Mometasone Topical

Mometasone topical is used to relieve the redness, swelling, itching and inflammation and discomfort of various skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Mometasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

Mometasone comes as a cream, ointment, and lotion for use on the skin. It usually is applied once a day. Apply it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use mometasone exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Your skin condition should improve during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.

To use mometasone cream or ointment, apply a small amount of cream or ointment to cover the affected area of skin with a thin film.

To apply the lotion, place a few drops on the affected areas and massage lightly until it disappears.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let mometasone topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.

Do not apply other skin preparations on the treated area without talking with your doctor.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects.

Do not use on a child's diaper area unless your doctor tells you that you should; do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using mometasone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mometasone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in mometasone topical products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take
• tell your doctor if you have an infection or have ever had diabetes or Cushing's syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using mometasone topical, call your doctor.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it, However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed dose.

Mometasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
• acne
• skin sores
• tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth
• small white or red bumps on the skin
• bruising or shiny skin
• changes in skin color

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied mometasone

Children who use mometasone topical may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child's skin.

Mometasone topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze it.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

If someone swallows mometasone topical, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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