Halog Ointment Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Halog Ointment may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Applies to: topical cream; topical ointment; topical solution

Local

Skin atrophy may become evident within one to two months of use and is due to the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on collagen formation. Skin on the face, axillae, and groin appears to be most susceptible to the adverse long-term effects of topical halcinonide. Use of high potency topical corticosteroids on these areas should be minimized or avoided.

Topical corticosteroid use may impair local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis has occasionally been reported.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients treated with potent topical corticosteroids who are of seborrheic skin type. This condition may flare temporarily upon discontinuation of topical steroids, prompting patients to continue their use. If topical corticosteroids are discontinued, this flare and the initial dermatitis generally resolves over a few weeks. Worsening of psoriasis has occurred in a few patients.

Local side effects have commonly included burning, itching, erythema, dryness, or irritation, especially when applied to denuded skin. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids has resulted in skin atrophy and thinning, and the development of striae, telangiectasias, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and easy bruising and bleeding. Allergic contact dermatitis has occasionally been reported.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This was more likely when higher potency topical corticosteroids were used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressing were used. In addition the ointment and emollient cream formulations of halcinonide generally provided better penetration, and thus, higher risk of adrenal suppression.

Adrenal suppression has been demonstrated in patients with normal skin using halcinonide 0.1% cream with occlusion and in patients with diseased skin (psoriasis) not using occlusion. Plasma cortisol concentrations returned to normal within one to two days following discontinuation of the drug.

If halcinonide is to be used for an extended period of time, adrenal function should be evaluated periodically. Supplemental systemic steroids may be necessary during times of stress.

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