Fluticasone 0.005% Ointment 60gm

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It acts by inducing 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. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

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 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 fainting
+ 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
Signs of skin infection, such as:
+ Oozing
+ Heat
+ Swelling
+ Redness
+ Pain
Other serious side effects, including:
+ Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth)
+ Skin irritation
+ Thinning of the skin
+ Changes in eyesight

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:

* Burning or stinging

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.
If the patient is a child, as this medication is not intended for pediatric use.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, disclose all your medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety of taking this medication.

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess potential interactions and ensure your safety while taking this medication.

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.

To minimize potential risks, 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 the application with your doctor.

Adhere to your doctor's prescribed treatment duration, as using this medication for an extended period can exacerbate your skin condition. Additionally, be aware that frequent use of this medication may worsen your skin problem.

This medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, so it is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication for both you and your baby.

When breastfeeding, take precautions to avoid applying this medication directly to the nipple or the surrounding area to prevent potential harm to your baby.

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole): Potential for increased systemic exposure to fluticasone, especially with extensive or prolonged use, leading to systemic corticosteroid effects. Clinical significance is low for typical topical use.

• Worsening of skin condition
• Signs of skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, pain)
• Thinning of skin
• Easy bruising
• Stretch marks
• Increased hair growth at application site
• Acne-like eruptions
• Changes in vision (e.g., blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma - rare with topical use)
• Unusual fatigue or weakness (signs of HPA axis suppression)

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects with corticosteroids. Systemic absorption is minimal with topical use, but caution is advised.

It is not known whether topical fluticasone is excreted in human milk. Systemic absorption is minimal, so infant exposure is expected to be low. Use with caution. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent direct infant ingestion.

Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from topical corticosteroids due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio and immature skin barrier. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported. Use the least potent effective corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible. Avoid occlusive dressings.

No specific dose adjustments are required. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could potentially increase systemic absorption. Monitor for local and systemic adverse effects.

• Topical fluticasone ointment is generally preferred for dry, scaly, or lichenified lesions due to its emollient base.
• Apply sparingly and rub in gently until the ointment disappears.
• Do not use for longer than the prescribed duration (typically 2-4 weeks) to minimize the risk of skin atrophy and other local side effects.
• If no improvement is seen after 2-4 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use on large areas, as this can lead to rebound flares of the skin condition.

• Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, clobetasol, hydrocortisone)
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for atopic dermatitis
• Topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole) for atopic dermatitis
• Vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriene) for psoriasis
• Coal tar preparations
• Phototherapy
• Systemic immunomodulators (for severe cases)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't 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.