Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does ASMANEX® 110 mcg replace my child's rescue inhaler?
A: No. ASMANEX® 110 mcg cannot replace your child's rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms or attacks.
Q: If my child doesn't have symptoms every day, why do they need medicine every day?
A: When a child has asthma, it means they may have inflammation in their airways that may always be there, even when they are not showing symptoms. The inflammation makes their lungs very sensitive, so when they are exposed to the things that can trigger their asthma, they may experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Using a rescue inhaler does not treat the underlying inflammation that may cause an asthma attack. If your doctor believes that a rescue inhaler alone is not enough to manage your child's symptoms, they may prescribe a daily maintenance medicine.
You can't always prevent your child from being exposed to asthma triggers, but you can help prevent asthma symptoms before they start with a daily maintenance medication. Daily use of a maintenance inhaler helps prevent or reduce the inflammation (swelling) in your child's airways so your child may experience fewer asthma symptoms. Although it is not known exactly how corticosteroids in maintenance inhalers work, these actions may contribute to how they help manage asthma symptoms. Over time, maintenance inhalers can help make your child's airways less sensitive to asthma triggers.
Q: Shouldn't I try to give my child less medicine, not more?
A: If your child is using a rescue inhaler more than 2 days a week - your child's asthma may not be under control according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Your child's doctor may be concerned about the risks of uncontrolled asthma. Taken daily as directed, ASMANEX® 110 mcg can help manage your child's asthma and prevent symptoms before they start so your child can breathe easier.
Q: Will my child become addicted to a maintenance inhaler?
A: Maintenance inhalers, like ASMANEX® 110 mcg, are not addictive or habit forming. However if a maintenance inhaler is effective, stopping it could mean that the asthma symptoms may get worse.
Q: Are steroids safe for children?
A: Corticosteroids, the medicine in maintenance inhalers like ASMANEX® 110 mcg, are very different from an anabolic steroid - the steroid that some athletes misuse. Inhaled corticosteroids have been safely prescribed for over 50 years to help reduce and prevent swelling in lungs and airways. The "other" kind of steroids are used to increase muscle mass, strength and endurance. Inhaled corticosteroids do not do this.
