Desoximetasone 0.25% Ointment 60gm

Desoximetasone is a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids diffuse across cell membranes and bind to specific cytoplasmic receptors. These complexes then enter the nucleus, bind to DNA (chromatin), and stimulate the transcription of messenger RNA (mRNA) and subsequent protein synthesis of various enzymes thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. These effects include the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins), which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Desoximetasone also exhibits vasoconstrictive, antipruritic, and immunosuppressive actions.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, including:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling extremely tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Thinning of the skin
Changes in eyesight

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation at the site where the medication was applied

Reporting Side Effects

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

When applying this medication to the diaper area, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of drug absorbed into the body.

Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.

Do not apply this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Exercise caution when applying it to large areas of skin or near open wounds, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Use this medication only for the duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended treatment period.

Be aware that this medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

In children and teenagers, this medication may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult with your doctor to monitor growth and development.

When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication to you and your baby.

If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication to your chest. Instead, consult with your doctor for guidance on safe use.

• Worsening of skin condition
• Development of new skin lesions (e.g., acne, folliculitis)
• Skin thinning, bruising, or striae
• Increased hair growth at application site
• Signs of infection (redness, pus, fever)
• Increased thirst or urination (potential hyperglycemia)
• Unusual fatigue or weakness (potential HPA axis suppression)
• Moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity (signs of Cushing's syndrome)

Desoximetasone is Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown corticosteroids to be teratogenic. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Caution should be exercised when desoximetasone is administered to a nursing woman. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.

Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use in children under 10 years of age is generally not recommended for prolonged periods or on large body surface areas. If used, limit duration and frequency of application. Monitor for signs of systemic toxicity and growth retardation.

Clinical studies of desoximetasone did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Elderly patients may have thinner skin, increasing susceptibility to local adverse effects like atrophy.

• Desoximetasone 0.25% ointment is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. Use it judiciously and for the shortest duration possible to achieve therapeutic effect.
• Avoid prolonged use on the face, groin, axillae, or under occlusive dressings due to increased risk of local and systemic side effects.
• Educate patients on proper application technique: apply a thin film, do not rub excessively, and wash hands after application.
• Monitor for signs of skin atrophy (thinning, bruising, telangiectasias) and HPA axis suppression, especially in children or with extensive use.
• Consider step-down therapy to a lower potency corticosteroid or non-steroidal agent once the acute inflammation is controlled.

• Other high-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol propionate, halobetasol propionate, fluocinonide)
• Medium-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide, mometasone furoate)
• Low-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone)
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for steroid-sparing therapy
• Emollients and moisturizers for barrier repair
• Systemic therapies for severe dermatoses (e.g., methotrexate, biologics, oral corticosteroids)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.