Alclometasone skin cream or ointment

What is alclometasone skin cream or ointment?

ALCLOMETASONE (Aclovate®) is a corticosteroid. Alclometasone treats skin problems that are accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling. Generic alclometasone skin creams and ointments are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use alclometasone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any type of active infection including measles, tuberculosis, herpes, or chickenpox

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• thinning of the skin

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alclometasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Alclometasone skin cream or ointment is for external use only on the skin; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected areas and rub in gently. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for a longer period of time than ordered by your prescriber or health care professional. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are to use a dressing (covering) over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it.

Do not get alclometasone in the eyes, nose or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse off right away.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine on the diaper area of a child.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.

What drug(s) may interact with alclometasone?

There are no known interactions between alclometasone skin cream or ointment and other drugs.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply alclometasone at the same site as other skin products or cosmetics without advice.

What should I watch for while taking alclometasone?

Tell your prescriber or health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of alclometasone use, or if you develop skin irritation from the medicine. It is important not to use more alclometasone than prescribed, and to apply the medicine only to the affected areas as directed by your health care provider. Do not use over large areas of skin, and avoid getting alclometasone in the eyes.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

To prevent spreading of a skin infection or contamination of the medicine, do not share your alclometasone prescription with anyone else.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are applying alclometasone to your skin.

What side effects may I notice from using alclometasone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• lack of healing of the skin condition

• painful, red, pus-filled blisters on the skin or in hair follicles

• severe burning and continued itching of the skin

• thinning of the skin with easy bruising

Other serious side effects can develop if you use alclometasone for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, itching, or irritation of the skin

• increased redness or scaling of the skin

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.