How and when to use mometasone inhalers - Brand name: Asmanex

Always use your mometasone inhaler as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you, or follow the instructions in the leaflet in your medicine packet.

Dosage

The usual dose of mometasone is 1 or 2 puffs, taken once or twice a day.

Mometasone inhalers come in 2 strengths that give either 200 micrograms or 400 micrograms of medicine with each puff. Your doctor or respiratory nurse will tell you which strength is right for you. Always follow their instructions.

They may tell you to have 2 puffs at a time from your inhaler. It depends on how bad your breathing is and which inhaler you're using.

If you or your child use an inhaler once a day, it will work better if you use it in the evening.

If you use it twice a day, use it once in the morning and once in the evening.

It's important to use your mometasone inhaler regularly to manage your condition. Keep using it, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Changes to your dose

Your dose may go up or down depending on how bad your breathing is. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.

If you have agreed a personal action plan with your doctor or nurse, follow your action plan.

How to use a twisthaler

Before using your inhaler, read the information leaflet that came with it.

1. Make sure the dose counter is set and the inhaler is ready to use.
2. Remove the cap from your inhaler by twisting it off.
3. Sit or stand upright.
4. Bring the inhaler up to your mouth, with the mouthpiece pointing toward you.
5. Gently breathe out, as far as you can.
6. Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth, close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, and then breathe in rapidly and deeply.
7. Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for around 10 seconds, or for as long as you can. Do not breathe out through the inhaler.
8. Close the inhaler by replacing the cap as soon as you've used it. Load the dose so it's ready the next time you need to use it. To do this, turn the cap clockwise while gently pressing the cap down until you hear a click sound and the cap is fully closed. The arrow on the cap must be lined up with the window at the bottom on the inhaler.
9. Rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash and spit it out – this will help stop you getting oral thrush.

Check your inhaler technique

To get the most from your inhaler, it's important to have your technique checked regularly.

If you're not sure how to use your inhaler, or your technique has not been checked for a year, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist to watch you use it.

It's very important to use your inhaler properly. This is so you get the right amount of mometasone into your lungs and the most benefit from your medicine.

How long to use it for

You'll usually use your mometasone inhaler for a long time. It helps prevent your asthma from getting worse.

It's important you keep using your inhaler even if you feel better.

If you forget to use it

If you forget a dose, use your inhaler as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you use too much

Using more than your prescribed dose of mometasone is unlikely to harm you.

If you're worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Steroid cards

If you use a steroid inhaler regularly, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you need to carry a blue steroid card, or a red steroid emergency card, or both.