Drugs & Vitamins

Lanacort Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone Topical Representative Names: Cort-Dome, Cortaid, Hytone, Lanacort, Locoid Available Product Images: What are hydrocortisone skin products? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with hydrocortisone? What side effects may I notice from using hydrocortisone? What should I watch for while taking hydrocortisone? Where can I keep my medicine? What are hydrocortisone skin products? (Back to top) HYDROCORTISONE (Cort-Dome®, Allercort®, Locoid®, Hytone®, Cortril®, Cortaid®, Lanacort®, Locoid®, Epifoam®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions on the skin. Generic hydrocortisone skin products are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •infection, measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox •large areas of burned or damaged skin •skin wasting or thinning •an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding If you are going to use hydrocortisone for a long time your prescriber or health care professional needs to know if you have: •diabetes How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Hydrocortisone skin products are for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply a thin film of cream, lotion, ointment, solution, or foam to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. Corticosteroid skin preparations should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with hydrocortisone? (Back to top) There are no known interactions between hydrocortisone skin preparations and other drugs. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply hydrocortisone at the same site as other skin preparations without advice. What side effects may I notice from using hydrocortisone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •burning or itching of the skin •dark red spots on the skin •infection •painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles •thinning of the skin, sunburn more likely especially on the face Other serious side effects can develop if you use hydrocortisone for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dry skin, irritation •unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body What should I watch for while taking hydrocortisone? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of hydrocortisone use. It is important not to use more hydrocortisone than prescribed. Do not use for more than 14 days. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the prescriber's instructions carefully. Covering the area where hydrocortisone is applied can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects. Do not get hydrocortisone in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. If you are using a topical aerosol spray, do not inhale the vapors and do not use around the eyes. Do not use near heat, open flame, or while smoking because the spray may catch fire. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/04/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.