Asmanex

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				Asmanex (Mometasone) Pro: Once a day inhaled corticosteroid, which is quite effective (but also expensive). Pro: The device is very straightforward to use and in just a few moments I was able to demonstrate the use of the twisthaler to an elderly anxious woman. I will have to wait and see what kind of sticker shock she has but it has a very similar in potency to Flovent (Fluticasone). Pro: Equivalent to other potent corticosteroids on the market. So 2 puffs of the 220 µg strength Asmanex is probably interchangeable with 500 µg Flovent. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001; 86:397– 404 article by Brian O’Connor, MD noted the similarity in their article entitled “Dose-ranging study of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler in the treatment of moderate persistent asthma using fluticasone propionate as an active comparator”. Cons: The side effects are going to be similar for the two drugs (see Adrenal Suppression with Dry Powder Formulations of Fluticasone Propionate and Mometasone Furoate Tom C. Fardon et al in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine). Bottom Line: If you have to pick a inhaled steroid drug to use at this point for asthma therapy, I have to believe that Asmanex (mometasone) may be the current best choice. It is simple to use and has a nice counter on the device. The frequency of thrush and dysphonia seems trivial so far. The only thing that makes it difficult to embrace is that it will be rather expensive on a per puff basis (but similar to other meds). And always remember to rinse after use. Lastly the best time to use it is probably dinnertime, so it is convenient for children and families. It is prescribable down to age 4 and children this age can use it without a spacer.










	Asmanex is certainly one of the most potent inhaled corticosteroids on the market and it is only a once a day drug.