Halcinonide Topical

Halcinonide comes in ointment, cream, and liquid in various strengths for use on the skin. It is usually applied two or three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use halcinonide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or wrap or bandage the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Wash or soak the affected area thoroughly before applying the medicine, unless it irritates your skin. Then apply the ointment, cream, or liquid sparingly in a thin film and rub it in gently.

To use the liquid on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently. Protect the area from washing and rubbing until the liquid dries. You may wash your hair as usual but not right after applying this medicine.

Avoid prolonged use on the face, in the genital or rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.

If you are using halcinonide on your face, keep it out of your eyes.

If you are using halcinonide on a child's diaper area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

Do not apply cosmetics or other skin preparations on the treated area without talking to your doctor.

If your doctor tells you to wrap or bandage the treated area, follow these instructions:

1. Soak the area in water or wash it well.
2. While the skin is moist, gently rub the medication into the affected areas.
3. Cover the area with plastic wrap (such as Saran Wrap or Handi-Wrap). The plastic may be held in place with a gauze or elastic bandage or adhesive tape on the normal skin beside the treated area. (Instead of using plastic wrap, plastic gloves may be used for the hands, plastic bags for the feet, or a shower cap for the scalp.)
4. Carefully seal the edges of the plastic to make sure the wrap adheres closely to the skin. If the affected area is moist, you can leave the edges of the plastic wrap partly unsealed or puncture the wrap to allow excess moisture to escape.
5. Leave the plastic wrap in place as long as instructed by your doctor. Usually plastic wraps are left in place no more than 12 hours each day.
6. Cleanse the skin and reapply the medication each time a new plastic wrapping is applied. Notify your doctor if the treated area gets worse or if burning, swelling, redness, or oozing of pus develops.

Do not discontinue treatment abruptly without talking to your doctor.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use halcinonide topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds.

Avoid applying halcinonide topical to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor's instruction.

Do not use halcinonide topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied halcinonide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This medicine is usually applied 2 or 3 times daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Halcinonide topical is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using halcinonide topical, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply halcinonide topical over a large area of skin.

Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap, plastic gloves, or a shower cap) is sometimes used to cover areas of psoriasis that are treated with halcinonide topical. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering the skin that is treated with halcinonide topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. When treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Use halcinonide topical regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after several days of treatment, or if it gets worse while using halcinonide topical.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor's office.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of halcinonide topical is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Halcinonide is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Halcinonide topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Halcinonide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of halcinonide topical is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Burning, itching, irritation, or dryness may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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

Tell your doctor promptly if any of these unlikely but seriousstretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth, "hair bumps" (folliculitis).

Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Notify 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.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.

Before using halcinonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone); 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: poor blood circulation, immune system problems.

Do not use if there is an infection or sore present in the area to be treated.

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 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.

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

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Other medications in this class pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids taken by mouth (e.g., prednisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.