What is Halcinonide Topical?
Halcinonide is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Halcinonide topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Halcinonide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Halcinonide Topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap) is sometimes used when treating psoriasis. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with halcinonide topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Halcinonide Topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to halcinonide.
Before using halcinonide topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.
FDA pregnancy category C. 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 halcinonide 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.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
Halcinonide Topical Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Halcinonide 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 this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing halcinonide topical through your skin, such as:
- blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
- mood changes
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
- muscle weakness, feeling tired
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild skin itching, burning, or dryness
- thinning or softening of your skin
- skin rash or irritation around your mouth
- swollen hair follicles
- changes in color of treated skin
- blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
- stretch marks
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Halcinonide Topical Interactions
What other drugs affect Halcinonide Topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied halcinonide topical. 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 Halcinonide Topical?
Halcinonide topical should not be used to treat any skin condition your doctor has not prescribed it for.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use halcinonide topical on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
Halcinonide Topical Dosage
How should I take Halcinonide Topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Wash your hands before and after using halcinonide topical, unless you are using the medication to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not use this medication over a large area of skin.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap, plastic gloves, or a shower cap) is sometimes used to cover areas of psoriasis that are treated with halcinonide topical. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Avoid plastic covering over skin lesions that are oozing or draining pus or any type of fluid.
If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with halcinonide topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection. It is important to use halcinonide topical regularly to get the most benefit.
If you are treating psoriasis, use the medication for at least a few days after the skin clears. Stopping too soon could cause a relapse.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects with long-term use, you may need blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store halcinonide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.
What happens if I overdose on Halcinonide Topical?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of halcinonide is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What happens if I miss a dose of Halcinonide Topical?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com