Topicort (for the skin) is a potent steroid used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Topicort 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.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

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 desoximetasone, 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.

This medicine is for short-term use only (up to 4 weeks for psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you use desoximetasone to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

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

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.

Desoximetasone spray is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Throw away any Topicort spray not used within 30 days after you received it.

You should not use desoximetasone 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 whether Topicort 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 desoximetasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Topicort is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine can be used by people younger than 18 years.

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 Topicort 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 Topicort to your face, underarms, or groin area.

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

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with desoximetasone unless your doctor tells you to.

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

Topicort 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;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• possible signs of absorbing Topicort 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 side effects of Topicort may include:

• rash, itching, or irritation around your mouth;

• burning, irritation, itching, or dryness of treated skin;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• increased hair growth;

• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin;

• changes in color of treated skin;

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin; or

• stretch marks.

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.