Nasonex (mometasone) is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies, including congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. This medicine is approved for this use in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Nasonex is also used to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Nasonex nasal spray is used to treat nasal polyps only in adults.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.

Use Nasonex nasal spray exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Nasonex nasal spray is for use only in your nose.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

To use the Nasonex nasal spray:

Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.

Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.

Use only the number of sprays your doctor has prescribed.

If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.

If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 1 week, prime it by spraying the medicine into the air until a fine mist appears.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine

This medicine may increase your risk of having problems with your nose. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have bloody mucus, sores inside the nose, or unexplained nosebleeds while you are using this medicine.

If you or your child have difficulty with breathing, or any allergic reaction to this medicine, check with your doctor right away.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Nasonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Severe bleeding or increased drainage from your nose;

Nose pain or discomfort, headache;

White patches or sores in the nose that won't heal;

Wheezing, trouble breathing;

Vision problems;

Ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear.

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Nasonex.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? 

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-infection, like tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infection

-recent surgery or injury of nose or sinuses

-taking corticosteroids by mouth

-an unusual or allergic reaction to mometasone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

-pregnant or trying to get pregnant

-breast-feeding