Formoterol and Mometasone interaction

Use of a LABA, including formoterol fumarate inhalation solution, without an inhaled corticosteroid is contraindicated in patients with asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

• Use of a LABA, including formoterol fumarate inhalation solution, without an inhaled corticosteroid is contraindicated in patients with asthma.

• Use of long-acting beta 2 -adrenergic agonists (LABA) as monotherapy [without inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)] for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death.

• LABA as monotherapy (without inhaled corticosteroid) for asthma increases the risk of serious asthma-related events.

• Xanthine derivatives, steroids, diuretics, or non-potassium sparing diuretics may potentiate hypokalemia or ECG changes.

Lung function (FEV 1 or PEF), beta-agonist use, and asthma symptoms should be carefully monitored during withdrawal of oral or other systemic corticosteroids.

In a 2-year double-blind study in 103 male and female asthma patients 18 to 50 years of age previously maintained on bronchodilator therapy (Baseline FEV 1 85%-88% predicted), treatment with mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler 200 mcg twice daily resulted in significant reductions in lumbar spine (LS) BMD at the end of the treatment period compared to placebo.

In clinical trials, concurrent administration of ASMANEX HFA and other drugs, such as short-acting beta 2 -agonist and intranasal corticosteroids have not resulted in an increased frequency of adverse drug reactions.

An inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist, not ASMANEX HFA, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as shortness of breath.

When prescribing ASMANEX HFA, the physician must also provide the patient with an inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist (e.g., albuterol) for treatment of acute symptoms, despite regular twice-daily (morning and evening) use of ASMANEX HFA.