Asmanex HFA® (mometasone furoate)

Asmanex HFA ® (mometasone furoate) is an orally inhaled man-made corticosteroid. It is indicated as a maintenance treatment to prevent and control asthma.^1-4

Asmanex also comes as a Twisthaler used to treat bronchial asthma. Neither Asmanex product is indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasms.^2-4

How does Asmanex work?

Asmanex is a maintenance drug. It is not indicated for the relief of acute symptoms as a rescue inhaler. It is a strong anti-inflammatory.¹ Corticosteroids have a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in triggering asthma.^1-4

Your doctor may prescribe short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol for emergency relief of an acute asthma attack.^1-4

What is the active ingredient in Asmanex?

The active ingredient in Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler is mometasone furoate.^1-3

What are some of the possible side effects of Asmanex (mometasone furoate)?

The most common side effects of Asmanex include:^1-4

• Fungal infection of the throat and mouth (candida albicans)
• Headache
• Nasal allergy
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory or sinus infection
• Painful periods
• Muscle and bone pain
• Back pain
• Upset stomach

Asmanex can cause rare but serious side effects, including:^1-4

• Worsening asthma
• Serious allergic reactions including rash, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and face
• Breathing problems
• Immunosuppression – an increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system
• Decreased bone mineral density
• Slowed growth in children
• Glaucoma, cataract, or changes in vision

These are not all the possible side effects of Asmanex HFA or Asmanex Twisthaler. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Asmanex or Asmanex Twisthaler.

Things to know

Before starting Asmanex, you should talk to your doctor about all drugs (prescription and over the counter), supplements, and vitamins you are taking. Some drugs or supplements may interfere with each other. This means both drugs may work less well, or you may have serious side effects. In particular, mometasone furoate may interact with:^1-4

• Long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Antifungals
• Antibiotics
• Anti-HIV drugs

Before starting treatment with mometasone furoate, discuss all of your health conditions with your doctor, especially:^1-4

• Hypersensitivity to mometasone furoate
• Allergy to milk proteins
• Have been in contact with measles, chickenpox virus, tuberculosis, herpes, or any other infections
• Adrenal suppression

Asmanex is not recommended for children under 4. It should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies any potential risks to the baby.^1-4

Proper inhaler use

Your healthcare provider or respiratory therapist can show you how to use an inhaler properly.^1,2 Asmanex should be stored at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.^1,3,4

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your drugs or your inhalation regimen.^1,2,4

View full prescribing information.