Clobetasol propionate cream

What Clobetasol is used for:

It contains a medicine called clobetasol propionate. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It helps to reduce swelling and irritation. It is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems.

Do not use Clobetasol:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clobetasol propionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
• on a child under 1 year of age
• to treat any of the following skin problems, it could make them worse:
• acne
• severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea)
• spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
• itching around your anus or genitals (penis or vagina)
• infected skin (unless the infection is being treated with an anti-infective medicine at the same time)
• itchy skin which is not inflamed
• widespread plaque psoriasis, except single lesions.

Warnings and precautions:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Clobetasol if:
• you have previously had an allergic reaction with another steroid.
• you are applying the cream under an airtight dressing, including a child’s nappy. These dressings make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much cream.
• make sure that the skin is cleansed before a fresh dressing is applied to prevent infections.
• you are applying the cream on broken or damaged skin or within skin folds.
• you are applying to a large surface area.
• you have psoriasis, your doctor will want to see you more often.
• you are using for a chronic leg ulcer as you may be at increased risk of local allergic reaction or infection.
• you are applying near eyes or on eyelids, as cataracts or glaucoma may result if the cream repeatedly enters the eye.
• you are applying to thin skin such as the face, as Clobetasol may cause skin thinning. Use on the face should be limited to 5 days. Dressings or bandages should not be used on the face where the cream is applied.

Possible side effects:

Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing. Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body. 

Other medicines and Clobetasol:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicine, especially if you are taking ritonavir and itraconazole medications.

How to use Clobetasol:

• You usually apply a thin layer of Clobetasol once or twice a day. This may be reduced as your skin begins to get better, or stopped when better. Your doctor may prescribe a weaker steroid for you to use instead.
• If you are also using an emollient (moisturizer), allow time for Clobetasol to be absorbed into your skin before applying the emollient.
• This cream is for use on your skin only.
• Do not use for more than 4 weeks without talking to your doctor. If you need treatment for a long time, your doctor may decide you need to use a milder cream or ointment.
• If your skin problem worsens or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, talk to your doctor.

How to store Clobetasol:

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube or carton after (EXP). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
• Dosage form and route of administration of Clobetasol propionate ointment should be prescribed according to therapeutic indication and disease severity of each individual patient.