Desoximetasone

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of skin conditions: contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, lichen planus, bug bites, burns, psoriasis, severe diaper rash, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata, mycosis fungoides, dermatophyte and fungus (yeast) infections. There may be other skin conditions not listed here.

How does it work?

• Desoximetasone reduces irritation and itching on the affected areas of the skin.

How is it best taken?

• Do not take by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Use ointment, gel, or cream in a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in gently.
• Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
• Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child treated in the diaper area. This may cause more medicine to get into the child's system.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Burning, swelling, or redness of the skin.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection (fever greater than 99 degrees, chills, sore throat, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, anal itching or pain).
• Feeling weak, tired, irritable, trembling, having rapid heartbeats, confusion, sweating, dizzy, especially if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
• Severe burning, swelling, or redness of skin.
• Any new rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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