Fluocinonide (floo-oh-SIN-oh-nide)

Treats many skin disorders. Also relieves pain, itching, and swelling caused by skin diseases. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Fluovix, Fluovix Plus, Vanos

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Ointment

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.

If a dose is missed:

• Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have tuberculosis, diabetes, increased pressure in the head, skin infections or problems, or an adrenal problem called Cushing's syndrome.
• You or your child should not use this medicine on your face neck, groin, or underarms unless your doctor told you to do so.
• Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• You should not use this medicine for your child without a doctor's approval.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Itching, flaking, or dryness of treated skin area.
• Severe burning, pain, redness, swelling, or irritation of the treated skin areas.
• Signs of skin infection such as redness, swelling, drainage, or pus.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne or tiny pimples on the skin.
• Changes in the color of the treated skin.
• Excessive hair growth.
• Headache.
• Itching and redness around your lips.
• Mild skin redness, stinging, swelling, or hardening.
• Poor healing of the skin.
• Raised spots on the skin.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Thinning of the skin or bruising.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088