What is a substitute for fluocinonide cream?
Fluocinonide cream 0.1% (brand name: Vanos) is a highly potent corticosteroid (“steroid”) cream used to treat redness and itching due to plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or other skin conditions. Fluocinonide can relieve symptoms such as inflammation and pain, itching, crusting, and scaling.
Examples of substitutes that could be used in place of fluocinonide cream include: clobetasol, halobetasol or betamethasone cream, depending upon which strength of fluocinonide you are using. You will need to see your doctor, as all of these creams require a prescription.
Prescription corticosteroid creams come in various potencies and are often classified by their strengths.
- For example, fluocinonide is considered to be a super-highly potent (0.1%) to highly potent topical corticosteroid (0.05%) and is among the strongest of corticosteroids.
- Your doctor will be able to assess your skin condition and determine the best type and potency of medication for you to use.
Cream formulations are usually stronger than lotions but less potent than ointments, which will have greater skin penetration. Creams have a high percentage of water in the vehicle and can be easily washed off. Patients often find creams preferable over ointments or solutions, which may be messy. Creams are often used on smooth non-hair areas, areas with thickened skin, the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, and in skin fold areas.
Which other steroid creams are like fluocinonide?
Fluocinonide 0.1% cream (Vanos), a “super-high potency” corticosteroid, is found in the Group 1 US classification of corticosteroids, the most potent classification. Other topical corticosteroids creams in this super-high potency (Group 1) that may be appropriate substitutes include:
- clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream
- halobetasol propionate 0.05% cream (Ultravate)
Fluocinonide 0.05% cream (only available as generics) is grouped in the high potency (Group 2 and 3) classification of corticosteroids, the second and third most potent group of topical steroids. Some other topical corticosteroids in high potency group 2 and 3 that may be appropriate substitutes include:
- amcinonide 0.1% cream
- betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream (Diprolene AF)
- clobetasol propionate 0.025% cream (Impoyz)
- desoximetasone 0.25% or 0.05% cream (Topicort)
- diflorasone diacetate 0.05% cream (ApexiCon E)
- fluticasone propionate 0.005% cream (Cutivate)
- halcinonide 0.1% cream (Halog)
- triamcinolone acetonide 0.5% cream (Triderm)
Related questions
- What does psoriasis look like?
- How do you get psoriasis and is it contagious?
- How does Tremfya work?
What factors affect the selection of a steroid cream?
Beside strength and potency classification, other important factors to consider when selecting a topical corticosteroid include:
- dosage form (i.e., lotion, solution cream, ointment, etc)
- total area of application
- type of lesion (i.e., moist vs. dry or scaly)
- place to be applied (i.e., hairy vs. non-hairy area, skin-fold area)
- cost or insurance coverage
Is there an OTC substitute for fluocinonide cream?
Because of the potency classification of fluocinonide, there are not any over-the-counter (OTC) options available as a substitute. You will need to contact your doctor about getting a substitution for this cream, as it will require a prescription.
Hydrocortisone (brand example: Cortiosone) is a topical corticosteroid available OTC, but it is very weak (least potent, group 7) when compared to fluocinonide and is not an appropriate substitute. OTC hydrocortisone is considered the weakest of topical corticosteroids, but it is safer to use than the more potent agents, and that's why it does not require a prescription.
Bottom Line
- Fluocinonide cream 0.1% (Vanos) is a highly potent corticosteroid (“steroid”) cream used to treat redness and itching due to plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or other skin conditions.
- Examples of substitutes that could be used in place of fluocinonide cream include: clobetasol, halobetasol or betamethasone cream, depending upon which strength of fluocinonide you are using. Other options are available, too.
- You will need to see your doctor, as all of these creams require a prescription.
This is not all the information you need to know about fluocinonide for safe and effective use. Review the full fluocinonide information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Fluocinonide topical. Monograph. Drugs.com. Dec. 2019. Accessed July 28, 2020 at https://www.drugs.com/fluocinonide-topical.html
- Goldstein B, et al. Topical corticosteroids: Use and adverse effects. Up to Date. June 2020. Accessed July 28, 2020 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/topical-corticosteroids-use-and-adverse-effects
Read next
How does Ilumya work to treat psoriasis?
Ilumya works by binding selectively to interleukin-23 (IL-23) which is a naturally occurring cytokine. IL-23 plays a key role in promoting inflammation and regulating other cytokines (such as IL-17) and inflammatory substances, such as TNF-α3-7. By blocking the effects of IL-23, Ilumya helps control the release of IL-17 and TNF-α, which reduces inflammation associated with psoriasis. It also decreases how many inflammatory cells are present within psoriatic lesions, helps prevent plaque formation, and resolves tissue damage. Continue reading
What's a good prednisone taper schedule?
The best prednisone taper will depend upon how long you have been taking the medicine, your dose, and why you are being treated. If you've been treated with a high dose of prednisone, or taken it for more than a few weeks, you will need to slowly stop your medicine, usually over a period of days, weeks or months. Your healthcare provider will determine your prednisone tapering schedule. Continue reading
Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
Prednisone has been on the market for more than 70 years but is still one of the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications. Prednisone is used to treat dozens of different conditions such as skin disorders, breathing disorders, allergies, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. But did you know it also has some pretty serious side effects as well?
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Where should you not use triamcinolone acetonide cream?
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- Why should I take folic acid with methotrexate?
- Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?
- How do you use clobetasol propionate on your scalp?
- Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?
- Sotyktu vs Otezla: How do they compare?
- How long does methotrexate stay in your system?
- Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
- Does taking vitamin D help with psoriasis?
- Can clobetasol be used for toenail fungus?
- How long does it take for Skyrizi to work?
- What are 6 key Taltz side effects to watch out for?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- How does Taltz compare to Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis?
- How long does clobetasol stay in your system?
- What's the dosing schedule for Skyrizi?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
- Is fluocinonide an antifungal cream?
- How long does it take for Otezla to work?
- How long should you use fluocinonide for?
- How do you inject Humira?
- Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
- Does Cosentyx cause weight gain or loss?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Psoriasis (109 questions, 310 members)
- Fluocinonide (25 questions, 24 members)
- Vanos (4 questions, 4 members)
- Atopic Dermatitis (48 questions, 54 members)
- Dermatitis (39 questions, 59 members)
- Eczema (59 questions, 137 members)
- Contact Dermatitis (38 questions, 34 members)