Luzu (Luliconazole)

(loo'' li kon' a zole)

Luliconazole is used to treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot; fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes), tinea cruris (jock itch; fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks), and tinea corporis (ringworm; fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body). Luliconazole is in a class of antifungal medications called azoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

Luliconazole comes as a cream to apply to the skin. To treat jock itch and ringworm, luliconazole is usually applied once a day for 1 week. To treat athlete's foot, luliconazole is usually applied once a day for 2 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use luliconazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. To use the cream, apply enough cream to cover the affected area and about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of the skin around it. You should wash your hands after applying the medication. Your symptoms should improve at the beginning of your treatment. Continue to use luliconazole cream even if you are feeling well. If you stop using luliconazole cream too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and your symptoms may return. Luliconazole cream is for external use only. Do not let luliconazole get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not use luliconazole cream in the vaginal area. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before using luliconazole,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to luliconazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in luliconazole cream. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using luliconazole, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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 extra cream to make up for a missed one.

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

• irritation, itching, or stinging in the place where you applied the medication

Luliconazole 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 light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). 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. 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

If someone swallows luliconazole cream, 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.