Sulfacetamide; sulfur topical skin foam

What is this medication?

SULFACETAMIDE; SULFUR (sul fa SEE ta mide; sul fur) is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It is used on the skin to treat acne, rosacea, or seborrhea.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AVAR, AVAR LS, Clarifoam EF, Rosula, SSS 10-4, SSS 10-5

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 damaged skin
• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfacetamide, sulfur, sulfa drugs, 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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Before each use, shake and tap the bottom of the can as directed. Be sure to read the directions that come with your product. Depress the pump until a foam begins to come out of the can. Gently cleanse and pat dry the affected area before applying. Dispense foam onto fingertips. Use fingertips to apply gently to the affected area. Keep the foam on skin for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the medicine may be left on or rinsed with water. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old, 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 on the affected area without asking 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?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

If you get any sign of an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and call your doctor or health care professional for advice.

This medicine 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 use 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 doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fever
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

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

• mild skin irritation 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.

Store upright at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. The contents are under pressure and may burst when exposed to heat or flame. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.