Fluocinonide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Aug 09, 2023

Warnings

Fluocinonide Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Fluocinonide can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for your skin condition if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions or complications from this medication. Some of the risks of using topical fluocinonide include:

EFFECTS ON HORMONES: Using large amounts of fluocinonide, using it for long periods of time, using it on large areas, or using it in children can lead to systemic absorption of the drug into the body. This can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and lead to a deficiency of glucocorticoid hormones in the body, thereby affecting many functions. Make sure you use fluocinonide exactly as directed. Do not use more of the medication or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not use this medicine on a child without a doctor’s supervision. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, or depression.
LOCAL SKIN REACTIONS: Using too much fluocinonide, prolonged use, and applying bandages and dressings on the treated area can increase the risk of local skin reactions and skin changes, some of which may be permanent. These reactions include dryness, itching, burning, irritation, inflammation of the hair follicles, pustules, skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, changes in skin color, acne, rashes, and infection. Use the smallest amount of fluocinonide for the shortest time possible to treat your skin symptoms.
CONCOMITANT SKIN INFECTIONS: Fluocinonide is a steroid and it can suppress the immune system and lower the body’s ability to fight infections, including skin infections. Tell your doctor if you notice cuts and wounds are taking longer to heal. Call your doctor without delay if you develop redness, swelling, pain, or oozing (pus), which can be signs of skin infection. You may need to take an antibacterial or antifungal medicine to treat the infection. Your doctor may ask you to discontinue fluocinonide until the infection clears.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Some people can develop allergic contact dermatitis to fluocinonide. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening skin irritation. Get immediate medical care if you develop a skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using fluocinonide.

Precautions Before Starting Fluocinonide

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to fluocinonide, any of the active or inactive ingredients in fluocinonide formulations, other topical steroids, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal products, and topical medications. This can help avoid possible drug interactions between fluocinonide and your other medicines.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Fluocinonide may not be right for people with certain health conditions, such as certain skin problems, diabetes, liver disease, and Cushing’s syndrome.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of Fluocinonide

Keep all your medical appointments and get the recommended lab tests while using fluocinonide. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any skin reactions or signs of infection in the area where you are applying fluocinonide.

If your skin symptoms do not improve after using fluocinonide for 2 weeks, call your doctor. Do not stop using fluocinonide suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medication.

Fluocinonide Drug Interactions

Other drugs can affect how fluocinonide works. Possible interactions between fluocinonide and other medications can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and topical skin products. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational or illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

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