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What Does Mometasone Furoate Treat?

Mometasone furoate is a type of generic prescription most commonly available as the inhalant Asmanex Twist or the nasal spray NASONEX. Doctors prescribe mometasone furoate for the treatment of certain breathing problems.

  1. Types of Conditions

    • Doctors usually prescribe the inhalant form of mometasone furoate to decrease the frequency of attacks or sudden symptoms in patients with asthma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the nasal spray form of mometasone furoate for the treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms and nasal polyps.

    Function

    • Mometasone furoate functions by suppressing your immune system, which reduces inflammation of the airways or nasal passages in patients with nasal polyps or asthma. Using mometasone furoate nasal spray prevents your immune system from making antibodies, making your body less sensitive to allergens such as ragweed and pollen.

    Time Frame

    • Doctors typically prescribe the inhalant form of mometasone furoate for use once daily for as long as the mediation helps prevent asthma attacks, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. For allergies, doctors recommend beginning use of mometasone furoate nasal spray two to four weeks before the start of allergy season.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of the nasal spray form of mometasone furoate include headaches, an increased incidence of viral or upper-respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, nose bleeds, coughing, menstrual cramps, sinusitis and vomiting. Side effects associated with the inhalant version are similar to those of nasal spray, but may also include headaches, oral fungal infections, indigestion and muscle or abdominal pain, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Considerations

    • Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe mometasone furoate for pregnant women unless there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, liver problems, osteoporosis or tuberculosis, it may not be safe for you to take mometasone furoate, warns the Mayo Clinic.

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