Fluocinonide topical Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2021.
For the Consumer
Applies to fluocinonide topical: topical application cream, topical application emollient cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application ointment, topical application solution
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
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
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
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
- Is it used for hair loss?
- What is a substitute for fluocinonide cream?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- How long should you use fluocinonide for?
- Is fluocinonide an antifungal cream?
- Is fluocinonide safe to use on your face?
- What is fluocinonide cream good for?
- Can fluocinonide be used to treat a poison ivy rash?
- Is it a steroid?
- Is this an antibiotic?
More about fluocinonide topical
- Drug interactions
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Reviews (44)
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug class: topical steroids
Patient resources
- Other brands
- Lidex, Vanos, Fluocinonide-E, Lidex-E
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Lidex (fluocinonide)." Syntex Laboratories Inc, Palo Alto, CA.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
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.