Corticosteroids for inflammation

Patient J, a 35-year-old electrician, has been treated for adult-onset asthma for 3 years. She has been doing well with her inhalers but has had more incidences of asthma attacks during the spring months this year. Today she receives a prescription for montekulast on 10mg tablet daily.

1. How does this medication differ from the corticosteroids that are used to reduce inflammation?

2. Patient J says, “I hope this medicine works better than the other one I took when I had an asthma attack.” How will you reply?

3. At Patient J’s 3-month follow-up appointment, the nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the montelukast therapy. What findings would indicate the medication is effective for Patient J?

4. After approximately 6 months, Patient J. wants to stop taking the montekulast. She says, “My symptoms are better, and I don’t want to take medicine unless I need it.” What would you tell Patient J?