Clobetasol Topical

(kloe bay' ta sol)

Brand Name(s): Clobex^®, Cormax^®, Embeline^®, Olux^®, Temovate^®¶; also available generically

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Clobetasol topical is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various scalp and skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Clobetasol is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Clobetasol topical comes as a cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, and spray for use on the skin and as a foam, spray, solution (liquid), and shampoo to apply to the scalp. Clobetasol cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, solution (liquid), and spray are usually applied twice a day. Clobetasol shampoo is usually applied once 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 clobetasol topical 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 clobetasol topical, apply a small amount of cream, ointment, gel, lotion, foam, or spray to cover the affected area of skin with a thin even film and rub it in gently.

To use the foam, spray, or solution (liquid) on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently. Protect the area from washing and rubbing until the foam, spray, or solution (liquid) dries.

Before using clobetasol foam the first time, carefully read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

To use the shampoo on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub it in gently. After 15 minutes, wet your hair, use your fingers to form a lather, and then rinse the shampoo out of your hair and off your body with plenty of water. Do not cover your head with a shower cap, bathing cap, or towel while the shampoo is on your scalp. You may wash your hair as usual after applying and rinsing off clobetasol shampoo.

Clobetasol foam may catch fire. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying clobetasol foam, and for a short time afterward.

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

Do not apply other skin preparations or products on the treated area without talking with your doctor.

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

You should wash your hands after applying clobetasol topical.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using clobetasol topical,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clobetasol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in clobetasol topical products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the following: other corticosteroid medications and other topical medications.

• tell your doctor if you have an infection or any other skin problems or have or ever had diabetes, Cushing's syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]), or liver disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using clobetasol topical, call your doctor.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Clobetasol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
• acne
• tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth
• small white or red bumps on the skin
• bruising or shiny skin
• red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• thin, fragile, or dry skin
• changes in skin color

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• redness, swelling, oozing pus or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied clobetasol
• severe rash
• skin sores
• changes in the way fat is spread around the body
• sudden weight gain
• unusual tiredness
• muscle weakness
• depression and irritability

Children who use clobetasol topical may have an increased risk of side effects including slowed growth and delayed weight gain. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of applying this medication to your child's skin.

Clobetasol topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

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.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

If someone swallows clobetasol topical, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

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

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.

^¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: February 15, 2018.