sulfacetamide sodium-sulfur 10 %-5 % topical foam

Generic name:
Sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur foam - topical

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

Brand name(s)
Clarifoam EF

This medication is used to treat several skin problems (acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis). Sodium sulfacetamide belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by killing certain bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne and other problems. The sulfur in this product helps to remove dead skin and unclog pores.

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication on the skin only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application.

Clean the area of skin with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Shake the container well before each use. Depending on the brand prescribed, you may need to prime the container before first use by pressing down for 3 to 5 seconds until foam appears. Follow the package directions for your specific brand. Some brands should be held upright to dispense the foam, while other brands should be held with the nozzle pointing downward. Holding the container the wrong way can cause an incorrect amount of medication to be dispensed. Follow the package directions for your specific brand. Apply a small amount of foam on the fingertips and massage the foam into the affected area. Depending on the brand used, wait between 1 to 10 minutes. Rinse the area well with water and pat dry. Your doctor may direct you not to wash the foam off. In that case, massage the foam into the affected area and wipe off any extra foam.

Use this product as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on the brand you use, your medical condition, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not use more of this medication, use it more often, or keep using it for longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may be increased.

Tell your doctor if your acne does not get better or if it gets worse.

Redness/itching/swelling/flaking at the site of application 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.

Although this effect is unlikely with sulfa medications that are applied to the skin, serious side effects have rarely occurred with other sulfa antibiotics that are taken by mouth. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• easy bleeding/bruising
• unexplained fever
• fast heartbeat
• signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• bluish/pale skin
• severe stomach/abdominal pain
• unusual tiredness
• dark urine
• yellowing eyes/skin

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.

Before using sulfacetamide with sulfur, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfacetamide or sulfur; or to other sulfa antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole); 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:

• kidney disease

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• products containing silver that are applied to the skin (such as silver sulfadiazine)

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.

Do not share this medication with others.

Keep all medical appointments.

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 the product upright at room temperature. Do not freeze. The contents of this can are under pressure. Do not puncture or burn the container. Do not expose to open flame or heat. 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.

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.