fluticasone topical

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Pronunciation: floo TIK a sone TOP i kal

Brand: Cutivate

What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is fluticasone topical?

Fluticasone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Fluticasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Fluticasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone topical?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to fluticasone or formaldehyde.

To make sure fluticasone topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of skin infection;
  • diabetes (your diabetes medication may need to be adjusted);
  • liver disease; or
  • a problem with your adrenal gland.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether fluticasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Fluticasone topical should not be used on a child younger than 3 months old. Do not use this medicine on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use fluticasone topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Fluticasone is for use only on the skin.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after using fluticasone topical, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering the skin that is treated with fluticasone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

When treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using fluticasone topical. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Use fluticasone topical only until your skin condition clears up. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

You should not use fluticasone topical for longer than 4 weeks, unless your doctor tells you to.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep this medicine in a refrigerator.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using fluticasone topical?

Do not use fluticasone topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not use this medicine to treat skin conditions around your mouth, rectum, or genital areas. Do not apply to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

What are the possible side effects of fluticasone topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.

Stop using fluticasone and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe skin irritation after using the medicine; or
  • possible signs of absorbing fluticasone through your skin --weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair; changes in sexual function; muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Common side effects may include:

  • burning or stinging of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fluticasone topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied fluticasone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluticasone topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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