Pronunciation: dess-OX-ee-MET-ah-sone
Generic Name: Desoximetasone
Brand Name: Topicort
Desoximetasone Gel is used for:
Relieving inflammation and itching of the skin.
Desoximetasone Gel is a topical adrenocortical steroid. The precise way it works is unclear, but it is thought to reduce skin inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, and irritation) by stopping the production of certain chemicals in the body.
Do NOT use Desoximetasone Gel if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Desoximetasone Gel
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Desoximetasone Gel:
Some medical conditions may interact with Desoximetasone Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a skin infection, measles, thinning of the skin, tuberculosis (TB), chicken pox, shingles, a positive TB skin test, or have recently had a vaccination
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Desoximetasone Gel. Because little, if any, of Desoximetasone Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Desoximetasone Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Desoximetasone Gel:
Use Desoximetasone Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area(s). Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying the medicine, unless your hands are part of the treated area.
- Do not cover the treated area(s) with bandages or other dressings unless advised to do so by your health care provider.
- If you miss a dose of Desoximetasone Gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Desoximetasone Gel.
Important safety information:
- Desoximetasone Gel is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes (nostrils, mouth). If Desoximetasone Gel gets in your eyes, flush them with cool tap water immediately.
- Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Do not use Desoximetasone Gel for other skin conditions at a later time.
- If Desoximetasone Gel was prescribed to treat the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
- Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Desoximetasone Gel.
- Desoximetasone Gel should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Desoximetasone Gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Desoximetasone Gel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Desoximetasone Gel, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Desoximetasone Gel:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Mild, temporary stinging when first applied.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); itching, burning, redness, or swelling not present before using Desoximetasone Gel.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Desoximetasone side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Desoximetasone Gel may be harmful if swallowed.
Proper storage of Desoximetasone Gel:Store Desoximetasone Gel at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Desoximetasone Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Desoximetasone Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Desoximetasone Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Desoximetasone Gel. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Desoximetasone resources
- Desoximetasone Side Effects (in more detail)
- Desoximetasone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Desoximetasone Drug Interactions
- Desoximetasone Support Group
- 9 Reviews for Desoximetasone - Add your own review/rating
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