Halog Side Effects

Generic name: halcinonide topical

Note: This document contains side effect information about halcinonide topical. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Halog.

Some side effects of Halog may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to halcinonide topical: topical cream, topical ointment, topical solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking halcinonide topical (the active ingredient contained in Halog) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing halcinonide topical through your skin, such as:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• mood changes;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• muscle weakness, feeling tired.

Less serious side effects of halcinonide topical may include:

• mild skin itching, burning, or dryness;

• thinning or softening of your skin;

• skin rash or irritation around your mouth;

• swollen hair follicles;

• changes in color of treated skin;

• blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or

• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to halcinonide topical: 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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