Fluocinonide skin cream, gel, ointment, or topical solution
What is fluocinonide skin cream, gel, ointment, or topical solution?
FLUOCINONIDE (Lidex®, Vanos™) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions caused by various skin conditions. Generic versions of some fluocinonide skin products are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use fluocinonide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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infection, measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
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large areas of burned or damaged skin
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skin wasting or thinning
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an unusual or allergic reaction to fluocinonide, corticosteroids, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
All forms of fluocinonide (skin cream, gel, ointment or topical solution) are for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly. Using a gloved hand, apply a thin film of the cream, gel, or ointment to the affected area two to four times a day, or as directed, and rub in gently. Apply the topical solution to the affected area once a day, or as directed. The gel or solution is generally used on hairy areas of skin. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. Corticosteroid skin preparations should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with fluocinonide?
There are no known interactions between fluocinonide skin preparations and other drugs.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply fluocinonide at the same site as other skin preparations without advice.
What should I watch for while taking fluocinonide?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week use. It is important not to use more fluocinonide than prescribed. Do not use for more than 14 days. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the prescriber's instructions carefully. Covering the area where fluocinonide is applied can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects.
Do not get fluocinonide in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
What side effects may I notice from using fluocinonide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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burning or itching of the skin
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dark red spots on the skin
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infection
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painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
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thinning of the skin, sunburn more likely especially on the face
Other serious side effects can develop if you use fluocinonide for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.