Halog

Halog is a drug which is used in a topical form for the relief of redness, itching, swelling or other manifestations caused by various skin conditions.

This drug belongs to a group of medicines called Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Solution
• Ointment
• Cream

Before using Halog, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies

If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems

The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group has not revealed any specific side effect for children. This medicine may, however, have greater harm due to overdose in young children.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, therefore its safety and efficacy have not been established in older age group. However, geriatric population is more prone to having kidney, liver and heart problems.

Drug Interactions

Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Diabetes
• Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder)
• Infection of the skin at or near the place of application
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application
• Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)

To use Halog properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug should only be used on skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

Also avoid using it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, wash it off with water instantly.

This medication should only be used for the skin conditions that are being treated by your doctor. This topical preparation should not be used to treat certain skin infections. Therefore, always use it after it is prescribed by your doctor.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time.

Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. This medicine should be taken with food in order to enhance its absorption in the gut.

Missed dose

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

In using Halog, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Using this medicine for a long time can lead to a problem in your adrenal gland.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas. Check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

It is important for your doctor to monitor your response to the medicine and look for any side effects. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment.

Avoid applying any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Halog. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients, but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with the following side effects:

• Itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking 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 (e.g. between the fingers)
• Irritation
• Burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• Acne or pimples
• Increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• Lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• Lightening of normal skin color
• Softening of the skin
• Reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms. Also contact your healthcare professional immediately, if you have overdosed on this drug.