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What is the most important information I should know about fluocinolone topical?

• Do not use plastic bandages, dressings, or diapers that do not allow air to circulate to the area (occlusive dressings) unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs. If you do use an occlusive dressing, do not use it for more than 12 hours a day.
• Do not use fluocinolone topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
• Do not use fluocinolone topical to treat a child, unless it is prescribed by a doctor for the child. Children are more sensitive to the effects of fluocinolone topical.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluocinolone topical?

• Return to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse. Fluocinolone topical alone will not treat the condition if it is an infection.
• Fluocinolone topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether fluocinolone topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. If it is necessary to use fluocinolone during pregnancy, the smallest amount possible should be applied, for the shortest time necessary to treat the condition, under the supervision of a doctor.
• It is not known whether fluocinolone passes into breast milk. Do not use fluocinolone topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Do not use fluocinolone topical to treat a child, unless it is prescribed by a doctor for the child. Children are more sensitive to the effects of fluocinolone topical.

What is fluocinolone topical?

• Fluocinolone is a topical steroid. It reduces or inhibits the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
• Fluocinolone is used to treat inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Fluocinolone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should I use fluocinolone topical?

• Apply the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using fluocinolone topical to treat a hand condition.
• Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
• Use caution on areas where the skin creases, such as armpits, knees, and elbows. These areas may absorb more medication. Also, avoid the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
• Use the shampoo as directed by your doctor.
• If you need to protect the area, it can be covered with a breathable cotton-gauze dressing. Avoid using plastic, occlusive dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area. Plastic pants and diapers may be harmful if used over fluocinolone on a child.
• Do not use fluocinolone topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
• It is important touse fluocinolone topical regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store fluocinolone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose?

• An overdose of fluocinolone topical is not likely to threaten life. If the medication is ingested, or if a large amount is used over a large area and side effects are being experienced, call an emergency room or a poison control left near you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What should I avoid while using fluocinolone topical?

• Do not use plastic coverings or dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area (occlusive dressings) unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs. If you do use an occlusive dressing, do not use it for more than 12 hours a day.
• Do not use other topical products on the treated area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect fluocinolone topical?

• Do not use other topical products on the treated area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluocinolone topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What are the possible side effects of fluocinolone topical?

• No serious systemic side effects are expected unless a large amount of fluocinolone topical is used for a long period of time. If the drug is being absorbed by the body, you may experience blurred vision, halos around lights, an irregular heartbeat, insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, or fatigue. If you experience any unusual side effects, notify your doctor.
• Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. You may experience some redness, blistering, burning, itching, or peeling. Continue to use fluocinolone topical and talk to your doctor about your side effects.
• Other local side effects may also occur, especially with prolonged use of fluocinolone topical. These may include thinning of the skin, prolonged redness, and stretch marks.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about fluocinolone written for health professionals that you may read.