Asmanex (Mometasone)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Asmanex?

Asmanex is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Asmanex contains mometasone furoate as its active component. This medication is mainly used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Uses and Benefits of Asmanex

Asmanex has anti-inflammatory effects and is used for the treatment of asthma. It works by reducing irritation and swelling in the walls of the small air passage in the lungs which helps to ease breathing problems.

Side Effects of Asmanex

Patients may experience some most common side effects after taking Asmanex including:

• Runny nose, stuffy nose, and sinus pain

• Flu-like symptoms

• Nose irritation or nosebleed

• Headache, muscle pain, back pain, or joint pain

• Fungal infection in the mouth

• Sore throat, hoarseness, and deepened voice

Some side effects can be serious which include:

• Serious allergic reactions such as itching, swelling of face, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Throat tightness
• Tunnel vision, blurred vision, and eye pain
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Extreme weakness

Consult with your doctor straight away if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

How to use Asmanex?

Asmanex drug is available in two forms - Asmanex HFA and Asmanex twisthaler.

• Asmanex twisthaler

  • Asmanex twisthaler is used to treat asthma symptoms in adults and children 4 years of age and older.

  • Inhale this medication via mouth usually once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. Do not exhale into the inhaler.

  • When you see "00" on the dose indicator, this means that every inhalation has been used and you will not be able to use the inhaler again. Then the inhaler should be discarded

• Asmanex HFA

  • Asmanex HFA is used to treat asthma symptoms in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

  • Prepare the inhaler if you are using it for the first time by releasing spray into the air, away from the face (to avoid contact with eyes), shake well before each spray.

  • Prepare the inhaler again if the inhaler has not been used for more than 5 days by releasing test spray into the air.

After using Asmanex, gargle and rinse your mouth with water and spit it out without swallowing. This will help to prevent thrush, dryness, and irritation in the mouth and throat.

Drug Interactions

Asmanex can interact with other medications and can cause adverse reactions. It includes short-acting beta2-agonist and intranasal corticosteroids. It is also advised to not take medications containing strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir) and long-term ketoconazole.

Safety Information

• Patients who have hypersensitivity to mometasone should not use Asmanex.

• Asmanex does not work right away and should not be used to treat sudden, severe symptoms of asthma. Always keep a quick-relief inhaler to relieve symptoms of sudden asthma attacks.

• Do not use Asmanex if you have an allergy to milk proteins.

• Avoid coming in contact with viral infections such as chickenpox, measles, or any other infections while using Asmanex.

• Patients who are using Asmanex for a long time may have an increased risk of decreased bone mass, which altered bone strength.

• Asmanex may increase the risks of eye-related problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and blurred vision.

Reference:

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-93720/asmanex-twisthaler-inhalation/details

• https://www.asmanex.com/

• https://www.rxlist.com/asmanex-drug.htm

• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a687014.html