Vanoxide-HC Side Effects

Generic name: benzoyl peroxide / hydrocortisone topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Vanoxide-HC Side Effects associated with benzoyl peroxide / hydrocortisone topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vanoxide-HC.

Applies to benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone topical: topical lotion.

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or redness of treated skin;

• severe itching, or other skin irritation; or

• signs of skin infection--warmth, redness, swelling, oozing, redness or crusting around your hair follicles.

Your skin can absorb hydrocortisone, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if you have:

• weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);

• slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;

• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or

• muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stinging or burning (especially when applying this medicine to your neck or other sensitive skin areas);

• itching or tingly feeling;

• skin dryness, peeling, or flaking; or

• mild redness or irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benzoyl peroxide / hydrocortisone topical: topical kit, topical lotion.

Local adverse events

Local side effects are the most common with benzoyl peroxide and have included excessive drying and contact dermatitis.

Local adverse effects of hydrocortisone may include burning, itching, or irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria especially if applied to denuded skin or with occlusive dressings.^[Ref]

Skin on the face, axillae, and groin appear to be most susceptible to the adverse, long-term effects of topical steroids.

Topical corticosteroid use may inhibit local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis has occasionally been reported.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients treated with potent topical corticosteroids who are of seborrheic skin type. This condition may flare temporarily upon discontinuation of topical steroids, prompting patients to continue their use. If topical corticosteroids are discontinued, this flare and the initial dermatitis generally resolves over a few weeks.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included allergic sensitization in 1% to 5% of patients treated with benzoyl peroxide.^[Ref]

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects of topical corticosteroids are rare. Glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia may be induced by corticosteroids. These drugs can rarely suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This suppression is more likely when higher potency topical steroids are used over extensive areas and when occlusive dressings are used.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Vanoxide-HC 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