Desoximetasone skin cream, gel or ointment

What is desoximetasone skin cream, gel, or ointment?

DESOXIMETASONE (Topicort®, Topicort® LP) is a corticosteroid. Desoximetasone treats skin problems that are accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling. Generic desoximetasone skin cream, gel, and ointment are available.

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

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

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

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• thinning of the skin

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Desoximetasone skin cream, gel, or ointment 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.

Do not get desoximetasone 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 from your prescriber or health care professional.

What drug(s) may interact with desoximetasone?

There are no known interactions between desoximetasone skin preparations and other drugs.

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

What should I watch for while taking desoximetasone?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of desoximetasone use, or if you develop skin irritation from the medicine. It is important not to use more desoximetasone 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 desoximetasone in the eyes. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects.

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 desoximetasone prescription with anyone else.

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

What side effects may I notice from using desoximetasone?

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

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 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), away from heat and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.