Home
Individuals and Families
Health and Wellness
Wellness Library
desoximetasone topical

desoximetasone topical

Pronunciation: des OX i MET a sone

Brand: Topicort, Topicort LP

What is the most important information I should know about desoximetasone topical?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is desoximetasone topical?

Desoximetasone topical (for the skin) is a potent steroid used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Desoximetasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using desoximetasone topical?

You should not use desoximetasone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • any type of skin infection;
  • a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
  • liver disease; or
  • an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply desoximetasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Desoximetasone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine can be used by people younger than 18 years.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use desoximetasone topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using desoximetasone, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (up to 4 weeks for psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you use desoximetasone to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine.

You should not stop using desoximetasone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.

Desoximetasone spray is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Throw away any desoximetasone topical spray not used within 30 days after you received it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of desoximetasone topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using desoximetasone topical?

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area.

Do not use desoximetasone topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with desoximetasone unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of desoximetasone topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • worsening of your skin condition;
  • redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
  • possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin --weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects may include:

  • rash, itching, or irritation around your mouth;
  • burning, irritation, itching, or dryness of treated skin;
  • redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
  • increased hair growth;
  • blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin;
  • changes in color of treated skin;
  • white or "pruned" appearance of the skin; or
  • stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect desoximetasone topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about desoximetasone topical.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2019 Cigna. All rights reserved
Language Assistance

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance plans are insured by CGLIC. Life (other than GUL), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America, except in NY, where insured plans are offered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

 Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details