desonide

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Desonide reduces the swelling, itching and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. Desonide is a mild corticosteroid.

Use this medication only on the skin.

Shake the bottle well before using. Wash your hands. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 2-3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the area unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

After applying the medication, wash and dry your hands, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because this may worsen or cause glaucoma or cause irritation. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse right away with plenty of water.

Use this medication only for the condition prescribed.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks.

Burning, stinging, itching, irritation, dryness, or redness may occur when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, excessive hair growth, hair bumps (folliculitis).

Skin infections can become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor promptly if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using desonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone); 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, diabetes, immune system problems, other skin conditions (e.g., rosacea, perioral dermatitis).

Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication, when applied to the skin, passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs, when taken by mouth, pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If used during breastfeeding, avoid applying the medication to the breast/nipple area to prevent the infant from swallowing the medication.

Store the US product between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) Store the Canadian product between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C).

Store the medication away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Your healthcare professionals (such as your doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), other topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Inform all your doctors you use or have used this medication.