Topicort Gel (Desoximetasone)
Topicort (desoximetasone) Usage and Side Effects
TOPICORT is a topical medicine used to treat psoriasis, dermatosis, eczema, and other skin conditions. TOPICORT is a steroid. It works by preventing the release of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Warnings and Precautions
Before using TOPICORT, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
- Diabetes
- Cushing's syndrome (an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal gland)
- Circulation problems
- Any condition that affects your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)
- A skin infection
- Thinning of the skin or other skin conditions
- Liver disease
- A recent vaccination
- Measles
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Chickenpox or shingles
- Glaucoma or cataracts (eye conditions)
- Allergies to medicines
If you have diabetes, TOPICORT may raise your blood sugar levels. Be sure to monitor your condition carefully.
Treatment with TOPICORT may lead to an increase or decrease in the level of steroid hormones in your body.
Don't use this medicine for longer than four consecutive weeks, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Using too much TOPICORT — or using this medicine for a long period of time — may raise your risk of developing adrenal gland problems.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Increased thirst or urination
- Unusual weight gain, especially in the face or abdomen
- New or worsening high blood pressure
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Muscle weakness
Steroids may affect growth in some children and teens. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.
Don't use this medicine on a child under age 10 without consulting with a doctor.
Tell your healthcare provider you're using TOPICORT before having any type of medical or dental procedure.
Let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days of treatment with TOPICORT.
If you use this medicine long-term, your healthcare provider will check your blood often to monitor your condition. Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.
Pregnancy and TOPICORT
It's not known whether TOPICORT could harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, while using this medicine.
It's also unknown whether TOPICORT passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding a baby while using this drug.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of TOPICORT
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Mild skin itching, dryness, burning, or peeling
- Irritation around the mouth
- Swollen hair follicles
- Unwanted hair growth
- Blisters, pimples, or crusting of the skin
- Stretch marks
- Changes in color of the treated skin
Serious Side Effects of TOPICORT
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the TOPICORT Warnings section above, or the following serious side effects:
- Severe skin irritation or rash
- Insomnia
- Signs of an infection, which may include redness, swelling, or oozing of the skin
- Signs of anaphylaxis, which may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Interactions with this medication
Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
- Medication that suppresses the immune system, such as Imuran or Azasan (azathioprine), Gengraf, Neoral, or Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Rheumatrex or Trexall (methotrexate), Rapamune (sirolimus), or Prograf (tacrolimus)
- Other medicines that contain corticosteroids
- Other topical medicines
- Vitamins
Proper Use of this medication
TOPICORT comes as an ointment, cream, spray, or gel to apply to the skin.
It's typically applied twice a day.
Follow the instructions on your package label carefully. Don't use more or less TOPICORT than is recommended.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine, unless your hands are being treated.
Apply a small amount of TOPICORT to the affected area, and rub it in gently.
Don't apply this medicine over a large area of the skin.
Ask your doctor before using cosmetics or other skin products on areas of your body that are being treated with TOPICORT.
Don't wrap or bandage treated areas of your skin unless your doctor tells you to do so. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully if you need to apply a wrap or bandage.
If you're applying TOPICORT to a baby's diaper area, avoid dressing your child in plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.
Don't use this medicine on your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Try not to get TOPICORT in your eyes. If you do, flush them immediately with water.
TOPICORT Overdose
If you suspect an overdose of TOPICORT or accidentally swallow this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose of TOPICORT
If you miss a dose of TOPICORT, apply it as soon as you remember.
But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular application schedule.
Don't apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.