Medicines & treatments centre

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE WARNINGS

Clobetasol propionate should be used with caution in:

• children and adolescents
• pregnant
• breastfeeding
• applying under an airtight dressing, including a child’s nappy

It should not be used in:

• hypersensitivities (allergies) to clobetasol propionate, to other corticosteroids or to any of the other ingredients
• burns
• acne
• severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea)
• spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
• itching around your back passage (anus) or private parts (genitals) - unless your doctor has told you to do so
• bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic skin infections such as cold sores, varicella (chicken pox), herpes zoster (shingles), impetigo (type of rash on the face), ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, skin tuberculosis or skin disease caused by syphilis
• ulcerous wounds (weeping wounds) on your scalp
• children (see individual information leaflet enclosed with your medication for details of age restrictions for different forms of clobetasol propionate)

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Cutaneous foam: Do not store above 25°C. All other formulations: no special storage instructions.

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE USES

What is it used for?

• Clobetasol propionate is used to reduce the inflammation, redness, swelling, itching and tenderness associated with skin conditions and is applied locally on the skin.
• It is a topical corticosteroid, sometimes known as steroids.
• It is used to treat skin and scalp conditions that have not been effectively treated with other steroids.
• In general this drug is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and neurodermatitis (skin problems caused by stress or other psychological factors).

Listed below are the typical uses of clobetasol propionate.

• Clobetasol propionate is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin and scalp problems. These skin problems include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and neurodermatitis that have not responded to milder steroid creams or ointments, lotions or scalp applications.

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• This medication is usually applied to the affected skin area once or twice a day, or as directed by our doctor.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• Do not use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as every day for many weeks or months) unless your doctor tells you to. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you use Eumovate regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE SIDE EFFECTS

• burning
• irritation
• itching
• raised bumps with pus under the skin (pustular psoriasis)
• eye burning or stinging
• stretch marks may develop
• veins under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable
• increased hair growth
• changes in skin colour
• skin damaging more easily
• weight gain, rounding of the face, high blood pressure. These are more likely to happen in infants and children

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Stop using and tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• mild burning, stinging, itching and redness at the site of application,
• your skin problem gets worse or become swollen during treatment.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine (which includes vaccines, herbals and over the counter medicines) that you are taking. It is run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA). Please report any suspected side effect on the Yellow Card Scheme website.

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking clobetasol propionate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of:

• hypersensitivities (allergies) to clobetasol propionate, to other corticosteroids or to any of the other ingredients
• burns
• acne
• severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea)
• spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
• itching around your back passage (anus) or genitals - unless your doctor has told you to do so
• bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic skin infections such as cold sores, varicella (chicken pox), herpes zoster (shingles), impetigo (type of rash on the face), ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, skin tuberculosis or skin disease caused by syphilis
• ulcerous wounds (weeping wounds) on your scalp

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• applying under an airtight dressing, including a child’s nappy

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• Alcohol intake is not known to affect clobetasol propionate.

The elderly: clobetasol propionate can be used in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Clobetasol propionate is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Clobetasol propionate is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: none known.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using clobetasol propionate, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE OVERDOSE

Taking too much clobetasol propionate, may cause hypercortisolism - a condition characterised by extreme weight gain, slowing of growth, missed periods in girls and excess hair growth.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of clobetasol propionate or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.