Mometasone furoate

ASMANEX ® TWISTHALER ® is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older. Limitations of Use ASMANEX TWISTHALER is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ASMANEX TWISTHALER is not indicated in children less than 4 years of age. ASMANEX TWISTHALER is a corticosteroid indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 4 years of age and older. Limitations of Use: ASMANEX TWISTHALER is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or in children less than 4 years of age.

Mometasone furoate is a corticosteroid demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. The precise mechanism of corticosteroid action on asthma is not known. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of inhibitory effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation and in the asthmatic response. These anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy in asthma. Mometasone furoate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor, which is approximately 12 times that of dexamethasone, 7 times that of triamcinolone acetonide, 5 times that of budesonide, and 1.5 times that of fluticasone.

Administration Information Administer ASMANEX TWISTHALER by the orally inhaled route only. Instruct patients to inhale rapidly and deeply. After administration, advise patients to rinse the mouth with water and spit out contents without swallowing. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief. Maximum benefit may not be achieved for 1 to 2 weeks or longer after initiation of treatment. After asthma stability has been achieved, it is desirable to titrate to the lowest effective dosage to reduce the possibility of side effects. For patients ≥12 years of age who do not respond adequately to the starting dose after 2 weeks of therapy, higher doses may provide additional asthma control. The safety and efficacy of ASMANEX TWISTHALER when administered in excess of recommended doses have not been established. For oral inhalation only.

ASMANEX TWISTHALER is contraindicated: Status Asthmaticus: in the primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required. Hypersensitivity: in patients with known hypersensitivity to milk proteins or any ingredients of ASMANEX TWISTHALER. Patients with status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to milk proteins or any ingredients of ASMANEX TWISTHALER.

Candida albicans infection of the mouth and pharynx. Monitor patients periodically for signs of adverse effects in the mouth and pharynx. After administration, advise patients to rinse mouth with water and spit out contents without swallowing. Deterioration of asthma or acute episodes: ASMANEX TWISTHALER should not be used for relief of acute symptoms. Patients require immediate re-evaluation during rapidly deteriorating asthma. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, pruritus, and rash have been reported with the use of ASMANEX TWISTHALER. Discontinue ASMANEX TWISTHALER if such reactions occur. Potential worsening of existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, or ocular herpes simplex. More serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles in susceptible patients.

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Immunosuppression and Risk of Infections Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression Reduction in Bone Mineral Density Growth Effects Glaucoma and Cataracts The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are headache, allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, oral candidiasis, dysmenorrhea, musculoskeletal pain, back pain, and dyspepsia.

In clinical studies, the concurrent administration of ASMANEX TWISTHALER and other drugs commonly used in the treatment of asthma was not associated with any unusual adverse reactions. Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Use with caution. May cause increased systemic corticosteroid effects.

Store in a dry place at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).