You have asthma, so your doctor has probably given you an inhaler to use every day. Some of these are used only when your asthma suddenly gets worse, that is, when you have difficulty breathing. But there is another type, which you need to use every day. Today we are talking about one such inhaler that you use every day. This is called a 'controller inhaler', which means it controls your asthma and prevents it from recurring. This is not used when you have an asthma attack, but to control the asthma attack. Today we will talk in detail about this type of 'controller' inhaler, the Mometasone Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI).
What is Mometasone?
Simply put, Mometasone is a medicine that reduces swelling and inflammation in your airways, the tubes that carry air to your lungs. It belongs to a class of medicines called 'inhaled steroids'. Think of it this way: a person with asthma has a slightly swollen and narrowed airway. The Mometasone inhaler works by reducing that swelling, opening up the airways, and helping you breathe easier.
The most important thing: This is a 'controller' inhaler. This means it is used to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. If you suddenly have difficulty breathing and are having an asthma attack, this is not the inhaler you should use. It is the 'rescue' or 'reliever' inhaler (like the blue one) that your doctor has given you.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Mometasone inhaler, your doctor will ask you about some things. Also, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- If you have glaucoma .
- If you have a weak immune system .
- If you have a viral infection like chickenpox, herpes , or any other infection.
- If there is any injury to the mouth or throat.
- If you have osteoporosis .
- If you are already using another steroid like Prednisone , either in pill form or in another form.
- If you have recently had any surgery.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to mometasone, other steroids, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor about these things.
How to use the inhaler correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to know how to use it correctly.
1. Inhale correctly: This medicine comes in a powder form. You need to inhale it deeply through your mouth. Read and understand the steps in the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that come with the inhaler. If you don't understand, ask your doctor for the exact instructions.
2. Rinse your mouth (required!): After inhaling the medicine, take some water in your mouth, rinse your mouth thoroughly, and spit it out . Do not swallow this water. This is very important, because the medicine powder remaining in your mouth can cause a fungal infection (thrush) in your mouth. Rinsing your mouth can eliminate that risk.
3. Take it at the right time: As your doctor has told you, take it at the same time every day. In the morning if it's in the morning, and in the evening if it's at night. That way, the medicine's effectiveness can be maintained at the same level in the body.
4. Don't stop: Don't stop using this until your doctor tells you to. If you stop thinking you're feeling better, your asthma may get worse again.
If you give it to children...
Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children as young as 4 years old. But there are special precautions. So if you are giving this to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Things to be aware of and side effects
| Occasion / Symptom | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions (Skin irritation, itching, swelling of lips/tongue/face/throat) | These can be serious. See a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). |
| White spots in the mouth (Thrush) (White spots inside the mouth or on the tongue) | This is a fungal infection. See your doctor for treatment. Always rinse your mouth after using your inhaler. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing (If you experience increased shortness of breath or chest tightness after using the inhaler) | This is a rare occurrence. Use your rescue inhaler immediately and tell your doctor. |
| Low adrenal gland function (Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness) | If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in taste in the mouth, cough, headache, hoarseness, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion. | These usually go away in a few days, but if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
Other things to consider
- Asthma Action Plan: Work with your doctor to create a personalized 'Asthma Action Plan' that includes what to do when your asthma gets worse (Yellow Zone) and what to do when you need medical help (Red Zone).
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly weaken your immune system. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches, do not self-medicate and see a doctor. Try to avoid places where sick people are.
- Bone health: Long-term use of steroid inhalers like this can lead to a slight decrease in bone strength. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Does it interact with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Mometasone. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal remedies, and even supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Some antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Telithromycin
- Some antiviral medications given for HIV or AIDS
- Antifungal medications such as Ketoconazole and Itraconazole
- Cobicistat
- Nefazodone
What if you take too much of this medicine? If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How do you store and remove the inhaler?
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not store in areas with excessive heat, cold, or humidity.
- Disposal: Dispose of the inhaler 45 days after removing it from the foil packet, when the dose counter on the inhaler reads "0" , or when the expiration date has passed, whichever comes first .
Take-Home Message
- Mometasone is an asthma 'controller' inhaler. It cannot be used for an asthma attack. Use a 'rescue' inhaler for that.
- After using the inhaler, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to prevent fungal infections in the mouth.
- Do not stop using this suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If your asthma symptoms worsen, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often, see a doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, even vitamins.
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