fluocinolone
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) is used to relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by eczema and scalp psoriasis but is only recommended for short-term use.
What is Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)?
What is Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) used for?
- Scalp psoriasis for adults
- Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) for adults and children over 3 months old
How Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) works
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) is a topical corticosteroid. It relieves irritation and itching due to skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema by lessening inflammation in the body and calming down the immune system.
Drug facts
Side effects of Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
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
- Spider veins (9%)
- Skin redness (5%)
- Itching, irritation, or a burning sensation (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Loss of skin color
- Shiny skin
- Inflamed hair follicles
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions
- Weakened immune system (from long-term use)
The following Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) 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
Body aches or pain
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
headache
hoarseness
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of treated areas of dark skin
stuffy or runny nose
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble swallowing
unusual tiredness or weakness
voice changes
Less common
accumulation of pus
blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
change in hearing
cracked, dry, scaly skin
ear drainage
flushing or redness of the skin
darkening of the skin
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
itchy, raised, round, smooth, skin-colored bumps found on just one area of the body
ooze thick white fluid
raised, dark red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when used on the face
redness or swelling in the ear
skin irritation
skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
swelling
swollen, red, tender area of infection
thickened patches of the skin
vomiting
Incidence not known
Redness and scaling around the mouth
thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin
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
Changes in skin color
shiny skin
Incidence not known
increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
softening of the skin
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.
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Pros and cons of Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
Pros
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Body oil can be used in children as young as 3 months old
- Causes very few side effects, especially compared to oral steroids
Cons
- Not for long-term use
- Can be messy to use or feel greasy afterwards
- Can't be used for the face, underarms, groin, or diaper area
- Contains peanut oil — not a good option for people with peanut allergies
Pharmacist tips for Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
- Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) contains peanut oil, so let your provider know if you have any peanut allergies before starting this medication.
- Wash your hands well after using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are areas you are treating. If fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- Wash and dry the affected areas of your skin well before applying fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) body oil. Only use the smallest amount needed to cover the affected area(s) to help prevent serious side effects. Some burning after using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) is possible, but if you notice a rash appear, please contact your healthcare provider.
- If you have not noticed any improvement of your symptoms after you have been using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) for 2 weeks, let your healthcare provider know. You may need a different medication to treat your symptoms.
- Do not place bandages or dressings over the areas where Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) is applied unless your provider has instructed you to do so. Covering areas of the body after applying this medication can affect how your body absorbs it and can cause more side effects.
- Do not apply fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) to a child's diaper area, because the diaper or clothing worn over the diaper area can raise the risks of side effects. If your child is having symptoms of eczema in this area of their body, please contact their provider for a safer alternative.
Common questions about Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
Yes. Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) is a low- to medium-strength topical steroid that helps to lessen inflammation, redness, and itchiness caused by eczema or scalp psoriasis.
It could take up to 4 weeks for you to see the full effects, but you should see some improvements within 2 weeks. If you do not feel any better within 2 weeks, let your provider know. You might need a different medication to treat your condition.
No. Do not apply fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) to your face. You should also avoid applying it to the armpits, groin, or diaper area. Applying this medication on these areas can raise your risk of side effects.
It depends on which form you are using. Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) scalp oil is only FDA-approved for the treatment of scalp psoriasis in adults. The body oil, on the other hand, can be used in adults and children as young as 3 months old.
Adults can use the scalp oil once a day until your symptoms resolve. If you don't see any improvement within 2 weeks of starting fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS), let your provider know.
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Risks and warnings for Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) 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.
Change in hormones
- Risk factors: Using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) for a long time | Applying large amounts of fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) to your skin | Children
Using large amounts of fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS), using it for long periods of time, or using it on children can cause the body to make less of certain hormones that are important for many bodily functions. Use fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) only as directed. Do not apply more of the medication or for longer than what your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. Children who use fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) might need more frequent check-ups with their provider while using this medication.
Peanut allergy
- Risk factors: Peanut allergy
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) contains peanut oil, which can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions in some people. If you have a peanut allergy, talk to your provider about alternative medications. There are other medications available that are peanut-free.
Skin reactions
- Risk factors: Using too much fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) | Using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) for a long time | Applying bandages or dressings over the areas where you applied fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
Skin reactions, including skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, inflammation of hair follicles, pustules, changes in skin color, infection, and rashes, have occurred when people have used too much fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) or used it for longer than prescribed. These reactions are also more likely to happen if you cover your skin with a bandage or other dressing after using the medication. Use small amounts of fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) only as prescribed and for the shortest period of time needed to treat your skin symptoms.
Skin infections
- Risk factors: Previous skin infection | Using fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) for a long time
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) can lower your body's ability to fight infections, including infections on your skin. Cuts and wounds might take longer to heal while you are using this medication. The longer you are using this medication, the higher your risk of this problem is. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus where you are applying fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS), stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) dosage
Bottle of oil| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118.28ml of scalp | 1 bottle | $28.76 | $28.76 |
| 118.28ml of body | 1 bottle | $29.80 | $29.80 |
Typical dosage for Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS)
Body oil for eczema
- Adults: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) three times a day.
- Children over 3 months old: Moisten the skin and apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) twice a day for up to 4 weeks.
Scalp oil for scalp psoriasis
- Adults: Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) on the scalp and massage the medication well into the scalp. Using a shower cap, cover the scalp and leave on overnight or for at least 4 hours before washing it off thoroughly with regular shampoo.
Interactions between Fluocinolone (Derma-Smoothe/FS) and other drugs
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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