Why is Elocon prescribed?
Elocon is a cortisone-like steroid available in cream, ointment, and lotion form. It is used to treat certain itchy rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Most important fact about Elocon
When you use Elocon, you inevitably absorb some of the medication through your skin and into the bloodstream. Too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects elsewhere in the body. To keep this problem to a minimum, avoid using large amounts of Elocon over large areas, and do not cover it with airtight dressings such as plastic wrap or adhesive bandages unless specifically told to by your doctor.
How should you use medication?
Apply a thin film of the cream or ointment or a few drops of the lotion to the affected skin once a day. Massage it in until it disappears.
Elocon is for use only on the skin. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes.
For the most effective and economical use of Elocon lotion, hold the tip of the bottle very close to (but not touching) the affected skin and squeeze the bottle gently.
Once you have applied Elocon, never cover the skin with an airtight bandage, a tight diaper, plastic pants, or any other airtight dressing. This could encourage excessive absorption of the medication into your bloodstream.
Be careful not to use Elocon for a longer time than prescribed. If you do, you may disrupt your ability to make your own natural adrenal corticoid hormones (hormones secreted by the outer layer of the adrenal gland).
--If you miss a dose...
Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Elocon.
More common side effects may include:
Acne-like pimples, allergic skin rash, boils, burning, damaged skin, dryness, excessive hairiness, infected hair follicles, infection of the skin, irritation, itching, light colored patches on skin, prickly heat, rash around the mouth, skin atrophy
Why should Elocon not be prescribed?
Do not use Elocon if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or any other steroid medication.
Special warnings about Elocon
Remember, Elocon is for external use only. Avoid getting it into your eyes. Do not use it to treat anything other than the condition for which it was prescribed.
If your skin becomes irritated, call your doctor.
If you have any kind of skin infection, tell your doctor before you start using Elocon.
Do not use Elocon cream or ointment on your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.
If your condition doesn't improve in 2 weeks, call your doctor.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Elocon
No interactions have been noted.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Elocon should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn child.
You should not use Elocon while breastfeeding, since absorbed hormone could make its way into the breast milk and perhaps harm the nursing baby. If you are a new mother, you should contact your doctor, who will help you decide between breastfeeding and using Elocon.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
Apply once daily.
CHILDREN
Use should be limited to the least amount necessary. Use of steroids over a long period of time may interfere with growth and development.
Elocon cream and ointment may be used for children aged 2 and older, but not for more than 3 weeks.
Overdosage
With extensive or long-term use of Elocon, hormone absorbed into the bloodstream may cause a group of symptoms called Cushing's syndrome.
• Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may include:
Acne, depression, excessive hair growth, high blood pressure, humped upper back, insomnia, moon-faced appearance, muscle weakness, obese trunk, paranoia, stretch marks, stunted growth (in children), susceptibility to bruising, fractures, and infections, wasted limbs
Cushing's syndrome may also trigger diabetes mellitus.
If it is left uncorrected, Cushing's syndrome may become serious. If you suspect your long-term use of Elocon has led to this problem, seek medical attention immediately.