Asmanex

Generic Name: mometasone inhalation (moe MET a sone)
Brand Name: Asmanex Twisthaler

What is Asmanex?

Asmanex Twisthalers contains mometasone, a corticosteroid medicine. Mometasone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Asmanex is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Asmanex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Asmanex

Do not use Asmanex to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast acting inhalation medication.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using Asmanex as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

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Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Before using Asmanex

You should not use Asmanex if you are allergic to mometasone, or to milk proteins.

To make sure Asmanex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, or if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Asmanex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Asmanex pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether mometasone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Asmanex can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Do not give Asmanex to a child younger than 4 years old without medical advice.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.

How should I use Asmanex?

Use Asmanex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not use Asmanex to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast acting inhalation medication. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks.

An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Asmanex Twisthaler is a special inhaler device preloaded with mometasone in a powdered form. The device will deliver a measured dose of mometasone as a fine spray of powder each time you use the inhaler.

You may or may not be able to feel or taste this powder in your mouth while using the inhaler. Do not use extra doses if you do not feel or taste the powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think your Asmanex twisthaler is not working properly.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using Asmanex. Do not swallow.

Asthma is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to Asmanex, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Store Asmanex at room temperature away from moisture and heat. When you first open the foil pouch and remove the inhaler device, write the date on the device. Throw away the inhaler after 45 days, or when the dose counter shows "00."

Do not wash your Asmanex twisthaler device or allow it to get wet. Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue or cloth after each use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Asmanex?

Asmanex can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using Asmanex.

Asmanex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Asmanex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist); or

• worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious Asmanex side effects may include:

• headache;

• increased sinus allergy symptoms (runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus pain), sore throat, nosebleed;

• muscle or joint pain, back pain;

• nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite;

• changes in menstrual periods;

• tired feeling; or

• hoarseness or deepened voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Asmanex side effects (in more detail)

Asmanex Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose of Asmanex for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Patients previously treated with bronchodilators only or an inhaled corticosteroid: Initial dose: 220 mcg once daily in the evening; may increase dose after 2 weeks if adequate response not obtained. Maximum dose: 440 mcg daily. The 440 mcg dose may be administered in divided doses of 220 mcg twice daily or as 440 mcg once daily. Patients previously treated with oral corticosteroids: Initial dose: 440 mcg twice daily; maximum dose: 880 mcg daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose of Asmanex for Asthma -- Maintenance:

4 to 11 years: Initial dose: 110 mcg once daily in the evening regardless of prior therapy.
12 years or older: Patients previously treated with bronchodilators only or an inhaled corticosteroid: Initial dose: 220 mcg once daily in the evening; may increase dose after 2 weeks if adequate response not obtained. Maximum dose: 440 mcg daily. The 440 mcg dose may be administered in divided doses of 220 mcg twice daily or as 440 mcg once daily. Patients previously treated with oral corticosteroids: Initial dose: 440 mcg twice daily; may increase dose after 2 weeks if adequate response not obtained. Maximum dose: 880 mcg daily.

What other drugs will affect Asmanex?

Before using Asmanex, tell your doctor if you are using ketoconazole (Nizoral).

There may be other drugs that can interact with Asmanex. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Asmanex.