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Brand Names: Cutivate

Generic Name: fluticasone topical (Pronunciation: floo TIK a sone TOP i kal)

• What is fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• What are the possible side effects of fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• How should I use fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cutivate)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cutivate)?
• What should I avoid while using fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• What other drugs will affect fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?

Fluticasone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Fluticasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Fluticasone topical should not be used to treat rosacea, severe acne, or viral skin infections such as chickenpox or herpes.

Fluticasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when fluticasone topical is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have signs of absorbing fluticasone topical through your skin, such as:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• headache, back ache, weakness, confusion, mood changes;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• weight gain, puffiness in your face;
• muscle weakness, feeling tired; or
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin itching, burning, peeling, or dryness;
• changes in color of treated skin;
• thinning or softening of your skin;
• skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone topical (Cutivate)?

Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Do not use fluticasone topical in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not apply to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with fluticasone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.

Do not use this medication on a child without medical advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use.

Do not use fluticasone topical for longer than 2 weeks. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

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