Alclometasone Dipropionate, Topical

Type of medicine: corticosteroid

Generic and brand names: alclometasone dipropionate, topical; Aclovate

This medicine is used on the skin to help relieve itching, swelling, redness, and rash.

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

This medicine is for external use (on the skin) only. Do not use it on the face, underarms, or groin area, unless directed to do so by a health care provider. Keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth.

This medicine is available as a cream or ointment.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Gently massage the medicine into the skin until the medicine disappears.

Use it only as often as your health care provider prescribes. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Stop using the medicine when the skin condition clears up.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

Do not give this medicine to others who may seem to have a similar skin problem. Do not give this medicine to children unless directed to do so by a health care provider.

Do not use this medicine for other skin problems unless your health care provider approves.

If your condition does not improve within 2 weeks, contact your health care provider.

This medicine should not be used on children under 1 year of age. Use by children should be limited to 3 weeks per treatment.

An adult should supervise the use of this medicine by a child. Do not use this medicine for diaper rash. Do not put tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child when the skin problem is in the groin area.

This medicine may cause brief and mild stinging when you first put it on. If you develop any new irritation or swelling while using this medicine, stop using it and contact your health care provider right away.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Increased skin irritation, pain, or signs of infection (such as blisters with pus).

Other: Acne, rounding (fattening) of the face, skin spots, increased hair growth, hair loss, mild stinging or burning, dry skin, itching.

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.