Fluticasone topical is used to treat a variety of skin problems, such as psoriasis (a skin condition in which red, scaly patches appear on some parts of the body) and eczema, in order to reduce inflammation and relieve itching, redness, dryness, and scaling (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Fluticasone belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by causing natural chemicals in the skin to become active.

To apply to the skin, fluticasone topical is available as an ointment, cream, and lotion. It is often used once or twice a day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the fluticasone directions exactly. Do not use more, less, or more frequently than advised by your doctor. Unless your doctor instructs you to, avoid using it on other parts of your body or to treat other skin disorders.

The initial two weeks of your treatment should see an improvement in your skin’s state. If your symptoms do not get better during this period, call your doctor.

Apply a tiny amount of cream, ointment, or lotion to the affected region of skin, cover it with a thin layer, and gently work it in to use fluticasone topical.

Only the skin should be used to apply this medication. Avoid getting fluticasone topical in your mouth or eyes, and never ingest it. Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, avoid using it on the face, in genital and rectal areas, as well as in skin folds and armpits.

Only bandage or wrap the treated area if your doctor instructs you to. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Use only if your doctor instructs you to; avoid using plastic pants or diapers that are too tight on children. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using fluticasone,

• If you have any allergies to any of the chemicals in fluticasone topical treatments, including formaldehyde, other drugs, or fluticasone itself, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or intend to take. Include the following information: more topical treatments and additional corticosteroid medications.
• Inform your physician if you suffer from Cushing’s syndrome, liver illness, or any other skin issues (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]).
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking fluticasone.
• If you are using fluticasone lotion, make sure to avoid excessive or prolonged sun exposure and to wear protective clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Your skin may become sun-sensitive if you use fluticasone lotion.

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.

Fluticasone could have undesirable effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Itching, burning, irritability, skin redness, or skin dryness
• Acne
• Rash or small red pimples around the mouth
• Little skin lumps that are white or red
• Excessive hair growth
• Skin that is glossy or bruised

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Severe rash
• Hives
• Fluticasone application site redness, edoema, or other symptoms of a skin illness

Fluticasone topical use in children may raise their risk of experiencing negative side effects, such as reduced growth and delayed weight gain. The dangers of applying this medication to your child’s skin should be discussed with your child’s doctor.

Other negative effects from fluticasone topical usage are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing it.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control centre if someone ingests fluticasone topical. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.