Formost 200 Inhaler (Formoterol & Mometasone)

Formost general information

What is Formost used for?

Formost 200 inhaler is a combination medication for treating asthma, a reversible obstructive airways disease.  This combination therapy is used where symptoms are not adequately controlled using a single low or medium dose “preventer” medication or where combination therapy is warranted.  Formost 200 helps control symptoms with additional use of a fast-acting reliever medication, as needed; it is not to be used for relief of an asthma attack.  Formost 200 inhaler controls underlying inflammation of the airways, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  Once asthma symptoms are controlled, another asthma preventer medication may be used for long-term maintenance therapy.

How does Formost work?

Formost 200 inhaler contains a fixed dose combination of two medications that work by different mechanisms of action to control obstructive airways disease in asthma.  Mometasone in Formost 200 is a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity that acts directly on the airway walls to block inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  These are released in the airways by several immune cell types, including macrophages and lymphocytes, in response to asthma triggers, such as an allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma and mometasone in Formost 200 reduces the swelling and inflammation in the airways.  Formoterol in Formost 200 is a long-acting selective beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles of the small airways of the lungs (bronchioles) to widen the airways.  This reduces bronchospasm (constriction or the airways) providing relief for up to 12 hours.  Formost 200 should not be used to relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack; this needs a fast-acting bronchodilator “reliever” medication to open the airways.  Mometasone and formoterol in Formost 200 inhaler work together to improve lung function, and to reduce symptoms like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath; also to reduce exacerbations of asthma.

What does Formost contain?

Formost 200 inhaler contains the active ingredients mometasone furoate (200mcg), a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity and formoterol fumarate (6mcg) a long-acting selective beta 2-agonist and bronchodilator that work together to control symptoms of asthma.  Each inhalation dose contains 200mcg mometasone and 6mcg formoterol delivered as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler.  Each inhaler contains 120 actuations (doses).

Treating asthma with Formost

Formost 200 inhaler contains a combination of mometasone, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks Inflammation, one of the underlying causes of asthma; and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that relieves bronchospasm (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways) and widens the airways to allow air to flow more easily into the lungs.  Formost 200 is used as combination therapy where symptoms are not adequately controlled using a single low or medium dose “preventer” medication or where combination therapy is warranted.  Mometasone and formoterol in Formost 200 inhaler works together to improve lung function, and to reduce and symptoms like tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath and to reduce exacerbations of asthma.

What are the side effects of Formost?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Formost 200 include, fungal infection in the mouth or throat or tongue (candidiasis or thrush), nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, cough, nausea, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhoea, headache, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), palpitations,

When should Formost not be used?

You should not use Formost 200 inhaler if you:

• are allergic to mometasone or formoterol or any ingredients in Formost
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the mometasone in Formost may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm abnormality or thyrotoxicosis (high levels of thyroid hormone), without discussion with your doctor

What are the health risks of Formost?

Long term use of Formost 200 may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Formost 200 may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods.

How should Formost be taken?

You should use your Formost 200 inhaler by taking two puffs (inhalations) twice a day, morning and evening.  The dose you take and how often you take it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  Formost 200 Inhaler does not work immediately, but is intended as a long-term medication which may take up to a week to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  Follow the instructions provided when using your Formost 200.  You should continue to take your Formost 200 inhaler as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Formost 200, even if you feel better. 

How long should you take Formost?

You should continue to take your Formost 200 inhaler as long as is recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Formost 200, even if you feel better. 

Missed dose of Formost

If you miss a dose of Formost 200 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Formost be stored?

You should store your Formost below 25°C in a cool dry place.