What is Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color.

Hydroquinone topical is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, and melasma.

Hydroquinone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Do not use hydroquinone topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated, or on an open wound. It could make these conditions worse. Wait until these conditions have healed before applying hydroquinone topical.

Before using hydroquinone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease; or
• kidney disease

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hydroquinone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Alera Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydroquinone topical and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, or other irritation of your skin after apply the medication.

Less serious side effects may include mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alera Interactions

What other drugs affect Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied hydroquinone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use hydroquinone topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may cause a temporary staining of your skin. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Hydroquinone topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Alera Dosage

How should I take Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Hydroquinone topical is for external use only.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication, unless you are treating a skin area on your hand.

Apply the medication to clean, dry skin. Apply just enough medication to cover the affected area. Avoid applying to the unaffected surrounding skin. Rub in the medication gently and completely.

Avoid getting this medication on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Hydroquinone may cause numbness of these areas. If the medication does get on any of these areas, rinse with water.

It is important to use hydroquinone topical regularly to get the most benefit.

Store hydroquinone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of topically applied hydroquinone is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Alera (Hydroquinone Topical)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com