Uses

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis). Clobetasone helps reduce swelling, itching, and redness. It is a medium-strength medication in the class of drugs known as anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

How To Use

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Wash your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area as directed. Then apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer on the skin and rub in gently, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after use, unless you are using this product to treat the hands.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated area unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.

Do not use large amounts of this medication or apply this more often or for a longer period than directed. Doing so may increase the absorption of this medication into your blood, an effect that may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your doctor about ways to reduce this risk if you have large areas of the body to be treated. Adults should not use more than 100 grams of this medication in a week unless directed by the doctor.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wipe off the medication and rinse thoroughly with water. Caution is advised if you are using this medication near the eyes because doing so may worsen or cause increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma). Ask your doctor for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 1 week.

Side Effects

Burning, redness, irritation, or dryness of the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• stretch marks
• skin thinning/discoloration
• acne
• extreme/unwanted hair growth
• small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)

Rarely, use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in skin infections (such as those caused by fungi, bacteria). Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual skin symptoms or if your condition does not improve. If you develop an infection, you will need another medication to treat it.

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, get medical help right away 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.

Precautions

Before using clobetasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as 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:

• skin infection (such as herpes simplex, chickenpox)
• poor blood circulation
• a weakened immune system

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. 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 temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. 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. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• other corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine)

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin problem unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Tell all your doctors that you use or have used this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.