Desoximetasone topical spray

What is this medication?

DESOXIMETASONE (des ox i MET a sone) is a steroid. It is used on the skin to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Topicort

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 desoximetasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before and after use. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse them out with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed or for a longer time period than prescribed by your health care provider. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Apply a thin film to the affected area and rub gently. Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor or health care provider.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

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

Do not cover treated area with a bandage or other tight covering unless directed to do so by your health care provider.

Do not use this medicine for diaper rash unless directed to do so by your health care provider. If applying this medicine to diaper area, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• burning, itching, crusting, peeling of treated skin
• high blood sugar (increased hunger, thirst or urination; unusually weak or tired, blurry vision)
• low adrenal gland function (nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; unusually weak or tired; dizziness; low blood pressure)
• thinning or wrinkling of the skin

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

• dry skin
• 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 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). 30 days after getting your prescription, get rid of it, even if not yet used.

This medicine is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking.

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

• Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine 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.