DESOXIMETASONE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Topicort

GENERIC NAME(S): DESOXIMETASONE

Description: Desoximetasone is a corticosteroid with glucocorticoid activity to treat inflammation, itch, and redness.

Uses

Indications:

Desoximetasone is used to treat a type of skin condition (plaque psoriasis). It reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that may occur with plaque psoriasis. This medication is a strong corticosteroid.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients with hypersensitivity reactions to this drug.

How to use desoximetasone topical:

This medication is for use on the skin only.
Do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this occurs, rinse with plenty of water. Do not use it on thinning skin.
Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean and dry the affected area.
Spray only enough medication to cover the affected areas with a thin layer and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.
Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands.
This medication is flammable. Avoid smoking when applying this medication and do not use or store it near heat or open flame.

Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Once your skin condition is under control, you should stop using desoximetasone unless directed by your doctor. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

Skin irritation,
dryness, or
itching

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

stretch marks,
skin thinning/discoloration,
acne,
excessive hair growth,
“hair bumps” (folliculitis)

Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Before using desoximetasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: liver failure, decreased adrenal gland function, current or returning skin infections, open sores.
Do not use on an area where the skin is thinning or if there is an infection or sore present.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may also slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height can be checked.

Pregnancy Risk: Category C. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this medication, when applied to the skin, passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs, when taken by mouth, pass into breast milk.

Interactions:

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other corticosteroids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone).

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Laboratory tests (such as adrenal gland function tests) may be performed periodically to check for side effects, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Consult your doctor for more details.

Tell all your doctors that you use (or have used) this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

This medication is flammable. Store at room temperature away from heat and open flame. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any unused medication after 30 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands:

There are no brands containing this molecule.