Desoximetasone Topical (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Desoximetasone is used to treat the redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions. Desoximetasone is in a class of medications called topical corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

How this medication should be used

Desoximetasone comes as a cream, an ointment, and a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day. Apply it at around the same times 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 desoximetasone exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let desoximetasone get into your eyes, nose, or mouth and do not swallow it.

To use desoximetasone, apply a small amount of ointment, cream, or gel to cover the affected area of skin with a thin even film and rub it in gently.

If you are applying desoximetasone to a child's diaper area, do not cover the area with tight fitting diapers or plastic pants.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. 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 directed 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. Do not discontinue treatment abruptly without talking to your doctor.

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 desoximetasone:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to desoximetasone or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention medications that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, Cushing's syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]),problems with your circulation, or any condition that affects your immune system such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using desoximetasone, 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 amount to make up for a missed dose.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Desoximetasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
• swelling, redness, or pus filled blisters on the skin at the base of a hair
• tiny red bumps around the mouth
• unwanted hair growth
• pimples

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe rash
• redness, swelling, oozing pus, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied desoximetasone

Children who use desoximetasone have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child's skin.

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.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you apply more desoximetasone or apply it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor, you may receive an overdose of medication. This can affect your body in many ways. Call your doctor if you accidentally apply too much medication, especially if you experience unusual symptoms.

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 desoximetasone.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Topicort®
• Topicort LP®

Other names

• Desoxymetasone