Desonide Drug Facts

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

DESONIDE CREAM/GEL/OINTMENT - TOPICAL (DES-oh-nide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Desonate, Desowen, Tridesilon

USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Desonide reduces the swelling, itching and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. Desonide is a mild corticosteroid.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication only on the skin. Wash your hands. Before applying the medication, clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 2-3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor. If using the gel, apply the gel usually only 2 times daily. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the area unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. After applying the medication, wash and dry your hands, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because this may worsen or cause glaucoma, or cause irritation. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse right away with plenty of water. Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 2 weeks.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using desonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, diabetes, immune system problems, other skin conditions (such as rosacea, perioral dermatitis). Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication, when applied to the skin, passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs, when taken by mouth, pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If used during breastfeeding, avoid applying the medication to the breast/nipple area to prevent the infant from swallowing the medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone), other topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporine).

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Tell all your doctors you use or have used this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Store the medication away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.