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Nasonex
Nasonex is typically prescribed to treat nasal polyps and allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching due to allergies). As a steroid, it works by decreasing inflammation that can be caused during an allergic reaction. Nasonex comes in the form of a nasal spray and is usually taken once or twice a day. Possible side effects include headaches, nosebleeds, and a sore throat.
Nasonex® (mometasone nasal spray) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
- Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching due to allergies (known medically as allergic rhinitis)
- Nasal polyps (small, noncancerous growths on the lining inside the nose).
(Click Nasonex Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Nasonex is made by Schering-Plough Corporation.
Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance -- one that does not bother most people. These immune system reactions are known as inflammations and involve several different types of cells and several different chemicals in the body.
Nasonex is a corticosteroid, or simply "steroid" for short. Steroids can have many different effects in the body, including anti-inflammatory effects. Steroids decrease inflammation by limiting the body's ability to produce an immune system reaction. They can be effective for treating conditions such as allergies. However, long-term use of steroids can cause bothersome and sometimes serious side effects, and this limits their usefulness. Because Nasonex is a nasal spray, its effects are generally limited to the nose. This helps prevent many of the long-term side effects of steroids.
Many cases of nasal polyps are related to chronic inflammation caused by nasal allergies. Nasonex works to treat nasal polyps by decreasing inflammation.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD