Halcinonide topical (for the skin) is a highly potent steroid that is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

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 applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Use only a small amount of medicine. Apply a thin layer and rub in gently.

Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

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

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

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

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Eczema:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eczema:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Psoriasis:

Apply a thin film to affected area two to three times a day

Comments:
-Use of occlusive dressings should be discontinued and appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated, if an infection develops.

Use:
-Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses

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

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 if halcinonide 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 halcinonide topical. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

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 steroid medicine 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).

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

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

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Halcinonide topical may cause serious side effects. 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 halcinonide topical through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair; changes in sexual function; feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable.

Common side effects of halcinonide topical 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. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to halcinonide.

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.