Topicort Side Effects

Generic name: desoximetasone topical

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

Some side effects of Topicort 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 desoximetasone topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical ointment

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking desoximetasone topical (the active ingredient contained in Topicort) hives; difficult 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 desoximetasone 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 desoximetasone topical may include:

• mild skin itching, burning, peeling, 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to desoximetasone topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical gel, topical ointment

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have rarely included suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This suppression was more likely when higher potency topical corticosteroids were used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressings were used.

Local

Local side effects have commonly included burning, itching, and irritation, especially if applied to denuded skin. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids has been associated with skin atrophy and thinning, striae, telangiectasia, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and easy bruising and bleeding. Topical corticosteroid use may also inhibit local immune response, rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis and allergic contact dermatitis have been occasionally reported.

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 appear to be most susceptible to the adverse, long-term effects of topical desoximetasone. Use of high potency topical corticosteroids on these areas should be minimized or avoided.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients with seborrheic skin type treated with potent topical corticosteroids. 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.

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