Desoximetasone (Topical Application Route)

Brand Name:

Topicort, Topicort LP

Desoximetasone topical is a corticosteroid used for the relief redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This drug is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. This drug requires a prescription.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children regarding the relationship of age to the effects of desoximetasone topical spray have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in children 10 years of age or older have not demonstrated any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of desoximetasone. 

This drug should be used with caution due to its toxicity. Children and teenagers who must use this drug should be checked often by their healthcare professional since desoximetasone topical may be absorbed through the skin and can affect growth or cause other unwanted effects. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 10 years of age. 

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of desoximetasone topical spray. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems. Data on the relationship of age to the effects of desoximetasone topical in geriatric patients are still unavailable. 

Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription and nonprescription drugs. 

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Cushing's syndrome, Diabetes, Intracranial hypertension, Infection of the skin at or near the place of application, Large sores, broken skin, severe skin injury at the place of application, or Liver failure.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This drug should only be applied on the skin only. Using it on other areas or on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns is not recommended. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. 

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with redness, itching, and swelling of the skin are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin two times a day. 

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. Adults with plaque psoriasis are advised to apply to the affected area of the skin two times a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. 

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Check with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few days. 

The risk of having adrenal gland problems may be increased when taking increased doses of this drug for a prolonged time. Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you have blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness. 

Stop using this drug and check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin. This drug must not be used with other topical corticosteroid-containing drugs, such as betamethasone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, CortaidВ®, or LotrisoneВ® to prevent any serious unwanted effects. Use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas are not recommended.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• flushing or redness of the skin
• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• unusually warm skin
• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• irritation, itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising
• especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together
• thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.