Why is Elocon prescribed?
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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
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When you use Elocon ointment, 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 Elocon?
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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 Elocon side effects may occur?
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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.
- 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 and wasting, softening of the
skin, stretch marks, tingling or stinging
Why should Elocon not be
prescribed?
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Do not use Elocon if you have ever
had an allergic reaction to it or any other steroid
medication.
Special warnings about Elocon
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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 using Elocon
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No interactions have been noted.
Special Elocon information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
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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
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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
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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.
