Fluticasone cream or ointment
What is fluticasone skin cream or ointment?
FLUTICASONE (Cutivate®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions on the skin. Generic fluticasone skin creams or ointments are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use fluticasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- infection, measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
- large areas of burned or damaged skin
- poor circulation
- skin wasting or thinning
- an unusual or allergic reaction to fluticasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Fluticasone skin cream and ointment are for external use only. Do not apply to the face or in the eyes. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply a thin film of cream or ointment to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. Wash your hands before and after use. 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.
What drug(s) may interact with fluticasone?
There are no known interactions between fluticasone skin cream or ointment and other drugs.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply fluticasone at the same site as other skin preparation without advice.
What side effects may I notice from using fluticasone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- burning or itching of the skin
- dark red spots on the skin
- infection
- painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
- thinning of the skin, sunburn more likely especially on the face
Other serious side effects can develop if you use fluticasone 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):
- dry skin, irritation
- unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
What should I watch for while taking fluticasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of fluticasone use. It is important not to use more fluticasone 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 fluticasone is applied can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects.
Do not get fluticasone in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
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); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 12/13/2005 5:08:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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