What is Fluocinonide Topical?
Fluocinonide can be used for skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis that respond well to topical steroids. The product is only approved for children and adults over 12 years of age.At most, one should only take this medication for up to two weeks at a time.Potency depends on the product's concentration.
Topical fluocinonide is available as a cream or gel, an ointment, or a solution.
- Fluocinonide 0.1% cream: Vanos cream (super high potency)
- Fluocinonide 0.05% cream/gel/ointment/solution: generic only (high potency)
The first approval of fluocinonide occurred on June 30th, 1971.
Warnings
Be sure to read all instructions listed on your medication's package or label carefully, and inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medications being used at this time. Fluocinonide is an extremely potent Class I or II corticosteroid medication. When taken orally through skin absorption into bloodstream it causes temporary hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression which may eventually lead to insufficiency of glucocorticoids like Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria glucocorticoids; its use must not extend past 2 weeks with no dose exceeding the prescribed amount; HPA suppression should be monitored regularly as needed for best effects.
In some cases, fluocinonide can affect the growth of children and teenagers. You may need to check their growth regularly. Speak to your doctor. When using topical fluocinonide on large areas of skin or in open wounds, use caution. Use fluocinonide only on wounds that are closed.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to fluocinonide, it is best not to use the topical. Apply to lesions that are exuding serum or skin folds.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Any type of skin infection
- Skin reactions caused by any medicine containing steroids;
- Liver disease
- An adrenal gland disorder is a condition that affects the adrenal gland.
Topical corticosteroids may increase glucose (sugars) levels in both your blood and urine.Inform your doctor if diabetes is present. Children are more likely to absorb topical corticosteroids systemically. Fluocinonide topical is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12. Fluocinonide topically applied to the skin is not known to harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Use only a small quantity of fluocinonide for as little time as possible if you have been instructed to do so. Breastfeeding may not be recommended while taking this medication. Use a small amount of fluocinonide for as little time as possible if you're instructed to. Do not apply to the breasts.
How to take Fluocinonide topical?
Fluocinonide should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label. Topical medicine should not be taken orally. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. Use it only on the skin. Do not apply to open wounds, sunburnt, windburned, dry, or irritated areas. If this medicine accidentally gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse with water. Use fluocinonide only to treat your skin.
Apply a thin coating of the medicine and gently rub it into the skin. Fluocinonide should not be applied to a large surface of skin without your doctor's permission.
- The cream, gel, or ointment of 0.05% is typically applied twice to four times per day.
- For psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the 0.1% cream can be applied twice a day.
Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen after two weeks of treatment with fluocinonide, stop using it and contact your doctor.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Fluocinonide can cause thinning of the skin, easy bleeding, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, back, and waist), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of interest.
What should be avoided?
- Avoid getting fluocinonide topical into your eyes. If you do come into contact with it, wash your eyes immediately.
- Do not apply fluocinonide to your face, scalp, or underarms.
- Use fluocinonide only after consulting your doctor to treat skin conditions.
- Do not use other topical steroids on the area you have treated with fluocinonide unless you are told to by your doctor.
- Use no more than 60g per week (1/2 a 120g tube).
Side effects of Fluocinonide Topical
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Skin condition worsens;
- Redness, heat, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation on any skin treated;
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell;
- Signs of absorption through the skin include: weight gain, especially in the face, upper back, and torso; slow wound healing; discolored or thinning skin; body hair growth; muscle weakness; nausea or diarrhea; fatigue; mood swings; changes in the menstrual cycle; or sexual changes.
Fluocinonide side effects include:
- Headache
- Burning after treatment
- Nasopharyngitis
- Nasal congestion
- Reactions to other application sites
Topical corticosteroids can also cause other side effects.
- You can also find out more about the following:
- Discoloration of the skin in the area where the tape was applied
- Dryness
- Excessive hair growth
- Miliaria
- Ophthalmic side-effects such as cataracts and glaucoma
- Perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis
- Folliculitis is a redness or crust around the hair follicles.
- Skin thinning
- Spider veins
- Stretch marks
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- High blood sugar levels.
Topical corticosteroids can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. Your doctor may prescribe an antimicrobial cream if you develop a skin rash while using fluocinonide topical. If the infection does not clear up, your doctor will stop using the tape. If irritation develops, stop using fluocinonide topical. There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Fluocinonide is not likely to interfere with any other medication you take. You should not combine it with any other topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids because of the additive effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
