What is fluticasone topical?
Fluticasone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that
cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Fluticasone topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin
conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Fluticasone topical should not be used to treat rosacea, severe acne, or viral skin infections
such as chickenpox or herpes. Fluticasone should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.
Fluticasone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluticasone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to fluticasone.
Before using fluticasone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
any type of skin infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether fluticasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a
doctor. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid
absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk
with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over
a long treatment period.
How should I take fluticasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be
absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Wash your hands before and after using fluticasone topical, unless you are using the
medication to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply the
medication over a large area of skin, or use it long-term on the face.
If you are treating your scalp, part the hair and apply the medicine directly to the scalp, rubbing
in gently. Avoid washing or rubbing the treated scalp area right away. Wait until the medicine has
dried thoroughly.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering. Covering the skin that is
treated with fluticasone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead
to unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this
medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. It is important to use
fluticasone topical regularly to get the most benefit.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects with long-term use, you may need
blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using
fluticasone topical.
Store fluticasone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from
freezing.
What happens if I miss a dose of fluticasone topical?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about fluticasone topical?
Your pharmacist has information about fluticasone topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of fluticasone topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any
treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing fluticasone topical through your skin, such as:
-
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
-
mood changes;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
-
muscle weakness, feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild skin itching, burning, peeling, or dryness;
-
changes in color of treated skin;
-
headache;
-
thinning or softening of your skin;
-
skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
-
swollen hair follicles;
-
blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
-
stretch marks.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be
absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering. Covering the skin that is
treated with fluticasone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead
to unwanted side effects.
Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a
doctor. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid
absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk
with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over
a long treatment period.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this
medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
What should I avoid while taking fluticasone topical?
Fluticasone topical should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not
prescribed it for.
Do not use this medication to treat skin conditions around your mouth, rectum, or genital
areas.
When using fluticasone to treat the skin around your eyes, avoid getting the medication
directly into your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use fluticasone topical on
broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
What other drugs will affect fluticasone topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied
fluticasone topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of fluticasone topical?
