Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without telling your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine is used with a special inhaler and usually comes with patient directions or a Medication Guide. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you what to do.

When you use the inhaler for the first time, or if you have not used it for 5 days or longer, it may not deliver the right amount of medicine with the first puff. Before using the inhaler, prime it by spraying the medicine 4 times into the air away from the face, and shaking it well before each spray.

How to use this medicine:

  • Take the inhaler out of the carton before you use it for the first time.
  • Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.
  • Remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator.
  • Do not remove the canister from the actuator.
  • Prime the inhaler before use by shaking the inhaler well and then releasing 4 test sprays.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and close your lips around it. Do not block the mouthpiece with your teeth or tongue.
  • While pressing down firmly and fully on the blue top of the inhaler, breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can until you have taken a full deep breath.
  • Repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
  • Replace the mouthpiece cover after using the medicine.
  • Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose. This will help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infection in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Two puffs in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening. Each puff contains 100 or 200 micrograms (mcg) of mometasone and 5 mcg of formoterol. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 800 mcg of mometasone and 20 mcg of formoterol per day.
      • Children 5 to 11 years of age—Two puffs in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening. Each puff contains 50 mcg of mometasone and 5 mcg of formoterol. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mcg of mometasone and 20 mcg of formoterol per day.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your child's doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

When you store the inhaler, make sure to always place the mouthpiece down.

Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024

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