Fluocinonide

About Fluocinonide

Fluocinonide calms inflammation and itching in skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids. The 0.05 percent cream, emollient cream, ointment, gel and solution are applied as a thin film two to four times a day, and their labels allow covering the skin with plastic film for psoriasis or stubborn patches when the prescriber directs. The 0.1 percent cream is labeled for people 12 and older: once or twice a day for psoriasis and other conditions, and once a day for atopic dermatitis. Patient references class the 0.05 percent strength as high potency, and the 0.1 percent cream’s label places it in the super-high range. MedlinePlus says the skin should improve within the first 2 weeks.

Use of the 0.1 percent cream is limited to 60 g a week (half of the largest tube) and no more than two weeks in a row, without a covering unless the prescriber directs; it is kept off the face, groin and underarms and is not used for rosacea or perioral dermatitis. With either strength, absorbed steroid can suppress the adrenal glands and cause Cushing’s syndrome, high blood sugar or sugar in the urine, more likely over large areas, with long use or under a covering; the labels suggest testing adrenal function in people at risk, and recovery is generally prompt after stopping. Thinning of the skin can occur even with short use on the face, in skin folds and in the creases of joints. Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, acne-like bumps, lighter patches and stretch marks are among the local effects, and headache and burning at the site were among the most common effects in trials of the 0.1 percent cream.

Children absorb proportionally more steroid for their size, and the labels warn of adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, raised pressure inside the skull and effects on growth; reversible adrenal suppression was seen in pediatric studies of the 0.1 percent cream, which is not recommended under 12. On a child’s diaper area, tight diapers or plastic pants act like a covering. The Orange Book lists Lidex cream, ointment and solution as discontinued, and MedlinePlus marks Lidex-E as no longer sold, so every product of the lower strength is a generic; Vanos remains listed, with generics rated equivalent to it.

Taking Fluocinonide

How to take it

Spread a thin film over the affected skin, rub it in gently and wash your hands; keep it out of the eyes. Do not cover or bandage the area unless the prescriber says to, and do not stop it abruptly without asking the prescriber.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless the next application is nearly due; then skip the missed one. Never apply a double dose.

Storage

At room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture and out of reach of children; do not freeze. Use a take-back program rather than flushing.

Interactions to know about

Other steroid creams or steroid tablets add to the total dose, so tell the prescriber about them. Call for blurred vision or eye pain, signs of a skin infection, more thirst or urination, or weight gain in the face or upper body.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Fluocinonide differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Products of the 0.05 percent strength are older generics, so quotes differ mainly by dispensing fee, markup and tube size, while the less common forms, such as the gel, solution and emollient cream, may need to be ordered and are quoted less evenly.

The 0.1 percent cream and the 0.05 percent cream are different strengths, and a pharmacist fills the strength and form written. Generic 0.1 percent cream is rated equivalent to Vanos, so a prescription that allows substitution need not be filled with the brand, while one that names Vanos and blocks substitution is priced as a brand.

Ways to pay less for Fluocinonide without insurance

• Ask for a generic, and if the prescription names Vanos, check that it allows substitution.
• Ask for only the quantity the course needs; the 0.1 percent cream is limited to 60 g a week for up to two weeks.
• If a gel, solution or emollient cream is quoted high, ask the prescriber whether the standard cream or ointment would suit you, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Fluocinonide

1. 1.Which strength and form is my prescription for, and how long can I use it?
2. 2.Which parts of my body should I keep it off, and can I cover it?
3. 3.What signs mean too much steroid is being absorbed?
4. 4.Is it safe to use on my child, and how much?

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