Nasonex (Mometasone Nasal Inhalation) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Nasonex (mometasone nasal inhalation) is used for the treatment and prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal and year-round allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose. Mometasone nasal inhalation is in a class of medications called topical steroids. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) in the nasal passages.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Nasonex (mometasone) comes as a spray to inhale through the nose. It is usually sprayed once a day in each nostril. To help you remember to use Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    Shake the pump well before each use.

    Do not spray Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation into the eyes.

    For the prevention of nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, begin using Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation 2 to 4 weeks before the beginning of the pollen season.

    Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation controls the nasal symptoms of allergies but does not cure them. You should begin to feel an improvement in your nasal allergies within 1 to 2 days of the first dose of Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation. It may take 1 to 2 weeks until you feel the full benefit of Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation. Continue to use Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation even if you feel well.

    Before you use Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.

    To use the nasal inhalation, follow these steps:

    1. Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
    2. Close one nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright while inserting the nasal applicator into the other nostril.
    3. For each spray, press down firmly once on the shoulders of the white applicator using your forefinger and middle finger. Support the base of the bottle with your thumb. Breathe gently inward through the nostril.
    4. Breathe out through the mouth.
    5. Repeat in the other nostril.
    6. Replace the plastic cap.

    Before using a new pump of Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation for the first time, prime the pump by spraying ten times or until a fine spray appears. If you do not use the pump for more than 1 week, prime it again by spraying two times or until a fine spray appears.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before using Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation:

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Nasonex (mometasone) or any other medications.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
    • tell your doctor if you have a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection or a herpes infection of the eye and if you have or have ever had tuberculosis, glaucoma, or cataracts. Also tell your doctor if you have had a recent injury, surgery, or ulcer in the nose.
    • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation, call your doctor.
    • avoid exposure to measles and chicken pox. If you are exposed to one of these diseases while using Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation, call your doctor immediately.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • headache
    • vomiting
    • sore throat
    • cough

    Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

    • wheezing
    • vision changes
    • speech problems
    • yeast infection of the nose or throat

    Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation may cause children to grow more slowly. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.

    Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep track of the number of sprays used from each bottle of Nasonex (mometasone) nasal inhalation. Throw away the bottle after using 120 sprays. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    Symptoms of overdose may include:

    • nausea
    • vaginal bleeding
  • What other information should I know?

    If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, call your doctor.

    To clean the nasal applicator, remove the plastic cap and pull gently upward on the white nasal applicator so that it comes free. Wash the applicator and cap in cold water. Dry and replace the applicator, followed by the plastic cap.

    Keep all appointments with your doctor.

    Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

    • Nasonex®