Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler

Don't use Asmanex (mometasone) if you're experiencing an asthma attack because this medication won't provide immediate relief. Use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA), if you're having trouble breathing.

If you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, let your pulmonologist know because this could be a sign that your condition is getting worse. Don't use more doses Asmanex (mometasone) than recommended because this won't improve your breathing. Rather, this can raise your risk for serious side effects, such as heart problems, tremors, and dizziness.

• Risk factors: Not rinsing and spitting after using Asmanex (mometasone) | Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications

Asmanex (mometasone), like all inhaled steroids, can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat called thrush. To lower your risk for thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit after each inhalation of Asmanex (mometasone). If you develop thrush, your pulmonologist might prescribe you a medication to treat this infection and ask you to stop using Asmanex (mometasone) temporarily. Let your pulmonologist know if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain while eating or swallowing, or loss of taste.

Inhaled medications, including Asmanex (mometasone), can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you have a hard time breathing after inhaling Asmanex (mometasone), use your rescue inhaler and get medical attention right away.

Like all corticosteroid-containing medications, Asmanex (mometasone) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for infections, including upper respiratory infections and pneumonia. Your risk for infections is higher if you're also taking other medications that also weaken your immune system. If you're currently being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis, let your pulmonologist know. They might need to consider a different medication for your condition until you get better. Let your pulmonologist or primary care provider know right away if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, chills, or body aches.

• Risk factors: Using Asmanex (mometasone) for a long time | Using too much Asmanex (mometasone)

Use Asmanex (mometasone) only as directed. Don't use more than the maximum number of inhalations each day. Doing so can cause more steroid to be absorbed into the body and raise your risk for symptoms of too much stress hormones, such as higher blood sugar or blood pressure.

On the other hand, if you're transitioning to Asmanex (mometasone) from oral steroids, you might experience symptoms of low steroid hormone, such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. When you transition to Asmanex (mometasone), your pulmonologist will work with you to lower your dose of oral steroids slowly over time to prevent these side effects.

Children who use inhaled steroids, like Asmanex (mometasone), might experience a delay in growth. To lower the risk of growth problems, your child's pulmonologist will only prescribe the lowest dose needed to help their condition. Your child's care team will check your child's growth regularly while your child is using this medication. If you're concerned about how Asmanex (mometasone) might affect your child's growth, discuss with your child's pulmonologist to see if this medication is right for them.

• Risk factors: Older age | Bed rest for a long time | Family members who have osteoporosis | Females who've gone through menopause | Using tobacco

People who use inhaled steroids, like Asmanex (mometasone), have reported lower bone mineral density (BMD) over time. It's unclear whether this leads to higher risk of bone fractures. But you're more likely to experience a fracture if you're an older adult, have family members who have osteoporosis, or are taking other medications that raise the risk of fractures.

• Risk factors: History of glaucoma or cataracts

Although rare, people using inhaled steroids over a long period of time have reported having higher pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Talk to your optometrist before using Asmanex (mometasone) if you have glaucoma or cataracts because they might ask you to come in more often for eye exams. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication.

Severe allergic reactions to Asmanex (mometasone) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your healthcare professional know of any allergies before starting Asmanex (mometasone), especially if you have an allergy to milk proteins. Since Asmanex Twisthaler contains lactose, you'll need to use the HFA inhaler of Asmanex (mometasone) or a different medication instead to avoid getting an allergic reaction. Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Asmanex (mometasone).