Diflorasone Topical (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Diflorasone is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation (swelling), and discomfort of various skin conditions. Diflorasone is in a class of medications called topical steroids. It works by reducing inflammation and itching.

How this medication should be used

Diflorasone comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. It is usually applied to the affected area one to three times a day. To help you remember to use diflorasone, apply it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use diflorasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

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

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

If you are using diflorasone 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 with your doctor.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you to. 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 wrapping in place as long as instructed by your doctor. Usually plastic wraps are left in place not more than 12 hours each day.
6. Cleanse the skin and reapply the medication each time a new plastic wrapping is applied.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before using diflorasone:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diflorasone or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using diflorasone, call your doctor.

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Diflorasone may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin burning, itching, or irritation
• dry skin
• rash
• increased hair growth
• skin discoloration

Long-term use of diflorasone may cause children to grow more slowly. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.

Diflorasone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to diflorasone.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Do not use this medication for a skin condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Maxiflor®
• Psorcon E® Emollient Cream
• Psorcon®