Fluocinonide 0.05% Cream 15gm

Fluocinonide is a high-potency topical corticosteroid. It exerts its anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. These proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while 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 high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Skin irritation
Thinning of the skin

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:

Burning or stinging
Dry skin
Itching

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This drug may interact with other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, or vitamins, which could affect its safety and efficacy.
A complete list of all your current medications, including prescription and OTC drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions and ensure safe use.
Any existing health problems, as these may impact the safety and effectiveness of this medication.

To minimize risks and ensure safe use, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor.

To ensure safe use, avoid applying this medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. When applying it to a large area of skin or near open wounds, exercise caution and discuss with your doctor.

Adhere to your doctor's instructions regarding the duration of use; do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. If the treated area is in the diaper region, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body.

When using this medication in children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this population. In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, necessitating regular growth checks; consult with your doctor to discuss this potential risk.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Worsening of skin condition
• Signs of skin infection (redness, pus, warmth, pain)
• Excessive skin thinning or bruising
• Development of stretch marks (striae)
• Increased hair growth at application site
• Acne-like eruptions
• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness (signs of systemic absorption/HPA axis suppression)

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Avoid large amounts, prolonged use, or application to large surface areas.

L3 (Moderately Safe). Use with caution. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Minimize infant exposure by avoiding application to the breast area and ensuring the infant does not come into direct contact with treated skin.

Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use the least potent corticosteroid that provides effective therapy. Limit treatment to the smallest amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Avoid occlusive dressings. Monitor for signs of systemic toxicity.

No specific dosage adjustments are typically required. However, geriatric patients may have thinner, more fragile skin, increasing susceptibility to local adverse effects like skin atrophy, purpura, and striae. Monitor closely for skin integrity.

• Fluocinonide 0.05% is a high-potency topical corticosteroid; use it judiciously and for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms.
• Avoid prolonged use, especially on the face, intertriginous areas (skin folds), or in children, due to increased risk of local and systemic side effects.
• Educate patients on proper application technique: a thin film, gently rubbed in, and avoiding occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed.
• Consider step-down therapy to a lower potency corticosteroid or intermittent use once the acute flare is controlled to minimize side effects.
• Always rule out fungal or bacterial infections before initiating corticosteroid therapy, as corticosteroids can worsen these conditions.

• Clobetasol propionate (very high potency)
• Betamethasone dipropionate (high potency)
• Mometasone furoate (medium potency)
• Triamcinolone acetonide (medium potency)
• Hydrocortisone (low potency)
• Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for steroid-sparing therapy
• Emollients and moisturizers for barrier repair

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred.