How It Works
Asmanex HFA works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the lungs. This helps open up the airways to make it easier to breathe.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler |
| Drug Class | Inhaled corticosteroid |
| Generic Status | Generic is not available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Asmanex HFA is an inhalation aerosol that contains 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 200 mcg of the active ingredient mometasone furoate in each inhalation (puff).
The recommended dose is 100 mcg or 200 mcg, taken as two inhalations twice daily. Take two puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening.
Your prescription packet will come with specific instructions for using the Asmanex HFA inhaler, but here are some general guidelines:
- Prime the inhaler before first use and whenever it has not been used for the period specified in the product instructions.
- Remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds to ensure the medication is properly mixed.
- Exhale as much as possible, away from the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips and begin to inhale slowly and deeply while pressing down on the canister.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- If a second inhalation is prescribed, repeat the steps as directed.
- After each dose, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out without swallowing to help reduce the risk of oral thrush.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Asmanex HFA is FDA-approved as a maintenance treatment for asthma.
Off-Label Uses
You may see Asmanex HFA prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
There are currently no common off-label uses for Asmanex HFA.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Asmanex HFA can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Common cold symptoms
- Throat irritation or soreness
- Infection in the nose or throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Hoarseness
- Bronchitis
- Flu
- Mild oral yeast infection (thrush)
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using Asmanex HFA and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema); difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; and/or fever.
- Sudden breathing problems: In some cases, Asmanex HFA may tighten the airways instead of relaxing them, which can be serious. Symptoms include worsening breathing immediately after using the inhaler.
- Reduced adrenal function: Long-term use of Asmanex HFA can affect your body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone. This may get worse if you experience fever, surgery, or trauma. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness or tiredness, and dizziness.
- Eye problems: Long-term use of Asmanex HFA can increase the risk of glaucoma or cataracts. Symptoms include vision loss or changes, eye pain or redness, cloudy or blurry vision, seeing bright halos around light, and severe headache or vomiting.
- Bone weakness: Long-term use of Asmanex HFA can weaken the bones and increase the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis, which can increase your risk of fractures. Your risk may be higher if you are older, have a history of weak bones or poor diet, or take other corticosteroids.
- Severe oral thrush: Asmanex HFA may cause a yeast infection in the mouth. Rinsing your mouth and spitting after each inhalation can help reduce the risk of developing oral thrush. Symptoms include cracking in the corners of the mouth, red or white spots or patches in the mouth, loss of taste, throat pain, and hoarseness.
- Infection: Asmanex HFA can increase your risk of infections or make existing infections more difficult to fight. Symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, or nausea and vomiting. Avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox or measles, and contact your healthcare provider promptly if you think you have been exposed, as these infections can be more serious while using inhaled corticosteroids.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take Your Dose Consistently
Use Asmanex HFA at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
Rinse And Spit After Each Puff
Doing this after each puff can help prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth or throat. Make sure to spit without swallowing any water.
Prime New Inhalers
If you are using a new inhaler or have not used yours for more than 5 days, you must prime it by spraying 4 test puffs into the air, away from your face. Shake the inhaler well between each puff.
Order A Refill When The Dose Counter Gets Low
Refill your prescription when the counter reaches 20. Discard the inhaler when it reaches 0 or 00, even if it doesn’t feel empty.
Clean The Mouthpiece Once A Week With A Dry Tissue
Never use water to wash any part of the inhaler.
Reduce Your Risk Of Infection
If not vaccinated, avoid contact with people with chickenpox or measles. Asmanex can weaken your immune response to these viruses.
Use A Rescue Inhaler For Asthma Attacks
Asmanex HFA is a maintenance inhaler and not designed for emergencies. Keep a fast-acting rescue inhaler nearby for sudden breathing attacks.
Store At Room Temperature
Store Asmanex HFA at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Brief temperature excursions between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) are permitted, so short periods outside the ideal range are generally not a concern. Keep the inhaler away from open flames, direct sunlight, and temperatures above 120°F (49°C).
Avoid Missing A Dose
If you miss a dose of Asmanex HFA, take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with Asmanex HFA, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Antifungal medications: Oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and itraconazole can increase the amount of Asmanex HFA in your body, raising the risk of corticosteroid-related side effects. Other strong antifungal medications, such as posaconazole and voriconazole, may also have this effect.
- HIV/AIDS medications: Certain HIV medications, such as ritonavir, atazanavir, and cobicistat-containing products, can increase the amount of Asmanex HFA in your body by slowing its breakdown. This may increase the risk of corticosteroid-related side effects.
- Certain antibiotics: Some medications used to treat bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin and telithromycin, can increase the risk of side effects when combined with Asmanex HFA.
- Nefazodone: This antidepressant can interact with Asmanex HFA.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Why must a patient rinse their mouth with water after inhaling a dose of Asmanex HFA?
Rinsing and spitting helps remove any medicine that may have remained in the mouth and throat. Taking this step after each dose helps prevent a fungal infection of the mouth or throat called oral thrush (oral candidiasis).
Is Asmanex HFA approved for use as a rescue inhaler?
No. Asmanex HFA is a controller inhaler used for long-term prevention of asthma attacks. It does not work quickly enough to stop an active asthma attack. You should always have a separate rescue inhaler nearby for emergencies.
How many times a day should Asmanex HFA be used for asthma maintenance?
FDA-approved labeling recommends using Asmanex HFA twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening, or as directed by your provider.
What is the difference between Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler?
Both contain the same active ingredient: mometasone furoate. They use different delivery systems. Asmanex HFA is an aerosol spray that uses a propellant to push the medication into your lungs, while the Twisthaler is a dry powder inhaler activated by your breath. Also, the Twisthaler is often used once daily, whereas Asmanex HFA is usually used twice daily.
How often does the Asmanex HFA actuator need to be washed?
The mouthpiece should be wiped clean with a dry tissue once a week. Never use water to clean the device.
Does Asmanex HFA cause systemic immunosuppression?
Because Asmanex HFA is inhaled, most of the medication acts directly in the lungs, limiting its effects on the rest of the body. However, long-term use may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of certain infections or worsen existing ones, including chickenpox, measles, tuberculosis (TB), and some fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
How does Asmanex HFA affect patients with glaucoma or cataracts?
Inhaled steroids like Asmanex HFA can increase the pressure in the eyes and cause or worsen glaucoma and cataracts. If you have a history of these eye conditions, it’s recommended to have regular eye exams while using this medication.
Is Asmanex HFA approved for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It is not known if Asmanex HFA can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider so they can advise you on usage.
Does Asmanex HFA require shaking and priming before administration?
Yes. Shake the inhaler well before each use. Before using a new inhaler for the first time, or if it has not been used for more than 5 days, prime it by releasing 4 test sprays into the air, away from your face, before taking your dose.
Comparable Medications
Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler, albuterol, Dulera, or Flovent HFA?
There are several medications your doctor can prescribe instead of Asmanex HFA. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Asmanex Twisthaler
A dry powder formulation of mometasone furoate that is used once daily as a controller inhaler for asthma.
Albuterol HFA
From $43.99
A short-acting bronchodilator (rescue inhaler) used for quick relief of sudden asthma symptoms. Unlike Asmanex HFA, albuterol does not control underlying airway inflammation and is typically used alongside a controller medication when needed.
Dulera®
From $479.99
A combination inhaler containing mometasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta-2 agonist) used twice daily as an asthma controller medication. Unlike Asmanex HFA, Dulera includes a long-acting bronchodilator.
Fluticasone Propionate HFA Inhaler
From $199.99
An inhaled corticosteroid used twice daily as a controller inhaler for asthma. It contains fluticasone propionate instead of mometasone, and its available strengths and dosing are different from Asmanex HFA, so the two medications are not directly interchangeable dose-for-dose.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.