Fluocinonide Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 16, 2024.

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

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 side effects

• 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

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

For healthcare professionals

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

General adverse events

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

• What is a substitute for fluocinonide cream?
• Is fluocinonide used for hair loss?
• Is fluocinonide an antifungal cream?
• How long should you use fluocinonide for?
• What is fluocinonide cream good for?
• Is fluocinonide a steroid?
• Is fluocinonide an antibiotic?
• Is fluocinonide safe to use on your face?
• What causes Plaque Psoriasis?

Further information

Fluocinonide topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer