Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Inhaled mometasone is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use for an attack or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Inhaled mometasone is used with a special inhaler that comes with patient directions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check regularly how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses and be used at the same time each day, as ordered by your doctor.

To use the Twisthaler®:

  • Take the Twisthaler® out of the pouch before you use it for the first time.
  • Write down the date on the cap label when you first open the foil pouch. The medicine is good for only 45 days once the pouch is opened.
  • The Twisthaler® has a small window on the side with numbers showing. This is the dose counter. It keeps track of how many more times you can use the inhaler before you need to open a new one. When the dose counter reaches "00", the Twisthaler® will lock itself. If the dose counter is not working correctly, do not use the Twisthaler® and return it to your pharmacy or doctor.
  • Remove the cap while it is in upright position to make sure you get the right amount of medicine with each dose.
  • Hold the Twisthaler® upright and twist the cap in a counterclockwise direction to open it. The dose counter should change to a lower number when you take off the cap. The arrow on the Twisthaler® should be pointing to the dose counter.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.
  • Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
  • Take the Twisthaler® out of your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
  • Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
  • Wipe the mouthpiece dry with a cloth or tissue. Do not wash it with water. Put the cap back on right away and twist it in a clockwise direction. You should hear a "click" when the cap is fully closed.
  • Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose. This will help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.

To use the Asmanex® HFA inhaler:

  • This medicine comes in 2 strengths. Your doctor will decide which dosage strength is best for you.
  • The Asmanex® HFA aerosol canister provides about 124 inhalations, depending on the size of the canister your doctor ordered.
  • The Asmanex® HFA inhaler has a small window on the side with numbers showing. This is the dose counter. It keeps track of how many more times you can use the inhaler before you need to open a new one.
  • Before using this medicine, remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
  • When you use the inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it in a while, test or prime it by releasing 4 test sprays into the air, away from the face.
  • Shake well before each spray.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.
  • Breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
  • Do not use Asmanex® HFA canister or actuator with any other medicines. Do not remove the canister from the actuator.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after each dose. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.
  • Do not wash the inhaler in water. The mouthpiece should be cleaned using a dry wipe after every 7 days of use.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol powder):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • For patients who have received inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators:
        • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—One puff once a day, in the evening for 1 to 2 weeks. Each puff contains 220 micrograms (mcg) of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 440 mcg per day.
        • Children 4 to 11 years of age—One puff once a day, in the evening. Each puff contains 110 mcg of mometasone.
        • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients who have received oral corticosteroids:
        • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs 2 times a day, in the evening for 1 to 2 weeks. Each puff contains 220 micrograms (mcg) of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 880 mcg per day.
        • Children 4 to 11 years of age—One puff once a day, in the evening. Each puff contains 110 mcg of mometasone.
        • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For preventing an asthma attack (HFA):
      • For patients who have received inhaled corticosteroids:
        • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs 2 times a day (in the morning and in the evening). Each puff contains 100 or 200 micrograms (mcg) of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 to 800 mcg per day.
        • Children 5 to 11 years of age—Two puffs 2 times a day (in the morning and in the evening). Each puff contains 50 mcg of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
        • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients who have received oral corticosteroids:
        • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs 2 times a day, (in the morning and in the evening). Each puff contains 100 micrograms (mcg) of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 800 mcg per day.
        • Children 5 to 11 years of age and older—Two puffs 2 times a day (in the morning and in the evening). Each puff contains 50 mcg of mometasone. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
        • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away the inhaler when the dose counter is at "00" or 45 days after you opened the package. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used inhaler and any leftover medicine.