Fluocinonide 0.1% Cream 30gm

Fluocinonide is a high-potency 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 immediate medical attention:

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 have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Burning or stinging
Dry skin
Itching

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 existing health problems, 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 adjust 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. Before using any other medications or skin products, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use.

When applying this medication, avoid putting it on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Exercise caution when applying it to a large area of skin or near open wounds, and discuss this with your doctor.

Do not use this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. In addition, if you are treating an area that will be covered by a diaper, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body.

This medication is not intended to treat acne, rosacea, or rashes around the mouth. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, use it with caution, as children may be at a higher risk for certain side effects. In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this potential risk.

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

• Burning
• Itching
• Irritation
• Dryness
• Folliculitis
• Hypertrichosis
• Acneiform eruptions
• Hypopigmentation
• Perioral dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Maceration of the skin
• Secondary infection
• Skin atrophy
• Striae
• Miliaria
• Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome symptoms, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, growth retardation in children)

Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in animal studies when administered systemically at relatively low doses. The potential for systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids should be considered.

It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when fluocinonide cream is administered to a nursing woman. If used, avoid application to the breast area to prevent direct infant exposure.

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 for the shortest duration possible. Avoid occlusive dressings. Monitor for growth retardation and HPA axis suppression.

No specific dosage adjustments are required. However, elderly patients may have thinner, more fragile skin, which could increase the risk of local adverse effects like atrophy or bruising. Use with caution and monitor skin integrity.

• Fluocinonide 0.1% cream is a high-potency topical corticosteroid; it should be used for short durations (typically 2-4 weeks) to avoid local and systemic side effects.
• Avoid using on the face, groin, or axillae unless specifically directed by a dermatologist, as these areas are more prone to atrophy, telangiectasias, and other side effects.
• Occlusive dressings significantly increase systemic absorption and local side effects; use only if specifically instructed by a physician.
• Patients should be educated on the proper application technique (thin film, gentle rubbing) and the importance of not exceeding the prescribed duration or frequency.
• In pediatric patients, the risk of HPA axis suppression is higher; careful monitoring and limiting the duration of therapy are crucial.
• If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol propionate for higher potency, triamcinolone acetonide for medium potency, hydrocortisone for low potency)
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for eczema
• Topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole) for eczema
• Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene) for psoriasis
• Topical retinoids for psoriasis
• Emollients and moisturizers for dry skin conditions
• Systemic therapies (e.g., biologics, oral immunosuppressants) for severe dermatoses

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 seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.