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Fluticasone Propionate Coupon - Fluticasone Propionate 30g of 0.05% tube of cream

fluticasone propionate

Generic Cutivate
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Itching, Skin Allergy
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Itching, Skin Allergy

Fluticasone propionate topical is a steroid medication that's used to treat different skin conditions. It's available in many different formulations, including a cream, ointment, and lotion. The typical directions are to apply a small amount of medication onto the skin one to two times a day, as directed by your provider. While side effects aren't common, it's possible to experience skin burning and itching where you used the medication. Fluticasone propionate topical is only available by prescription; it can't be purchased over the counter.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 2, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Fluticasone propionate topical?

What is Fluticasone propionate topical used for?

  • Treatment of skin rashes and itchy skin - cream and ointment only

  • Treatment of eczema

How Fluticasone propionate topical works

Fluticasone propionate topical is a corticosteroid. When it’s used on the skin, it has three actions:

  • It lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to lower skin inflammation.

  • It can also slow down how fast new skin cells are made. This can help lower the amount of patches or scales from some skin problems (e.g., psoriasis).

  • It lessens the immune response of your body, which can help with certain skin problems that are caused by a sensitive immune system (e.g., eczema).

Are you looking for information on fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) or Flovent (fluticasone) inhaler instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCutivate (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassCorticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Fluticasone propionate topical?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • In general, side effects aren't common. Please see Other Side Effects.

Other Side Effects

  • Itchy skin
  • Skin redness
  • Skin irritation
  • Hives
  • Rash
  • Dry skin
  • Burning sensation
  • Numbness of fingers
  • Lightheadedness
  • Excessive hair growth

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Skin reactions or infection: redness, itching, rash, hives, swelling, tenderness
  • Withdrawal symptoms: long-term fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, belly pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dry skin

Less common

Breakdown of the skin

burning or stinging skin

hives or welts

irritation and redness of the skin

itching

numbness of the fingers

raised, dark red, or wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face

skin rash

Rare

Pain

red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

swelling

tenderness

thick yellow to honey-colored crusts

warmth on the skin

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

backache

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

chest pain

cough or hoarseness

dry mouth

facial hair growth in females

fever or chills

flushed, dry skin

fractures

fruit-like breath odor

full or round face, neck, or trunk

increased hunger

increased thirst or urination

irritability

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

loss of sexual desire or ability

lower back or side pain

menstrual irregularities

muscle wasting

nausea

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

redness and scaling around the mouth

shortness of breath

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sugar in the urine

sweating

swelling of the throat

swollen glands

thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

unexplained weight loss

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Body aches or pain

change in hearing

common cold

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

ear drainage

earache or pain in the ear

headache

loss of voice

nasal congestion

runny nose

Rare

Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

stuffy nose

Incidence not known

Acne or pimples

burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs

lightening of normal skin color

lightening of treated areas of dark skin

reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fluticasone propionate topical

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Available in different strengths

Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and lotion

Cream and lotion are safe to use for children 3 months and older

thumbs-down

Cons

Meant for short-term use (to prevent side effects like skin thinning and high blood sugar)

Not the most potent (strongest) topical steroid, so it might not work well for more severe skin conditions

Might cause topical steroid withdrawal if you stop using after consistent, long-term use

Unknown if safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women

Unknown if topical ointment is safe to use on children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fluticasone propionate topical

pharmacist

  • Different formulations of fluticasone propionate topical have different directions, strengths, and age cut-offs. To make sure you're using this medication correctly, follow the specific product instructions on the package or talk with your provider or pharmacist about how to use it.

    • Wash your hands before and after using fluticasone propionate topical to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes or other area of the body.

      • Fluticasone propionate topical skin products should only be used on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or on damaged skin. Don't use any formulation of fluticasone propionate topical in your eyes, nose, or ears to avoid side effects. Also don't insert this medication into your vagina.

        • Avoid using fluticasone propionate topical near your face, underarms, or groin area unless your provider told you to.

          • Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying fluticasone propionate topical unless directed by your provider. Also don't use this medication around the diaper area since the diaper will cover this area quite tightly. This can cause more medication to get absorbed into the body through the skin and raise the risk of serious side effects.

            • If your skin doesn't improve after 2 weeks of using fluticasone propionate topical skin products, talk to your provider to see whether it's still appropriate to continue treatment. Fluticasone propionate topical isn't meant to be used long term, so ask your provider how long your treatment should last.

              • Don't use fluticasone propionate topical lotion regularly for more than a month, even if the medication is working for you. Similarly, don't apply fluticasone propionate topical cream regularly to your child's skin for more than a month. It's not clear whether these formulations are safe or will work after this period of time.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Fluticasone propionate topical

                Is fluticasone propionate topical a steroid?
                Yes, fluticasone propionate topical is a steroid. It works similar to cortisol, which is our body's natural steroid hormone. Fluticasone propionate topical is usually prescribed for a variety of skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness, scaling). Sometimes, these skin problems are caused by eczema, poison ivy, psoriasis, or skin allergies. Unlike oral steroids that are taken by mouth, such as prednisone, lower amounts of fluticasone propionate topical are absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it's less likely to cause certain serious complications, such as glaucoma, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. Make sure to use fluticasone propionate topical as directed by your provider to lower the risk of side effects.
                Is fluticasone propionate topical an antihistamine?
                No, fluticasone propionate topical isn't an antihistamine; it's a steroid. Both types of medications have formulations that are applied onto the skin to relieve itchy skin. Topical antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl Itch Relief) and topical steroids (e.g., fluticasone propionate topical) can both prevent inflammation by blocking various chemicals in your body. Topical antihistamines are typically used for minor skin conditions, such as sunburns or insect bites. On the other hand, fluticasone propionate topical is typically used for ongoing skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis). If you aren't sure which topical product is right for you, talk to your provider.
                Can I use fluticasone propionate topical while pregnant?
                Discuss with your provider about the benefits and risks of using fluticasone propionate topical if you're pregnant. There isn't enough information to know whether fluticasone propionate topical is safe to use during pregnancy. But animal studies showed that topical steroids, like fluticasone propionate topical, can cause serious harm to unborn babies when used for a long time or in large amounts by mothers during pregnancy. While animal studies aren't always representative of what happens in humans, there still might be a potential risk of serious side effects to unborn babies.
                Does fluticasone propionate topical expire?
                Yes, fluticasone propionate topical products expire. Always check the expiration date of your medication before using it. It's important that you don't use this medication if it's expired. Expired fluticasone propionate topical products might not work well and can cause your skin condition to get worse. If your medication has expired, throw it away safely and get a refill from your provider.
                When should I use fluticasone propionate topical?
                Fluticasone propionate topical products are typically used once or twice a day. Be sure to follow your provider's instructions on when to use the medication (if it differs from typical usage) and for how long. Try to use the medication at the same time(s) every day.
                Is it safe to use fluticasone propionate topical every day?
                In general, fluticasone propionate topical is safe to use every day for a short period of time. Follow your provider's instructions, and use the medication for the prescribed amount of time. Keep in mind that long-term use of fluticasone propionate topical puts you at higher risk for side effects, such as skin thinning, stretch marks, itching, or rash. In addition, using fluticasone propionate topical every day for a long time might raise your risk of skin infections. Fluticasone propionate topical cream hasn't been studied for longer than 4 weeks at a time in children, and the lotion hasn't been studied in children or adults for longer than this time either. Speak with your provider if you or your child has any side effects while using fluticasone propionate topical or if it isn't working after 2 weeks of use.
                Does fluticasone propionate topical raise blood pressure?
                In clinical studies of fluticasone propionate topical, people didn't report a rise in blood pressure as a side effect. While other forms of steroids (e.g., by mouth) are known to cause high blood pressure, it's unlikely that steroids that are applied onto the skin will have the same risk for side effects if you're using them as directed. If you're concerned about high blood pressure with fluticasone propionate topical, talk with your provider.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Fluticasone propionate topical?

                Fluticasone propionate topical can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Hormone problems and withdrawal

                • Risk factors: Using high-strength topical steroids | Using fluticasone propionate topical for a long period of time | Using excessive amounts of fluticasone propionate topical on your skin | Using fluticasone propionate topical over a large area | Covering applied area with a bandage | Young children

                  In some rare cases, using fluticasone propionate topical for a long time or over a large area of skin can cause your body to absorb too much medication. This can sometimes lead to a medical condition called adrenal suppression. This happens when your body gets used to the medication so your adrenal gland stops making enough of your natural steroid hormones for your body. This creates a dependence on the steroid medication. If you stop the medication suddenly, it's possible to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as fever, joint or muscle pain, and low energy.

                  To prevent adrenal suppression from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of fluticasone propionate topical that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use fluticasone propionate topical for a long period of time or for a large area, your provider might ask you to do some lab work to test whether the medication has affected your adrenal gland. Don't stop using fluticasone propionate topical suddenly after using it daily for a long time without talking to your provider first.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk of high blood sugar when using a large amount or long term

                  • Risk factors: Using fluticasone propionate topical for a long period of time | Using excessive amounts of fluticasone propionate topical on your skin

                    Corticosteroids can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. This is more likely to happen when you're taking corticosteroids by mouth. But it's also possible with fluticasone propionate topical if you're using it on the skin for a long period of time or over large areas of the body. In these situations, your body can absorb more medication through the skin and into the blood. In addition, it's possible that this can raise your risk of developing diabetes, especially if your blood sugar isn't controlled. If you have diabetes, your provider might ask you to check your blood sugar regularly to make sure this medication is safe for you. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of high blood sugar like extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, tiredness, dry mouth, or blurry vision.

                    risk-warning

                    New or worsened skin infection

                    It's possible to have a skin infection while you're using fluticasone propionate topical. These skin infections can include fungal or bacterial infections and should be treated with appropriate medications. If you have a skin infection on the same area that you applied fluticasone propionate topical, don't use the steroid medication until the infection goes away. Let your provider know if you have redness, swelling, pain, pus, or if your current symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks of treatment. These can be signs and symptoms of a new infection.

                    risk-warning

                    Skin problems

                    • Risk factors: Excessive and inappropriate use of fluticasone propionate topical | Using a lot of fluticasone propionate topical | Covering the area of skin after using fluticasone propionate topical

                      Using fluticasone propionate topical more often or longer than directed by your provider or covering the treated area tightly with a bandage can raise your risk of different skin reactions. These reactions can include skin thinning, stretch marks, irritation, inflamed hair follicles, changes in skin color, or rash. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of fluticasone propionate topical to treat your symptoms for the shortest amount of time. Use fluticasone propionate topical as instructed by your provider. Let your provider know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.

                      risk-warning

                      Allergic reaction

                      Tell your provider before using fluticasone propionate topical if you've had an allergic reaction to any steroid medications in the past. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as dry skin, itching, rash, swelling, and blisters. Stop using fluticasone propionate topical and tell your provider if you have these signs and symptoms.

                      You might also be allergic to fluticasone propionate topical if your skin condition doesn't get better after using the medication for a while. Contact your provider if your symptoms doesn't improve after a couple days of using the medication.

                      dosage

                      Fluticasone propionate topical dosage forms

                      bottle of lotion
                      Bottle of lotion
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      120ml of 0.05%1 bottle$1032.27$1032.27

                      Typical dosing for Fluticasone propionate topical

                      Fluticasone propionate topical lotion

                      • Adults and children ages 3 months and older: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) once daily.

                      Fluticasone propionate topical cream

                      • Eczema (adults and children ages 3 months and older): Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) once or twice daily.

                      • Other skin condition (adults and children ages 3 months and older): Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) twice daily.

                      Fluticasone propionate topical ointment

                      • Adults: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) twice daily.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Fluticasone propionate topical and other drugs

                      Fluticasone propionate topical may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluticasone propionate topical. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                      How much does Fluticasone propionate topical cost?

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                      Cutivate (brand)
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                      Fluticasone propionate topical (generic)
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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Fluticasone propionate topical?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fluticasone propionate topical. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Fluticasone propionate topical
                      Used for:

                      • Treatment of skin rashes and itchy skin - cream and ointment only

                      • Treatment of eczema

                      $32.73 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Fluocinonide (Vanos)
                      Used for:

                      • Skin inflammation disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis

                      $23.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Triamcinolone
                      Used for:

                      • Inflammatory skin conditions

                      $74.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Fluticasone propionate topical?

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                      images

                      Fluticasone propionate topical images

                      white - Fluticasone Propionate 0.05% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Fluticasone Propionate 0.05% Topical Cream
                      This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Cream.
                      This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Cream.

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Andersen, Y. M. F., et al. (2019). Association between topical corticosteroid use and Type 2 diabetes in two European population-based adult cohorts. Diabetes Care.

                      Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Fluticasone propionate topical cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Fluticasone propionate ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Ference, J. D., et al. (2009). Choosing topical corticosteroids. American Family Physician.

                      View All References (4)

                      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms and causes of adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease.

                      Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2022). Fluticasone propionate lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Phan, K., et al. (2019). Topical corticosteroids and risk of diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

                      Uva, L., et al. (2012). Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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