
• This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Shake the medicine before each use.
• The first time you use the spray bottle you will need to prime the pump. To do this, pump the spray nozzle 10 times or until a fine mist appears. If you stop using the medicine for more than 1 week, you will need to prime the pump again by spraying 2 times or until a fine mist appears.
• Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
• Press your finger against 1 nostril to close it. Tilt your head slightly forward and insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril. Hold the bottle upright and press on the applicator to release the medicine. Breathe in through your nostril. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat in the other nostril. Do not spray directly into your nasal septum (the area between your nostrils).
• After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep track of the number of sprays used, and throw away the medicine bottle after you have used 120 sprays from it. Do this even if there is still some medicine left in the bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how mometasone works. Tell your doctor if you are using or have recently used medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. Tell your doctor if you are using ketoconazole.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, tuberculosis, any type of infection (including a cold or the flu), herpes simplex in your eye, or a history of glaucoma or cataracts.
• Tell your doctor if you recently had nose surgery, a nose injury, or sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you plan to have nose surgery. You may need to stop using this medicine while your nose is healing.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal gland insufficiency
  • Glaucoma or cataracts
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Wheezing (stop using the medicine and check with your doctor if this occurs)
• This medicine may weaken your immune system and make it more likely for you to get an infection. Avoid people who are sick. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, call your doctor right away.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
• Fever, chills, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and body aches
• Heavy bleeding or bloody mucus from your nose, pain or sores inside your nose
• Red or white patches in your nose and throat
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist
• Wheezing, chest pain, or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or ear pain
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Nosebleeds

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017