Generic Name: DESOXIMETASONE - TOPICAL
Pronounced: (des-OX-i-MET-a-sone)

Topicort Top Precautions

Before using desoximetasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., 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:

• poor blood circulation
• immune system problems

Do not use if there is an infection or sore present in the area to be treated.

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. Therefore, 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 slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug, when applied to the skin, passes into breast milk. Other medications in this class, when taken by mouth, pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Topicort Top Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, or dryness may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 promptly if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• stretch marks
• skin thinning/discoloration
• acne
• excessive hair growth
• "hair bumps" (folliculitis)

Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve.

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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

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