Mometasone skin cream, lotion, ointment, or solution

What is this medicine?

MOMETASONE (moe MET a sone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat skin problems that may cause itching, redness, and swelling.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor or health care professional. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse it out with plenty of cool tap water. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for a longer period of time than ordered by your doctor or health care professional. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this drug in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. This medicine should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• painful, red, pus filled blisters in hair follicles

• severe burning and continued itching of the skin

• thinning of the skin with easy bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, itching, or irritation of the skin

• increased redness or scaling of the skin

• lack of healing of the skin condition

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• acne or rosacea

• any type of active infection

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• skin wasting or thinning

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mometasone, steroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.