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Fluocinonide topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 31, 2023.

Applies to fluocinonide topical: topical application cream, topical application emollient cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application ointment, topical application solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, fluocinonide topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluocinonide topical:

Incidence not known

  • Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
  • irritation
  • itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
  • redness and scaling around the mouth
  • thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)
  • thinning, weakness, or wasting away of the skin

Other side effects

Some side effects of fluocinonide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  • Fever
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

  • Acne or pimples
  • burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
  • burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
  • increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
  • lightening of normal skin color
  • lightening of treated areas of dark skin
  • reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
  • softening of the skin

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to fluocinonide topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical ointment, topical solution.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were burning, itching, irritation, and dryness.

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Application site burning

Frequency not reported: Itching, dryness

Postmarketing reports: Discoloration, erythema, pruritus, swelling, pain, condition aggravated[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension (including bulging fontanelles, bilateral papilledema)

Postmarketing reports: Dizziness[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria

Postmarketing reports: Acne, dry skin, rash, skin exfoliation, skin tightness[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%) Nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Lidex (fluocinonide topical). Syntex Laboratories Inc. 2022.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer