Uses
This product is used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms of the nose such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, sneezing, and post-nasal drip. It contains 2 drugs. Olopatadine is an antihistamine that works by blocking certain natural substances called histamines that are responsible for allergic symptoms. Mometasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling in the nasal passages.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using olopatadine/mometasone and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day in both nostrils. Do not spray in the eyes or mouth. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Shake the container well before each use. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using the container for the first time or if you have not used it for awhile (for example, more than 2 weeks). Check your product package for instructions on when you need to do the test sprays again if you have not used the container in awhile.
To use the spray, remove the protective cap. Close one nostril by pressing it with your finger. Tilt your head slightly forward and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the nasal applicator into the other nostril. Press down firmly on the pump to deliver the prescribed number of sprays. Do not spray directly onto the middle wall of your nose (nasal septum). Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth. Repeat in the other nostril. Wipe the applicator tip and replace the plastic cap. Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using this medication.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.
Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package. Follow the package instructions to unblock the spray tip if needed and to clean the spray bottle.
You may feel the product start to work as soon as 15 minutes after the first dose, but it may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this product. Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.
Side Effects
A bitter taste in the mouth, nosebleeds, or irritation/soreness in the nose may occur. Drowsiness may rarely occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- pain/sores in your nose
- white patches in your nose/mouth
- painful swallowing/trouble swallowing
Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using olopatadine/mometasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to olopatadine or mometasone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts)
- infections (including tuberculosis, herpes eye infection)
- recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)
This medication may rarely make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Avoid substances that can worsen breathing problems by causing irritation or allergic reaction, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store upright at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
