Mometasone Nasal Spray is a nasal spray used to treat hay fever and allergic rhinitis. It’s a prescription-only medicine containing the active ingredient mometasonefuroate, which is part of a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a man-made version of a hormone that your body naturally makes.
The most common use is in patients who suffer from hay fever and other allergic reactions in response to allergens. Allergens are harmless substances that your immune system mistakes harmful ones for, leading to the release of histamine that causes the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
When sprayed into the nose, steroids reduce the irritation and inflammation/swelling inside the nose. The active ingredient of Nasonex (mometasonefuroate) absorbs into the lining of your nose and stops the production of the chemicals that cause allergic reactions. This helps to relieve sneezing, itching, and a runny or blocked nose caused by hay fever or other allergies. It can also help to reduce the size of any swellings such as polyps in your nose.
Some people find that Mometasone Nasal Spray starts relieving symptoms within 12 hours of their first dose. However, you should continue to use Nasonex regularly to get the full benefit of the treatment.
You should use Mometasone every day (at the same time each day) by spraying it into your nose as instructed. The normal dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once per day.
You can use Mometasone Nasal Spray for up to 3 months. However, our clinical team may recommend you use it for longer. You should let our clinical team know if you do not feel better after using it for 2 weeks, as they may want to change your treatment.
Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:
- If you are using Mometasone Nasal Spray for the first time, you must prepare the bottle before using it by shaking the bottle gently.
- Place your middle finger and forefinger on either side of the nozzle, with your thumb placed underneath the bottle.
- Point the nozzle away from you before pressing down with your fingers to pump the spray. Do this around 10 times until the bottle starts to spray a fine mist.
- To use Nasonex correctly, Shake the nasal spray bottle vigorously and then remove the cap.
- Start by blowing your nose gently (if comfortable) to remove as much mucus as possible.
- Close one nostril with your finger before putting the nozzle into the other nostril.
- Slightly tilt your head forward and make sure the bottle is kept upright.
- Begin gently breathing in through your nose. While doing this, squirt the spray into your nose. Do this ONCE by pressing down with your fingers.
- Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat the steps again to inhale a second spray in the same nostril if needed.
- Remove the nozzle from your nostril and breathe out through your mouth.
- Repeat these steps for the other nostril.
- After using the spray, carefully wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Steroid nasal sprays do not usually cause any significant side effects if used correctly and at normal doses. Common side effects include:
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Nose bleeds
- A sore throat or nose
- Chest infections
- Ulcers in the nose
Less common side effects include:
- Pressure in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Changes in smell and taste
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
damage to the septum (the part of the nose that separates the nostrils)
If you're taking a high dose for a long time, there's also a small chance you could get some of the side effects of steroid tablets, such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
Allergic reactions are a possibility after using Nasonex. These can be severe. If this happens, stop taking Nasonex straightaway, and seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like: difficulty swallowing; swelling of the tongue, face or throat; trouble breathing or wheezing; hives.
Nasonex may be unsuitable for some people. Before using Nasonex, please inform our clinical team if you:
- Have or have ever had tuberculosis
- Have any other infection
- Have cystic fibrosis
- Are taking other corticosteroid medicines, either by injection or mouth
- Are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to have a baby
While using Nasonex, please inform our clinical team if:
- Your immune system is not functioning well (you're getting ill regularly)
- You get an infection or continuous irritation in your throat or nose
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
