fluocinonide
Fluocinonide (Vanos) is a strong topical steroid that treats skin inflammation and irritation, but it's not meant for long-term use. The medication comes in many different forms, such as a cream, ointment, gel, and topical solution.
What is Fluocinonide (Vanos)?
What is Fluocinonide (Vanos) used for?
- Skin inflammation disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis
How Fluocinonide (Vanos) works
Fluocinonide (Vanos) is a strong topical corticosteroid. It relieves skin 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 Fluocinonide (Vanos)
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
- Headache (4%)
- Burning where fluocinonide (Vanos) was applied (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry, itchy, or irritated skin
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Stuffy nose
Fluocinonide (Vanos) 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 Fluocinonide (Vanos) 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:
Incidence not known
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
irritation
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
redness and scaling around the mouth
thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)
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:
Incidence not known
burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
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
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 Fluocinonide (Vanos)
Pros
- Treats a variety of skin conditions
- Has few side effects when used for short periods of time
- Available as a cream, gel, ointment, and topical solution
- Comes in two different strengths, providing some flexibility based on your symptoms
Cons
- Not meant for long-term use
- Might have to apply it up to 4 times a day
- The higher strength (0.1%) shouldn't be used in children under 12 years old.
- Not the best option for treating the face, underarms, or groin (higher strength can't be used for these areas at all)
Pharmacist tips for Fluocinonide (Vanos)
- Wash your hands well after using fluocinonide (Vanos) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are areas you are treating. If fluocinonide (Vanos) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- Wash and dry the affected areas of your skin well before applying fluocinonide (Vanos). Some burning after using fluocinonide (Vanos) is possible, but if you notice a rash appear, please contact your healthcare provider.
- The 0.1% strength of fluocinonide (Vanos) isn't safe to use on the face, underarms, or groin. If you are having symptoms in those areas, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.
- Do not place bandages or dressings over the areas where you apply fluocinonide (Vanos), 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.
- If you don't see improvement of your symptoms after using fluocinonide (Vanos) for 2 weeks, let your healthcare provider know. You may need a different medication to treat your symptoms.
Common questions about Fluocinonide (Vanos)
No, fluocinonide (Vanos) is not an antifungal medication. It is a corticosteroid. You might be prescribed fluocinonide (Vanos) and an antifungal at the same time depending on your personal skin condition.
It depends on what strength of fluocinonide (Vanos) you've been prescribed. The higher (0.1%) strength should only be used for 2 weeks at a time. The lower (0.05%) strength can be applied for longer periods of time, but it shouldn't be used chronically (every day for months or years). Your prescriber will decide the length of your treatment based on how severe your symptoms are.
Typically, fluocinonide (Vanos) isn't prescribed for the face, but it is possible that a skin specialist might have you use the lower strength (0.05%) on your face for very short amounts of time and have you follow up with them after you've finished using it. The higher strength (0.1%) fluocinonide (Vanos) should not be used on the face.
The 0.1% strength of fluocinonide (Vanos) is considered to be a very strong corticosteroid, but there are several other topical steroids that are even stronger. The 0.05% strength of fluocinonide (Vanos) is considered a moderately strong steroid.
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Risks and warnings for Fluocinonide (Vanos)
Fluocinonide (Vanos) 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 fluocinonide (Vanos) for a long time | Applying large amounts of fluocinonide (Vanos) to your skin | Children
Using large amounts of fluocinonide (Vanos), 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 fluocinonide (Vanos) 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 fluocinonide (Vanos) might need more frequent check-ups with their provider while using this medication.
SKIN REACTIONS
- Risk factors: Using too much fluocinonide (Vanos) | Using fluocinonide (Vanos) for a long time | Applying bandages or dressings over the areas where you applied fluocinonide (Vanos)
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 fluocinonide (Vanos) 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 fluocinonide (Vanos) only as prescribed and for the shortest period of time needed to treat your skin symptoms.
SKIN INFECTIONS
- Risk factors: Previous skin infection | Using fluocinonide (Vanos) for a long time
Fluocinonide (Vanos) 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 fluocinonide (Vanos), stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Skin irritation that doesn't go away can be an early sign that you are allergic to fluocinonide (Vanos), so let your provider know if this happens to you. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using this medication, call your healthcare provider right away.
Fluocinonide (Vanos) dosage
Bottle of topical solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $20.30 | $20.30 |
| 20ml of 0.05% | 3 bottles | $31.94 | $10.65 |
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $42.68 | $42.68 |
| 15g of 0.05% | 2 tubes | $17.89 | $8.95 |
| 30g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $19.19 | $19.19 |
| 60g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $25.47 | $25.47 |
| 120g of 0.1% | 1 tube | $30.56 | $30.56 |
| 30g of 0.1% | 1 tube | $12.68 | $12.68 |
| 60g of 0.1% | 1 tube | $22.22 | $22.22 |
Typical dosage for Fluocinonide (Vanos)
- Lower strength (0.05%): Apply a thin layer of fluocinonide (Vanos) to the affected areas 2 to 4 times a day.
- Higher strength (0.1%): Adults and children over 12 years old should apply a thin layer of fluocinonide (Vanos) to the affected areas 1 to 2 times a day. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks at a time.
Interactions between Fluocinonide (Vanos) 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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