Generic name:
Sulfacetamide/sulfur cream - topical

Pronunciation
(sull-fuh-SEET-uh-mide/SULL-fur)

Brand name(s)
Avar , Plexion SCT

This medication is used to treat acne and other skin conditions (e.g., rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis). It helps to relieve the symptoms of skin irritation caused by these conditions. This product contains a combination of two drugs, sulfacetamide and sulfur. Both sulfacetamide and sulfur stop the growth of bacteria on the skin surface. Sulfur also has a drying effect on the skin that helps the skin to shed old cells.

This medication is for use on the skin only.

The directions for use of this product vary depending on the brand that you are prescribed. Follow the directions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid getting any of this medication in the eyes or inside the nose or mouth.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Mild redness and dry skin may occur. If either 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.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• skin irritation
• scaling of the skin

You may be at increased risk for side effects if this medication is used on raw or broken skin. Consult your doctor for details.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)
• unusual weakness
• easy bleeding/bruising
• yellowing eyes/skin

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 sulfacetamide with sulfur, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of these drugs; or to sulfa medications; 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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• kidney problems

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• cracked skin or open wounds (especially on the face or hands)

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

It is not known whether the drugs in this product pass into breast milk when applied to the skin. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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:

• skin products containing silver (such as silver sulfadiazine)

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 medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Do not share this medication with others.

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.

Store at room temperature. Consult your pharmacist or product labeling for the exact temperature range. 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.

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.