Lyderm (Fluocinonide) belongs to the family of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat skin rashes that are inflamed, itchy, or caused by Allergies. It should not be used to treat skin rashes that have become infected. It works by reducing inflammation of the skin.

Your doctor may have suggested Lyderm (Fluocinonide) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Lyderm (Fluocinonide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Lyderm (Fluocinonide), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Lyderm (Fluocinonide) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Lyderm (Fluocinonide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Lyderm (Fluocinonide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Gently apply a small amount onto the affected area 2 to 4 times daily and rub it in well, as needed or as directed by the doctor. This product is not normally used on sensitive skin areas (e.g., face, underarms, or groin) unless specified by the doctor. Do not cover the area with dressings unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Apply this product cautiously on lesions close to the eye. Severe irritation is possible if the medication contacts the eye. Should this occur, immediately flush the eye with a large volume of water.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to usee this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Lyderm (Fluocinonide) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lyderm (Fluocinonide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lyderm (Fluocinonide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Lyderm (Fluocinonide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning, dryness, irritation, itching, or redness of skin (usually mild and temporary)
• increased redness or scaling of skin sores (usually mild and temporary)
• skin rash (usually mild and temporary)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood-containing blisters on skin
• lack of healing of skin condition
• numbness in fingers
• painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when used on the face
• skin infection
• thinning of skin with easy bruising

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, Hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lyderm (Fluocinonide).

Cream
Each g of cream contains Lyderm (Fluocinonide) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: 1, 2, 6-hexanetriol, citric acid, glycerin, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, and stearyl alcohol.

Gel
Each g of gel contains Lyderm (Fluocinonide) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer 940, edetate disodium, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.

Ointment
Each g of ointment contains Lyderm (Fluocinonide) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: glyceryl monostearate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, white petrolatum, and white wax.

Lyderm (Fluocinonide) topical should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to Lyderm (Fluocinonide) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has untreated bacterial, tubercular, fungal, or most viral lesions of the skin (including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and Chickenpox)

There may be an interaction between Lyderm (Fluocinonide) topical and any of the following:

• other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lyderm (Fluocinonide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lyderm (Fluocinonide).

Infection: You may experience a secondary infection while using a topical (skin-applied) corticosteroid. If this is the case, contact your doctor for instruction regarding treatment.

Internal absorption: Significant internal absorption may result when steroids are applied over large areas of the body. To minimize this possibility when long-term therapy is anticipated, your doctor may instruct you to periodically interrupt treatment or to treat one area of the body at a time.

Medical conditions: People with stasis dermatitis and other skin diseases associated with impaired circulation should discuss with their doctor how Lyderm (Fluocinonide) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lyderm (Fluocinonide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical treatment: Inform all your doctors that you have used a corticosteroid.

Response to treatment: If your skin condition does not improve within a few days to a week, contact your doctor.

Thinning of skin: Prolonged use of topical corticosteroid products may produce thinning of the skin and of tissues under it. If this is noticed, call your doctor.

Pregnancy: Lyderm (Fluocinonide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Lyderm (Fluocinonide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Corticosteroids such as Lyderm (Fluocinonide) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lyderm (Fluocinonide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.