Clobetasol skin cream, foam, gel, ointment, or topical solution

What is clobetasol skin cream, foam, gel, ointment, or topical solution?

CLOBETASOL (Cormax™, Olux®, Temovate®, Temovate E®) is a corticosteroid. Clobetasol treats skin problems that are accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling. Generic clobetasol skin cream, gel, ointment, and topical solution are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use clobetasol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any type of active infection including measles, tuberculosis, herpes, or chickenpox

• circulation problems or vascular disease

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• thinning of the skin

• an unusual or allergic reaction to clobetasol, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Clobetasol skin cream, gel, ointment, or topical solution or foam is for external use only on the skin; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected areas and rub in gently. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for a longer period of time than ordered by your prescriber or health care professional. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional. If your prescriber or health care professional has instructed you to use a dressing (covering) over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it.

Directions for foam: Invert the foam can and dispense a small amount of foam (up to a golf-ball-size dollop) into the cap of the can, onto a saucer or other cool surface, or directly on the lesion, taking care to avoid the eyes. Do not dispense the foam onto the hands, as the foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin, and will be difficult to apply to all affected areas. If applying to the scalp, move the hair away from the affected area(s) of the scalp so that the foam can be applied. Gently massage into affected scalp area(s) until the foam disappears. Repeat until entire affected area is treated. Wash hands before and after treatment.

Directions for spray: Apply clobetasol spray to clean dry skin. Use only enough to cover the affected areas. Rub in gently but completely. Wash your hands before and after treatment.

Do not get clobetasol in the eyes. If you do, rinse the eyes out with plenty of cool tap water.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 clobetasol?

There are no known interactions between clobetasol skin preparations and other drugs. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated area.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply clobetasol at the same site as other skin preparations without advice.

What should I watch for while taking clobetasol?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of clobetasol use, or if you develop skin irritation from the medicine. It is important not to use more clobetasol than prescribed, and to apply the medication only to the affected areas as directed by your health care professional. Do not use over large areas of skin, and avoid getting clobetasol in the eyes.

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.

To prevent infection of the skin, or contamination of the medicine, do not share your clobetasol prescription with anyone else.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are applying clobetasol to your skin.

What side effects may I notice from using clobetasol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• lack of healing of the skin condition

• painful, red, pus-filled blisters on the skin or in hair follicles

• severe burning and continued itching of the skin

• thinning of the skin with easy bruising

• any changes in vision

Other serious side effects can develop if you use clobetasol 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):

• burning, itching, or irritation of the skin

• increased redness or scaling of the skin

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Some products are flammable. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Clobetasol Topical Shampoo

What is Clobetasol Topical Shampoo?

CLOBETASOL is a corticosteroid. It is used on the skin to treat itching, redness, and swelling caused by some skin conditions.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Clobetasol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any type of active infection including measles, tuberculosis, herpes, or chickenpox

• circulation problems or vascular disease

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• rosacea

• skin wasting or thinning

• an unusual or allergic reaction to clobetasol, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wet hair before using the shampoo. Move the hair and apply the shampoo directly to the affected area of the scalp. Gently rub in the shampoo and leave on the scalp for 15 minutes. Do not cover your head with a shower cap or bathing cap while the shampoo is on your scalp. After 15 minutes, add water, lather, and rinse your scalp completely. Do not use this medicine on your face, neck, groin, or armpits. Do not use on your lips or in your eyes. If you do get this medicine in your eyes, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for longer than ordered by your doctor or health care professional. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 Clobetasol?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated area.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Clobetasol?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks, or if you develop skin irritation from the medicine.

Tell your doctor 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Clobetasol?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• any changes in vision

• lack of healing of the skin condition

• painful, red, pus filled blisters on the skin or in hair follicles

• severe burning and continued itching of the skin

• thinning of the skin with easy bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, itching, or irritation of the skin

• increased redness or scaling of the skin

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.