What You Should Know Before Taking Nasonex

Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) is a nasal spray used for the treatment of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion, nasal polyps, and itchy nose. Nasonex is in a class of medication called corticosteroids.

Who Can Take Nasonex?

Most healthy individuals over the age of two can safely use Nasonex. This medication may soon be available over the counter in the U.S., but at present a prescription is still required. In either form, you should talk to a healthcare provider before using it, especially for children, on a long-term basis, or if you're pregnant or nursing.

Nasonex should not be taken by anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to mometasone furoate. Nasonex should not be used if you have nasal ulcers, or have had recent nasal surgery or nasal trauma. Nasonex may exacerbate certain viral and bacterial infections.

Side Effects

According to the manufacturer, the following side effects occurred during clinical studies: headaches, viral infections, pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx or throat), nosebleeds, bloody mucous, upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, sore muscles, painful menstruation, and sinusitis.

Less common side effects include suppression of the immune system, thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth and throat), growth disturbances, taste disturbances, nasal septal perforation, nasal burning and irritation, and slow wound healing.

All medications are capable of producing a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing or drooling, swelling of the tongue, lips, or face, blue lips or skin (cyanosis), wheezing, rash, or hives. Symptoms usually develop rapidly within a short time of using a new medication. If you have any of these symptoms after using Nasonex, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

How to Take Nasonex

Nasonex is a nasal spray and should not be used orally or in any other manner. Nasonex works best when it is taken regularly. A typical adult dose of Nasonex is two sprays in each nostril one time daily. Children under 12 years old typically need one spray in each nostril daily. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Use Nasonex only as often as your healthcare provider has directed. Detailed information on how to use the nasal spray is in the packet insert that comes with the medication.

Before Taking

To avoid negative interactions, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before you start using Nasonex. Tell them if you are pregnant or nursing. There are no adequate human studies showing whether the drug is safe during pregnancy, but animal studies have suggested possible risks to a fetus. It is also not known if Nasonex is secreted in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you have impaired liver or kidney function, if you are taking other corticosteroid medications, or if you have an impaired immune system before taking Nasonex.