Lidex Side Effects

Generic name: fluocinonide topical

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

Some side effects of Lidex 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 fluocinonide topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical ointment, topical solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking fluocinonide topical (the active ingredient contained in Lidex) 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 fluocinolone 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 fluocinonide topical may include:

• mild skin itching, burning, peeling, or dryness;

• headache;

• stuffy nose, sore throat;

• 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 fluocinonide topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical gel, 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, axilla, and groin appears to be most susceptible to the adverse long-term effects of topical fluocinonide. Use of high potency topical corticosteroids on these areas should be minimized or avoided.

Topical corticosteroid use may inhibit local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis is occasionally 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, 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, telangiectasia, subcutaneous hemorrhage, easy bruising, and bleeding. Allergic contact dermatitis has been occasionally reported.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included rare reports of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. These reports were generally cases when higher potency topical corticosteroids were used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressings were used. HPA axis suppression has not been reported with fluocinonide.

In one study, six patients received fluocinonide cream applied to 75% of their body (approximately 14 grams) every day for six days. No indication of HPA axis suppression was seen when compared with placebo.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache.

Respiratory

Respiratory system side effects have included nasopharyngitis and nasal congestion.

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