desoximetasone 0.25 % topical spray

Loading...

The photos shown are samples only

Medication name

Generic name:
Desoximetasone spray - topical

Pronunciation
(des-OX-i-MET-a-sone)

Brand name(s)
Topicort

Uses

Desoximetasone is used to treat a type of skin condition (plaque psoriasis). It reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that may occur with plaque psoriasis. This medication is a strong corticosteroid.

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 due to increased risk of side effects.

How to use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using desoximetasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this occurs, rinse with plenty of water. Do not use it on thinning skin.

Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean and dry the affected area. Spray only enough medication to cover the affected areas with a thin layer and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands.

This medication is flammable. Avoid smoking when applying this medication and do not use or store it near heat or open flame.

Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Once your skin condition is under control, you should stop using desoximetasone unless directed by your doctor. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 4 weeks. According to the manufacturer, you should not use this drug for longer than 4 weeks.

Side effects

Skin irritation, dryness, or itching may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 you have any serious side effects, including:

  • stretch marks
  • skin thinning/discoloration
  • acne
  • excessive hair growth
  • small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)

Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

  • unusual/extreme tiredness
  • weight loss
  • headache
  • swelling ankles/feet
  • increased thirst/urination
  • vision problems

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • 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.

Precautions

Before using desoximetasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as 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:

  • liver failure
  • decreased adrenal gland function
  • current or returning skin infections
  • open sores

Do not use on an area where the skin is thinning or if there is an infection or sore present.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. 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 breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. 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 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes

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 that case.

Lab tests (such as adrenal gland function tests) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed dose

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from heat and open flame. This medication is flammable. Discard medication after 30 days. Keep all medications 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.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised October 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.