Generic name: mometasone nasal (moe MET a sone)
Brand name: Nasonex, Propel, Sinuva
Drug class: Nasal steroids
Nasonex (mometasone) is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies, including congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. This medicine is approved for this use in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.
Nasonex is also used to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal polyps only in adults.
Warnings
Before using Nasonex, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, herpes simplex infection of your eyes, tuberculosis, sores or ulcers in your nose, or if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.
Mometasone can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. 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 Nasonex.
Avoid getting Nasonex in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Nasonex nasal spray if you are allergic to mometasone.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an active or chronic infection;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
- tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
- sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
- nasal surgery or injury to your nose.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Nasonex nasal spray is not approved to treat allergy symptoms in anyone younger than 2 years old, or to prevent allergy symptoms in anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I use Nasonex?
Use Nasonex nasal spray exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Nasonex nasal spray is for use only in your nose.
Your doctor may recommend you start using Nasonex 2 to 4 weeks before the start of allergy season.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Shake the nasal spray well just before each use. Before your first use, prime the nasal spray pump by spraying the medicine into the air until a fine mist appears. If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 1 week, prime it by spraying the medicine into the air until a fine mist appears.
To use the Nasonex nasal spray:
- Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
- Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
- Use only the number of sprays your doctor has prescribed.
- If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.
- If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 1 week, prime it by spraying the medicine into the air until a fine mist appears.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using Nasonex as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
While you are using Nasonex, your doctor may need to examine you to make sure the medicine is not harming your nose or sinuses.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store Nasonex in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the medicine away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Nasonex for Allergic Rhinitis:
2 sprays in each nostril once a day.
When used for the prevention of allergic rhinitis, treatment should begin 2-4 weeks prior to pollen season.
Usual Adult Dose of Nasonex for Nasal Polyps:
2 sprays in each nostril twice daily. 2 sprays in each nostril once daily may be effective in some patients.
Usual Pediatric Dose of Nasonex for Allergic Rhinitis:
2 years to 11 years:
1 spray in each nostril once a day.
12 years or older:
2 sprays in each nostril once a day.
When used for the prevention of allergic rhinitis, treatment should begin 2 to 4 weeks prior to pollen season.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of mometasone nasal spray is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using Nasonex?
Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.
Nasonex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Nasonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe bleeding or increased drainage from your nose;
- nose pain or discomfort, headache;
- white patches or sores in the nose that won't heal;
- wheezing, trouble breathing;
- vision problems;
- ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear.
Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Nasonex.
Although the risk of serious side effects is low when mometasone is used in the nose, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Tell your doctor if you have possible signs of long-term steroid use:
- weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);
- slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
- irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or
- muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, or feeling irritable.
Common Nasonex side effects may include:
- nosebleeds;
- headache;
- stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
- flu-like symptoms.
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.
What other drugs will affect Nasonex?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- an antibiotic;
- antifungal medicine;
- an antidepressant; or
- antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with mometasone nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.