Mometasone is a medicine used to treat asthma.
It's called a preventer inhaler because it helps prevent you from getting symptoms. It comes as a twisthaler type of inhaler.
Some inhalers contain mometasone mixed with other medicines that help your breathing (bronchodilators). They are Breezehalers which are a different type of inhaler (brand names Atectura and Enerzair).
Mometasone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (or corticosteroid). Steroids closely copy the effects of natural hormones produced in your adrenal glands. They're not the same as anabolic steroids.
Mometasone inhalers are only available on prescription.
Mometasone also comes as:
- a cream, ointment or scalp lotion for eczema and psoriasis
- a nose spray (nasal spray) for allergic rhinitis, hay fever and nasal polyps
Key facts
- Mometasone inhalers do not work straight away. You'll need to use your mometasone inhaler every day for it to work, even if you do not have any symptoms.
- You'll usually be given another inhaler called a reliever to relieve symptoms when you get them.
- Common side effects include a dry or sore throat and oral thrush.
- It's important to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using a steroid inhaler. This is to prevent infections and a sore mouth.
- Using mometasone inhalers can mean you're more likely to get infections. Tell your doctor if you get an infection, such as COVID-19, or if you come into contact with anyone who has shingles, chickenpox or measles. These infections can make you very ill. This is particularly important for children.
- You may get a blue steroid treatment card if you need high doses of mometasone to control your symptoms. Show this card to your doctor or dentist before any treatment, so they know you're taking it. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about both of these.