Information About Nasonex

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

MOMETASONE FUROATE - NASAL SPRAY

(mow-MET-uh-sown)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nasonex

USES: This medication is used to treat and prevent nasal symptoms related to allergies (such as stuffiness or congestion).

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for other nasal conditions (e.g., swelling).

HOW TO USE: Shake well before each use. Prime the spray pump as instructed by your pharmacist. Use as directed, generally two sprays in each nostril daily. Do not use this drug more often or longer than prescribed. Use this drug regularly during the prescribed treatment period for full benefit. If the drug is used for seasonal allergy, therapy is best started 2-4 weeks before the season. Improvement in symptoms occurs generally within 2 days and full benefit occurs after 1-2 weeks of use.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache or sore throat might occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: vision changes, unusual nasal bleeding or irritation/pain, blood-tinged mucus/phlegm, unusual increase in thirst or urination, nausea, weakness, weight loss. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, current infections, other nasal problems, glaucoma, cataracts. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while using corticosteroids (e.g., mometasone, prednisone), especially oral products. If exposed, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Caution is advised in children as this drug may affect growth patterns. Consult child's doctor. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: other nasal products, other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Medical examinations including the nose are generally performed during prolonged use of this product to check for side effects. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.