Mometasone Topical

Mometasone is used to relieve the itching and inflammation of numerous skin conditions.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Mometasone comes as a topical cream, ointment, and lotion. It usually is applied externally once a 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 use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use mometasone cream or ointment, apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once daily.

To apply the lotion, place a few drops on the affected areas once daily and massage lightly until it disappears. To be most effective and economical, hold the nozzle of the bottle very close to the affected areas and gently squeeze.

Before using mometasone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mometasone or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have an infection or have ever had cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using mometasone, call your doctor.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it and apply the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals if more than one dose a day is indicated by your doctor. Do not apply a double dose 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:

• acne

• skin sores

• burning

• itching

• irritation

• dryness

• skin infection

• changes in skin color

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

• treated area becomes infected (red, warm, or swollen)

• pus oozes from treated area

• if skin problem continues or worsens

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 [at http://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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your skin condition should be checked to determine your response to mometasone.

Do not use mometasone on areas of your body other than as directed by your doctor, and do not use it for other skin problems. Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

If you are using this medication on a child's diaper area, do not place tightly fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child. They can increase the absorption of mometasone through the skin, which can cause harmful effects.

Do not apply cosmetics, lotions, or other skin preparations to the treated area without talking to 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.

Last Reviewed - 08/01/2010