Dulera

Don't use Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) to treat an asthma attack because it doesn't work fast enough to relieve sudden breathing problems. Instead, use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, for quick relief.

Tell your prescriber if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. This can be a sign that your asthma is getting worse and that your treatment might need to be changed. Don't take more doses of Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) than prescribed. Taking extra doses won't improve your breathing and can raise your risk of side effects, such as a fast heartbeat, tremors, and dizziness.

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

Dulera contains mometasone, a steroid medication. Steroids inhaled through the mouth can sometimes cause thrush, a fungal infection in your mouth or throat. To help prevent this, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose.

Tell your prescriber if you notice symptoms of thrush, such as white patches in your mouth, a cotton-like feeling in your mouth, pain when eating or swallowing, or changes in your sense of taste. You might need an antifungal medication to treat the infection. In some cases, your prescriber might have you temporarily stop Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) until the thrush clears.

• Risk factors: Taking medications that weaken the immune system

Like other medications that contain a steroid, Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can weaken your immune system and make it harder to fight infections. Your risk is even higher if you also take other medications that weaken the immune system.

Avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox or measles, especially if you haven't had these illnesses or haven't been vaccinated against them. These infections can be more serious while you're using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol). If you're exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles, contact your prescriber right away.

Tell your prescriber if you're being treated for a serious infection, such as tuberculosis (TB), before starting Dulera (mometasone / formoterol). Also contact your prescriber right away if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, or a cough that doesn't go away.

• Risk factors: Long-term use of oral steroids | Suddenly stopping prednisone 20 mg or equivalent dose of steroid

If you're switching from an oral steroid, such as prednisone, to Dulera (mometasone / formoterol), your prescriber will usually lower your oral steroid dose slowly. Stopping oral steroids too quickly can cause your body to make too little of its own steroid hormones, which can lead to a serious condition called adrenal insufficiency.

Tell your prescriber right away if you develop symptoms such as unusual tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or low blood pressure while your oral steroid dose is being lowered. During times of major stress, serious illness, surgery, or a severe asthma attack, you might need extra steroid treatment. Some conditions that were previously controlled by oral steroids, such as allergies or eczema, might also come back after you switch to Dulera (mometasone / formoterol).

• Risk factors: Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) for a long time | Using too much Dulera (mometasone / formoterol)

In rare cases, Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can affect your body's natural steroid hormone production, especially if you use higher doses than prescribed for a long time. This can lead to changes in stress hormone levels.

To lower your risk, use the lowest dose that controls your asthma and don't use more than prescribed. Tell your prescriber if you develop symptoms such as unusual tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, especially during times of stress, illness, or after surgery. Never stop or change your dose without talking to your prescriber first.

In rare cases, Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can cause your breathing or wheezing to suddenly get worse right after you use it. This can be life-threatening. If this happens, use your rescue inhaler right away, stop using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol), and get medical help immediately. Your prescriber will likely switch you to a different asthma medication.

In rare cases, Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop using the medication and get medical help right away if you develop hives, a rash, flushing, trouble breathing, wheezing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Risk factors: Heart problems | High blood pressure | Using more Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) than recommended

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can sometimes affect your heart. Tell your prescriber if you have heart problems, an irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure before starting this medication.

Contact your prescriber right away if you notice a fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness, tremors, nervousness, or trouble sleeping. Don't use more than the prescribed dose, since taking too much can raise your risk of serious heart-related side effects.

• Risk factors: Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) long term | Not being able to move for a long time | Family history of osteoporosis | Taking medications that can weaken bones

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) contains a steroid that can weaken your bones if you use it for a long time. This can raise your risk of bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of osteoporosis, long-term use of steroid medications, or limited physical activity. Your prescriber might monitor your bone health if you're at higher risk.

• Risk factors: Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) long term

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) might slow growth in some children when used for a long time. To help lower this risk, your child's prescriber will use the lowest dose that controls their asthma and check their growth regularly.

• Risk factors: Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) long term*

Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) for a long time might raise your risk of glaucoma, cataracts, or increased pressure in your eyes. Tell your prescriber if you notice changes in your vision, eye pain, or blurred vision. They might recommend you have regular eye exams during treatment.

• Risk factors: Using Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) more than recommended

Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) can sometimes raise your blood sugar or lower your potassium levels, although this isn't common at recommended doses. Tell your prescriber if you have diabetes or notice symptoms such as unusual thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.