Asmanex is made by Schering-Plough Corporation.
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, when you have
asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). This inflammation makes the airways sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating
(see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
Asmanex is an
asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Because the medication does not work quickly, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent them.
Because Asmanex is inhaled directly into the lungs, the rest of the body is exposed to lower steroid levels, compared to steroids that are taken orally. This helps reduce or eliminate many of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
In clinical studies, people taking Asmanex had improvements in
asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking it. In these studies, people already taking oral steroids for
asthma were able to decrease or eliminate their oral steroid when they began taking Asmanex. However, this medication is not an asthma cure.
Following are some general considerations for when and how to take Asmanex:
- The medication comes in a special inhaler called the Asmanex Twisthaler®.
- Asmanex is taken once or twice a day, every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them once they start.
- The Asmanex Twisthaler works differently from other inhalers. It contains a dry powder that is inhaled using the force of your breath. You may not be able to taste or feel the powdered medication.
- It is important that you learn exactly how to use your inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require some practice.
- Rinse your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose in order to prevent thrush.
- The Asmanex Twisthaler must be discarded 45 days after it is removed from the foil packaging, or when the dose counter reads "00" (meaning there are no more doses left in the inhaler).
- For Asmanex to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Asmanex your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your asthma
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Asmanex. However, not everyone who takes drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- An irritated, stuffy, or runny nose
- A sore throat
- Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold.
(Click Asmanex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Asmanex?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
In previous studies, high doses of Asmanex did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to take too much, you should seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Asmanex Be Stored?
Asmanex should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Asmanex as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
All Asmanex Twisthalers deliver 220 mcg of medication per inhalation. However, they are available in different sizes (containing 14, 30, 60, or 120 inhalations per device).
Is There a Generic Version of Asmanex?
Currently, no generic versions of Asmanex are licensed for sale
(see Generic Asmanex for more information).
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