Cutivate (Fluticasone Propionate)

(floo tik' a sone)

Fluticasone topical is used to reduce inflammation and relieve itching, redness, dryness, and scaling associated with various 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). Fluticasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

Fluticasone topical comes as an ointment, cream, and lotion to apply to the skin. It usually is applied once or twice 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 fluticasone 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 fluticasone topical, apply a small amount of cream, ointment, or lotion to cover the affected area of skin with a thin film and rub it in gently. This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let fluticasone topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor. Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects. Do not use on a child's diaper area unless your doctor tells you that you should; do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. Such use may increase side effects.

Before using fluticasone,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluticasone, formaldehyde, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fluticasone 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 a skin infection or any other skin problems, liver disease, or Cushing's syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using fluticasone, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you are using fluticasone lotion. Fluticasone lotion may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

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.

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

• itching, burning, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
• acne
• tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth
• small white or red bumps on the skin
• unwanted hair growth
• bruising or shiny skin

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe rash
• hives
• redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied fluticasone

Children who use fluticasone 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. Fluticasone topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using 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.

If someone swallows fluticasone 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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. 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.