Generic Name: mometasone nasal (mow MEH tah zone)
Typical Brand Names: Nasonex
What Is It Used For?
It is used nasally to prevent and treat the nasal symptoms of
allergies and other seasonal reactions. Nasonex helps relieve
itchy, runny noses, sneezing and congestion caused by dust mites,
pet dander and tree and grass pollen. Mometasone is also used
to treat nasal polyps and for many other purposes other than those
listed in medication guides.
How Is It Used?
You need to shake Nasonex well before each use. Use as directed
which is generally two sprays in each nostril daily. If your nose
is congested, try to clear it before using your medication to
be sure that the medicine gets into your nasal passages.
Remove the plastic dust cap from the nasal applicator. Close
one nostril and tilt your head slightly forward. Insert the tip
of the nasal applicator about 1 cm (about half an inch) into your
nostril, pointing it straight up into the nasal canal. Then press
it firmly once on the shoulders of the applicator using your forefinger
and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with
your thumb. Breathe gently inward through the nostril as you pump.
Then breathe out through the mouth. Repeat this process for the
number of sprays prescribed by your doctor.
If the drug is used for seasonal allergy, therapy is best started
2-4 weeks before the season. Enhancement in symptoms starts generally
within 2 days and full benefit occurs after 1-2 weeks of use.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Nasonex are unlikely to occur; however
headache or sore throat might occur though. Stop using mometasone
nasal and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, unusual increase in thirst or urination;
tongue, or face; or hives; nausea, weakness or weight loss). If
these effects persist or worsen or you notice some other effects,
notify your doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects like: headache, viral infection, bleeding
nose, coughing, upper respiratory tract infection, and painful
menstruation or muscle pain may be more likely to occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Before using NASONEX, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have
a any kind of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. You may not
be able to use mometasone nasal if you have an infection, or you
have undergone recently nasal surgery.
NASONEX is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it
is not known whether mometasone nasal will harm an unborn baby.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant. It is also unknown whether mometasone passes
into breast milk. Do not use mometasone nasal without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Prior using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about
any other drugs you are taking. The use of other oral or inhaled
steroids may increase your chance of side effects or overdose.
Even other drugs (not listed here) may also interact with nasonex.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip
the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a
double dose of this medication.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store mometasone nasal at room temperature at 25°C (77°F)
and try to keep it away from moisture and heat. Avoid prolonged
exposure of the product to direct light when mometasone nasal
is removed from its cardboard container.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Avoid items or activities that you know are allergic for you if
they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur
may aggravate your condition. Avoid exposing yourself to known
sources of infection. Stay away from people with chicken pox,
measles, or any other type of infectious disease. Your immune
system may not be strong enough to fight off an infection while
you are using nasonex.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
