Sulfacetamide Topical Foam

What is this medication?

SULFACETAMIDE (sul fa SEE ta mide) treats seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes dry, flaky, and itchy skin. It may also be used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin. It belongs to a group of medications called sulfonamide antibiotics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ovace, Ovace Plus, PLEXION NS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Large areas of burned or damaged skin
• Skin infection
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sulfacetamide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. If you are treating a hand infection, only wash your hands before use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use it for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.

Shake the can well before using it. Clean the affected area of the skin and pat it dry. Hold the can upright and spray the medication into your hand. Rub it into the affected area until the foam disappears. If you are leaving the product on your skin, wipe off any excess. Allow the treated area to air-dry. If you are washing it off, wait 10 minutes, then rinse your skin and pat it dry.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Silver-containing skin products

Do not use any other skin products without telling your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

The color of this medication may darken over time. This does not affect the way it works or its safety.

This medication may cause white fabric to turn yellow. Wash yellowed fabrics with laundry detergent. Bleach is usually not needed.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Lupus-like syndrome—joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, rashes that get worse in the sun, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the mediation with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.