Mometasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Mometasone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

Mometasone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mometasone, or to milk proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• herpes infection of the eyes;
• glaucoma, cataracts, or other vision problems;
• low bone mineral density, osteoporosis; or
• any illness or infection, including tuberculosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old. Asmanex HFA should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.

Use Asmanex Twisthaler 120 Dose (Inhalation) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• worsening asthma symptoms;
• signs of infection--fever, feeling tired, body aches, pain, chills;
• signs of thrush (a fungal infection)--sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, trouble swallowing; or
• symptoms of low adrenal gland hormones--extreme tiredness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• fungal infection;
• increased sinus allergy symptoms (runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus pain), sore throat, nosebleed;
• headache;
• muscle or bone pain, back pain;
• flu symptoms;
• indigestion, upset stomach;
• menstrual pain; or
• hoarseness or deepened voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using mometasone.