Fluticasone is a potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Fluticasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by eczema or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

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

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.

Fluticasone topical comes as an ointment, cream, and lotion to apply to the skin. It usually is applied once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use fluticasone exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Your skin condition should improve during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.

To use fluticasone topical, apply a small amount of cream, ointment, or lotion to cover the affected area of skin with a thin film and rub it in gently.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let fluticasone topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects.

Do not use on a child's diaper area unless your doctor tells you that you should; do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

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.

Wash your hands before and after using fluticasone topical, unless you are using the 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 (4 weeks). Use fluticasone topical only until your skin condition clears up.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the Beser lotion bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not store the lotion in a refrigerator.

You should not use fluticasone topical if you are allergic to fluticasone or formaldehyde.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

• liver disease;

• glaucoma or cataracts;

• diabetes; 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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Using fluticasone topical long-term during pregnancy may increase your risk of low birthweight in the newborn baby. Use this medicine on the smallest skin area and for the shortest length of time needed to treat your condition.

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

Beser lotion should not be used on a child younger than 3 months old. Cutivate ointment is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Do not use fluticasone topical on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication 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.

High doses or long-term use of fluticasone 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.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze it.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Do not get fluticasone topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area. Do not apply to areas of thinning skin.

Do not use fluticasone 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: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fluticasone topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• skin pain, tenderness, or swelling;

• any wound that will not heal;

• blurred vision, eye pain;

• severe skin irritation after using the medicine; or

• possible signs of absorbing fluticasone topical through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects of fluticasone topical may include:

• skin redness, itching, or rash;

• burning or stinging of treated skin;

• increased hair growth; or

• feeling light-headed.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.