Fluocinolone is a potent corticosteroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Fluocinolone topical (for the skin) is a prescription medicine used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Fluocinolone topical is available in a cream, gel, ointment, oil, and solution.

Do not use fluocinolone to treat diaper rash.

Do not apply fluocinolone to cuts, scrapes, damaged skin, or use on open wounds.

Fluocinolone may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

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 fluocinolone, 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.

Shake fluocinolone shampoo well just before each use. Apply to the scalp and work into a lather, rinsing thoroughly after 5 minutes.

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

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

You should not use fluocinolone topical if you are allergic to it.

To make sure fluocinolone is safe for you, 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 fluocinolone topical 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 fluocinolone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

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.

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 fluocinolone 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.

Avoid applying fluocinolone topical to your face, underarms, or groin area.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to fluocinolone: 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;

• 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 fluocinolone side effects may include:

• burning, itching, or irritation of treated skin;

• increased hair growth;

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin;

• rash, pimples; or

• changes in color of treated skin.

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.

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.