Fluocinonide topical Side Effects
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
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
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More about fluocinonide topical
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- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (55)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: topical steroids
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Lidex, Vanos, Fluocinonide-E, Lidex-E
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
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.