Apo-Mometasone Nasal Spray
This product is manufactured by Apotex Inc. using the ingredient mometasone furoate.
This product is taken via nasal inhalation.
Why is it prescribed?
Apo-Mometasone® is used to treat seasonal and year round allergies for children aged 3 to 11, adolescents and adults.
This medication may also be used in adults and children 12 years of age and older as add-on treatment to antibiotics in acute episodes of sinus inflammation, where signs or symptoms of bacterial infection may or may not be present.
Apo-Mometasone® is also used in the treatment of nasal polyps in adult patients 18 years of age or older.
SHAKE WELL BEFORE EACH USE.
1. Remove the plastic dust cap.
2. The very first time the spray is used; prime the pump by pressing downward on the shoulders of the white applicator, using your forefinger and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Press down and release the pump ten (10) times or until a fine spray appears. The pump is now ready to use. The pump may be stored unused for up to 2 weeks without repriming. If unused for more than 2 weeks, prime the pump again two (2) times, until a fine spray appears.
3. Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils. Close one nostril using your finger. Tilt your head forward slightly and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril.
4. For each spray, press firmly downward once on the shoulder of the white applicator, using your forefinger and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Spray while breathing gently inward through the nostril, with the mouth closed.
5. Then breathe out through your mouth.
6. Repeat in the other nostril.
7. Replace the plastic dust cap after each use.
The correct amount of medication in each spray can only be assured up to 140 sprays from the bottle even though the bottle may not be completely empty. You should keep track of the number of sprays used from each bottle, and discard the bottle after using 140 sprays (approximately five weeks of supply, depending on the prescribed dose).
Cleaning: To clean the nasal applicator, remove the plastic dust cap and pull gently upward on the white nasal applicator so that it comes free. Wash the applicator and dust cap under a cold-water tap. Do not try to unblock the nasal applicator by inserting a pin or other sharp object as this will damage the applicator and cause you not to get the right dose of medicine. Dry and replace the nasal applicator followed by the plastic dust cap.
Re-prime the pump with 2 sprays when first used after cleaning.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not freeze it.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Apo-Mometasone Nasal Spray are •Asmanex®Twisthaler® •Atectura® Breezhaler® •Enerzair® Breezhaler® •Nasonex® Nasal Spray •Ryaltris® nasal spray •Sandoz Mometasone Nasal Spray •Sanis-Mometasone Nasal Spray •Teva-Mometasone Nasal Spray •Zenhale® •
See other products used in the treatment of •allergic rhinitis •asthma •hay fever •nasal polyps •perennial rhinitis •rhinitis •seasonal allergies •seasonal rhinitis •year-round allergies •sleep apnea •
The usual dose is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Your doctor may recommend you start using Apo-Mometasone 2 to 4 weeks before the start of allergy season.
Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid used to treat swelling and inflammation in the breathing passages.
Along with its needed effects, mometasone may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, mometasone is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependent on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
- Nose/throat dryness or irritation
- blood-tinged mucus/phlegm
- nosebleeds
Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:
- pain/sores in your nose
- white patches in your nose/mouth
- painful swallowing/trouble swallowing.
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
Before using mometasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts), infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection), recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery). Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is unlikely that enough mometasone is absorbed into the blood or appears in breastmilk to cause any concerns, however, human data is limited. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.