Momecort

Indications

Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid (steroid) used in several forms:

• Cream, ointment or lotion: itchy, red, inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis that respond to steroids.
• Nasal spray: seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose) and nasal polyps.
• Inhaler: long-term control of asthma, alone or combined with a long-acting bronchodilator such as Formoterol or Indacaterol.

How It Works

Mometasone calms the immune reaction in the skin, nose or airways. This reduces inflammation, swelling, itching and mucus. It works where it is applied, and very little reaches the rest of the body.

Dosage and Administration

• Skin: apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day, for the shortest time needed, usually a few days to 2 or 3 weeks, or as the doctor advises.
• Nasal spray for allergic rhinitis, adults and children 12 years and over: usually 2 sprays in each nostril once a day; once symptoms are controlled, 1 spray in each nostril may be enough. Children 3 to 11 years: usually 1 spray in each nostril once a day. It may take a few days to work fully.
• Nasal polyps: as prescribed.
• Inhaler: as prescribed, every day even when you feel well. Rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use.

Interactions

Few interactions, as little is absorbed. Strong enzyme blockers such as Ritonavir, Ketoconazole and Itraconazole can raise mometasone levels in the body, especially with the inhaler, and increase steroid side effects.

Contraindications

• Allergy to mometasone or any ingredient of the product.
• Skin forms: untreated skin infections (bacterial, viral such as cold sores or chickenpox, or fungal), rosacea, acne, or the rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis.
• Nasal spray: an untreated infection in the nose, or recent nose surgery or injury until it has healed.

Side Effects

Skin: burning, itching or stinging; long or heavy use can thin the skin and cause stretch marks. Nasal spray: nosebleeds, headache, sore throat and nasal irritation. Inhaler: hoarse voice and thrush (white patches) in the mouth.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, a severe rash, or difficulty breathing.
• Worse wheezing straight after using the inhaler.
• Blurred vision or other changes in sight.
• Severe or repeated nosebleeds, or severe nose pain.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if a doctor advises it. On the skin, avoid large areas or long use. The nasal spray and inhaler are usually acceptable when needed, as little is absorbed. During breastfeeding, do not apply the cream to the breast.

Precautions and Warnings

Skin: do not use on the face, groin or armpits, or under a bandage, unless the doctor says so; use for shorter periods in children. Do not use more often or for longer than advised. Inhaler: it does not relieve a sudden asthma attack; always carry your reliever inhaler, and do not stop the medicine suddenly. Children on long-term nasal or inhaled steroids should have their growth checked. See an eye doctor if vision becomes blurred.

Overdose

A single large dose is unlikely to cause harm. Long-term overuse can affect the body's own steroid (cortisol) production. See a doctor if overuse has continued for some time.

Therapeutic Class

Corticosteroid (topical, nasal and inhaled).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Inhalers: do not puncture or burn the canister.