Nasonex is used to treat and prevent nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Nasonex is also used to treat growths in the nose (nasal polyps) in adults.
Mometasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Nasonex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
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.
To be sure Nasonex is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Nasonex 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.
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Nasonex.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Nasonex?
You should not use Nasonex if you are allergic to mometasone.
Before using Nasonex, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use Nasonex until you are well.
Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
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glaucoma or cataracts;
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herpes simplex virus of your eyes;
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tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;
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sores or ulcers inside your nose; or
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if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Nasonex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Nasonex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Steroid medicines can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Nasonex.
How should I use Nasonex?
Use Nasonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Nasonex comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The usual dose of Nasonex is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Your doctor may recommend you start using Nasonex 2 to 4 weeks before the start of allergy season.
Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray into the air and away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 7 days.
Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use. 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.
To be sure Nasonex is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor may want to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store Nasonex in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of Nasonex is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of 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?
Avoid getting Nasonex in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water and call your doctor.
Nasonex 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.
Nasonex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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severe or ongoing nose bleed;
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sores in the nose that won"t heal;
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wheezing, trouble breathing;
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vision problems; or
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache;
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stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
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muscle or joint pain;
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nausea; or
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sores or white patches inside or around your nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Nasonex?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Nasonex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
