Fluocinonide may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with your doctor.
Use care when using fluocinonide topical on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds.
Do not use fluocinonide on cuts, scrapes, damaged skin, or on open wounds.
Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants if treated part is in the diaper area. This may cause more of the medicine to be absorbed into the body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use fluocinonide topical if you are allergic to it.
To make sure fluocinonide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of skin infection;
a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
liver disease; or
an adrenal gland disorder.
Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
It is not known whether fluocinonide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using fluocinonide. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply fluocinonide to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.
Do not give fluocinonide to a child without medical advice. Some brands or forms of this medicine are not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
Children can absorb larger amounts of fluocinonide through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.
How should I use fluocinonide topical?
Use fluocinonide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.
Wash your hands before and after using fluocinonide, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply fluocinonide over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.
If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.
If you are treating your scalp, part the hair and apply the medicine directly to the scalp, rubbing in gently. Avoid washing or rubbing the treated scalp area right away. Wait until the medicine has dried thoroughly.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine.
You should not stop using fluocinonide suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
