mometasone
Mometasone furoate is a topical steroid medication used to treat certain conditions that involves red, itchy, or dry skin, such as eczema or psoriasis. Mometasone furoate comes in different formulations, such as cream, ointment, and solution. It's applied to the skin daily and it can cause temporary side effects, such as burning and itching. But it's typically only used for a short period of time to minimize the risk of more serious side effects, such as topical steroid withdrawal.
What is Mometasone furoate?
What is Mometasone furoate used for?
Skin rashes and other skin irritation
How Mometasone furoate works
Mometasone furoate is a topical corticosteroid. When it’s used on the skin, it has two main actions:
It lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to lower skin inflammation.
It can also slow down new skin cells from being made, which can help lower the amount of patches or scales in some skin problems (e.g., psoriasis).
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Mometasone furoate?
Common Side Effects
- Burning (less than 2%)
- Itching (less than 2%)
- Skin thinning (less than 2%)
Other Side Effects
- Acne-like bumps
- Changes in skin color
- Skin irritation
- Spider veins
- Stretch marks
- Bruising
- Loose skin
Serious Side Effects
- Withdrawal symptoms: long-term fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, belly pain
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning
thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
loss of elasticity
loss of normal skin markings
raised, dark red, and wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
shininess
Incidence not known
Burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of treated areas of dark skin
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Mometasone furoate
Pros
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Many formulations to choose from, including an ointment, cream, and solution
Cream and ointment are safe to use in children 2 years and older
Only applied once a day
Cons
Not safe to use on sensitive skin areas, like the face, armpits, or groin
For short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and high blood sugar
Solution and lotion aren't safe for children under 12 years old
Risk of steroid withdrawal symptoms after long-term use
Pharmacist tips for Mometasone furoate
Ask your provider how long you should use mometasone furoate. Typically, your provider will ask you to stop this medication when your skin condition is under control. Using this medication for longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects, such as skin thinning or unwanted hair growth.
If you don't see any improvements in your skin after using mometasone furoate for 2 weeks, let your provider know. They might consider other treatment options for you.
Mometasone furoate skin products should only be used on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or on damaged skin because this could cause you to absorb more medication. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. Don't insert this medication vaginally or rectally.
Wash your hands before and after using mometasone furoate to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. This is because mometasone furoate has been shown to raise the risk of certain eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts. If it does get into your eyes, wash your eyes with cold water and contact your provider if irritation doesn't go away.
Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying mometasone furoate unless directed by your provider. This can change how the medication gets absorbed and cause more side effects.
Some stinging or burning after using mometasone furoate is possible. But if they're bothersome or if you notice a rash appear, please contact your healthcare provider because you might need more medical attention.
If you've been using mometasone furoate for a few weeks and need to stop this medication, check in with your provider. They might ask you to lower the amount of medication you apply slowly over time to minimize your risk of topical steroid withdrawal symptoms.
When you're using mometasone furoate, don't start another topical steroid without checking with your provider first. Using more than one topical steroid at a time can raise your risk of serious side effects, such as skin thinning or hormone-related problems.
Frequently asked questions about Mometasone furoate
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What are the risks and warnings for Mometasone furoate?
Mometasone furoate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Changes in hormone levels
Risk factors: Using high potency topical steroids | Applying mometasone furoate for a long period of time | Applying too much mometasone furoate on your skin | Covering applied area with a bandage | Younger age
Your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of mometasone furoate that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. This is because using topical steroids, including mometasone furoate, can interrupt your body's ability to make stress hormones. This can affect many processes in the body and can cause serious side effects such as high blood sugar levels and Cushing's syndrome. Don't use mometasone furoate for more than 2 weeks at a time unless directed by your provider.
Topical steroid withdrawal
If you suddenly stop using mometasone furoate after having done so for a long time and over a large skin area, you might experience topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Some symptoms of TSW include itchy, burning, or flakey skin. If you think you might be experiencing TSW, talk with your provider and they can suggest possible treatment options for you. Don't suddenly stop using mometasone furoate without talking to your provider first.
Risk of high blood sugar
Risk factors: Using mometasone furoate for a long period of time | Using excessive amounts of mometasone furoate on your skin
Using topical mometasone furoate for a long period of time or over large areas of the body can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. If blood sugar isn't controlled, this can lead to diabetes. If you have diabetes, your provider might ask you to check your blood sugar regularly to make sure this medication is safe for you.
Cataracts and glaucoma
Risk factors: Cataracts or glaucoma | History of vision problems
Mometasone furoate can raise your risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. While this is less likely with topical steroids than oral steroids, it's still a potential risk, especially if the medication gets into your eyes. Make sure your provider knows if you have a history of vision problems before starting this medication. If you notice blurry vision, eye pain, or halos around lights, let your provider know. Avoid applying mometasone furoate near your eyes.
Skin problems
Risk factors: Using a higher dose of mometasone furoate over a longer period of time | Covering applied area with a bandage
Using mometasone furoate longer than directed by your provider can raise your risk of different skin reactions, including skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, irritation, dry skin, inflamed hair follicles, changes in skin color, or rash. Some changes can be permanent. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of mometasone furoate to treat your symptoms for the shortest amount of time. Let your provider know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.
New or worsened skin infection
Risk factor: Using a topical steroid
Mometasone furoate can lower your body's ability to fight infections, including infections on your skin. It is especially important to treat skin infections with an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial if you're using mometasone furoate. The longer you're using this medication, the higher your risk of this problem is. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus where you're applying mometasone furoate, stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Allergic reactions
Skin irritations that don't go away can be an early sign that you're allergic to mometasone furoate. If you have hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or have difficulty breathing after using this medication, call your provider right away.
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Mometasone furoate dosage forms
Typical dosing for Mometasone furoate
Mometasone furoate topical cream and ointment (adults and children 2 years and older): Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) once daily.
Mometasone furoate topical solution and lotion (adults and children 12 years and older): Apply a few drops to the affected area(s) once daily and massage it in until it disappears.
Interactions between Mometasone furoate and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Bemiparin
- Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
- Macimorelin
- Nadroparin
- Ritonavir
- Sargramostim
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Auranofin
- Ketoconazole
How much does Mometasone furoate cost?
What are alternatives to Mometasone furoate?
Skin rashes and other skin irritation
Inflammation and itchy skin conditions
Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis in people 18 years or older - Sernivo brand only
What is the latest news about Mometasone furoate?
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Psoriasis treatment: Corticosteroids you apply to the skin.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Mometasone furoate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Mometasone furoate- mometasone furoate ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ference, J.D., et al. (2009). Choosing Topical Corticosteroids. American Family Physician.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA. (2020). Mometasone furoate- mometasone furoate lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). Mometasone furoate- mometasone furoate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Phan, K., et al. (2019). Topical corticosteroids and risk of diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Uva, L., et al. (2012). Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.
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