What Is Fluocinonide Cream?
Fluocinonide is a prescription drug. It comes in the form of a cream, gel, ointment, or solution. Fluocinonide cream is available as the brand-name drug Vanos. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug. Fluocinonide may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to use it with other medications.
How should this medicine be used?
Fluocinonide comes in ointment, cream, solution, and gel in various strengths for use on the skin. It is usually applied two to four times a day. You should follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluocinonide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or wrap or bandage the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Wash or soak the affected area thoroughly before applying the medicine, unless it irritates your skin. Then apply the ointment, cream, solution, or gel sparingly in a thin film and rub it in gently. To use the solution or gel on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently. Protect the area from washing and rubbing until the solution or gel dries. You may wash your hair as usual but not right after applying the medicine.
Side Effects
Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
- Signs of a weak adrenal gland like a very bad upset stomach or throwing up, very bad dizziness or passing out, muscle weakness, feeling very tired, mood changes, not hungry, or weight loss.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Precautions
Before using fluocinonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids, 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, certain skin conditions (rosacea, perioral dermatitis).
For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if fluocinonide passes into breast milk and causes side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy has it. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
