What is diflorasone topical?
Diflorasone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the
body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Diflorasone topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of
skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Diflorasone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diflorasone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diflorasone.
Before using diflorasone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have any type of skin infection.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through
the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.
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 diflorasone 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 without a doctor's advice. 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 diflorasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or 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 diflorasone 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 use this
medication over a large area of skin.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor
has told you to. Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap, plastic gloves, or a shower cap) is
sometimes used to cover areas of psoriasis that are treated with diflorasone topical. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Avoid plastic covering over skin lesions that are oozing or draining pus or any type of
fluid.
If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting
diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with diflorasone 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, or if you develop signs of a
bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. It is important to use diflorasone topical regularly to get
the most benefit.
If you are treating psoriasis, use the medication for at least a few days after the skin clears.
Stopping too soon could cause a relapse.
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.
Store diflorasone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
from freezing.
What happens if I miss a dose of diflorasone 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 diflorasone topical?
Your pharmacist has information about diflorasone topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of diflorasone 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 diflorasone 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, or dryness;
-
thinning or softening of your skin;
-
skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
-
swollen hair follicles;
-
changes in color of treated skin;
-
blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
-
stretch marks.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about diflorasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or 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 unless your doctor
has told you to. Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap) is sometimes used when treating
psoriasis. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting
diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with diflorasone 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 without a doctor's advice. 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, or if you develop signs of a
bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
What should I avoid while taking diflorasone topical?
Diflorasone topical should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not
prescribed it for.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Do not use diflorasone topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in
open wounds.
What other drugs will affect diflorasone topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically
applied diflorasone 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 diflorasone topical?
