This product is used to control and prevent symptoms
(wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It contains 2
medications: mometasone and formoterol. Mometasone belongs to a class of
drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing the irritation and
swelling of the airways. Formoterol belongs to the class of drugs known as
long-acting beta agonists. It works by relaxing the muscles around the
airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling
symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or
school.
When used alone, long-acting beta agonists (such as
formoterol) may rarely increase the risk of serious (sometimes fatal)
asthma-related breathing problems. However, combination inhaled
corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonists, such as this product, do not
increase the risk of serious asthma-related breathing
problems.
Before using this medication, it is important to learn
how to use it properly. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief
inhaler (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) as
prescribed. See also How to Use section.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This product may also be used to control symptoms (such
as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease
(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic
bronchitis and emphysema). This product may also be used for sudden
breathing problems caused by asthma (asthma attack).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication
and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the
proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you
are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 5
days. Do not spray the medication into your eyes.
Shake the inhaler well before each use. Remove the cap.
Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice
daily (in the morning and evening). Always replace the cap properly after
using the inhaler.
If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least one
minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait
at least 1 minute between the use of each medication, and use this drug
last.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast
infections from developing, gargle, rinse your mouth with water and spit
out after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water.
To clean your inhaler, wipe the outside of the
mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water or other
liquids. Do not take the inhaler apart.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced times.
To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase
your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first
consulting your doctor. Also, do not use other long-acting beta agonists
while using this medication.
If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid
by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless
directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may
become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop taking
the drug, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight
loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent
withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your old medication
after you begin using mometasone/formoterol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist
right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions
section.
If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (such as
albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) on a regular daily
schedule (such as 4 times daily), you must stop this schedule and only use
the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath/asthma
attacks. Consult your doctor for details.
It may take 1 week or longer before you get the full
benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better
or if they get worse.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day
(controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly
worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should
do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing,
increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night
with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often
(more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to
be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by
yourself and when you must get medical help right away.
Stuffy nose, hoarseness, dry mouth, or throat irritation
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Rarely, this medication may cause severe sudden
worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have
sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and get
medical help right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- white patches on tongue/in mouth
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever)
- mental/mood changes (such as nervousness)
- trouble sleeping
- vision problems (such as blurred vision)
- increased thirst/urination
- muscle cramps
- shaking (tremors)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- sudden trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to mometasone or formoterol; or to
arformoterol; 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:
- current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes)
- high blood pressure
- heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular
heartbeat)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- seizures
- bone loss (osteoporosis)
- eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma)
- diabetes
- swelling of an artery (aneurysm)
- a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
Formoterol may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using this medication safely.
This medication may mask signs of infection. It can make
you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse.
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as
chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been
exposed to an infection or for more details.
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by
mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12
months, or if you have been using this product in higher-than-usual doses
for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to
physical stress. 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 a corticosteroid taken by mouth within
the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop
unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical
ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid
medications.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may temporarily slow down a child's
growth if used for a long time. However, poorly controlled asthma can also
slow down growth. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be
checked.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
shaking (tremors), chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function, blood
pressure, bone density tests, eye exam) may be done while you are using
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor
for more details.
Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and
promptly report worsening breathing problems (such as readings in the
yellow/red range, increased use of quick-relief inhalers).
Avoid allergens/irritants such as smoke, pollen, pet
dander, dust, or molds that may worsen breathing problems. Because the flu
virus can also worsen breathing problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist if
you should have a flu shot every year.
In adults, this medication can increase the risk of bone
loss (osteoporosis) if used for a long time. Talk with your doctor about
your risk, and about available treatments for osteoporosis. Lifestyle
changes that reduce the risk of bone loss include doing weight-bearing
exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and
limiting alcohol. To help prevent osteoporosis later in life, encourage
children to exercise and eat a healthy diet (including
calcium).
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from heat. Do not store
or use near an open flame. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).