G-Well topical

This medication is used to treat scabies only after safer medications (such as permethrin or crotamiton) have failed or caused side effects. It works by killing the tiny insects (mites) and their eggs, which cause scabies. An infection with scabies is also called an infestation. This drug should not be used to prevent scabies infestation or re-infestation.

How to use G-Well Lotion

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using lindane. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug can be poisonous if used incorrectly. Do not take this drug by mouth, and avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. If lindane gets in these areas, rinse with water right away and seek immediate medical attention if a burning feeling remains. Do not use if there is skin irritation (e.g., open wounds, rash, cuts, or sores) on the area to be treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Trim your nails short and clean your skin well with warm (not hot) water before using, but wait at least 1 hour after bathing/showering before use. Wet or warm skin can increase the absorption of lindane into your bloodstream. An average-sized adult requires only 1 ounce (30 milliliters), but larger persons should use no more than 2 ounces (60 milliliters).

Make sure your skin is clean and does not have other lotions, creams, ointments, or oils on it. These products can increase the absorption of lindane through your skin and into your bloodstream, which increases the risk of serious side effects. If you are currently using any of these products, they must be washed off before you apply lindane.

Shake the bottle well before use. Apply a very thin layer of lotion once over your entire body from the neck down to the bottoms of your feet or as directed by your doctor. Use a toothbrush to apply lindane under your nails (scabies mites prefer this area). Do not use this toothbrush in your mouth afterward. Wrap the toothbrush and throw it in the trash with the closed bottle of any unused lindane out of the reach of children and pets.

After application, do not cover your skin with fabric that does not breathe (e.g., disposable/plastic diaper, tight clothes, blankets). Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone while lindane is on your body.

Leave the medication on the skin for 8-12 hours. Leaving it on overnight is usually enough. Do not leave it on the skin more than 12 hours. Leaving it on longer will not kill any more scabies mites/eggs, but your risk of serious (possibly fatal) seizures will be increased. Remove lindane lotion by washing very well in a shower or bath, using warm (not hot) water.

If an infant or young child is prescribed lindane, watch the child carefully after applying the lotion to make sure the child does not put their hands/feet into their mouth while the medication is on their skin.

If you are applying lindane on another person, wear disposable gloves (made of nitrile, latex with neoprene, or sheer vinyl) to decrease the risk of contacting this drug and possible side effects. Do not use natural latex gloves because more lindane can penetrate that type of glove. Wash your hand well afterwards.

Symptoms of scabies include an intense itching which is generally worse at bedtime. You may also see small, fine, wavy lines on the skin with a tiny insect at the end (a burrow). Burrows are usually found on finger/toe webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, belt line, lower buttocks, female nipples, or male genitals. Even if lindane kills all the scabies, the dead mites can still make you itch for a long time after treatment. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be used to soothe the itching. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens 2-3 weeks after treatment.

See also Warning section.

This medication may cause stinging, burning, or redness of the skin. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have seriousside effects.

Tell your doctor right away if these rare but very seriousvomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.

Before using lindane lotion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous use of lindane in the past few months, other skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, dermatitis), HIV infection, history of serious head injury, seizures, brain tumors, severe liver disease, alcohol abuse, sudden stopping of regular alcohol or sedative use.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having an imaging test (e.g., X-rays, CT scan) requiring the use of dye, tell your doctor that you have used this medication.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. If you are pregnant, do not apply lindane shampoo to others unless it is absolutely necessary and you have discussed it with your doctor. Use gloves as directed. (See How to Use section.)

Lindane passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Your baby should not come into direct contact with your skin while it has lindane on it. In addition, to lessen the chance of exposing your baby to the medication and possible side effects, pump your breast milk and discard it for 24 hours after using lindane. During this time, feed your baby formula or breast milk you stored from before you used lindane lotion.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, unsteadiness, seizures, irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Scabies is easily passed from one person to another. All family members and people you have close contact with should be examined.

After treatment, any recently worn clothing, hats, sheets/blankets, plush/fabric toys, and towels should be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned to decrease the chance of re-infestation.

This medication is used to treat a current infestation only. It cannot be used to prevent future infestations.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. 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.Information last revised August 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.