Prednicarbate skin ointment

What is this medicine?

PREDNICARBATE (PRED ni kar bate) 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 of medicine to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Do not use this medicine for diaper rash unless directed to do so by your doctor. If applying this medicine to the diaper area, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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:

• dark red spots on the skin

• lack of healing of the skin condition

• 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

• dry skin

• increased redness or scaling of the skin

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) away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. 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:

• any active infection

• diabetes

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• skin wasting or thinning

• an unusual or allergic reaction to prednicarbate, corticosteroids, 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 one week. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

This medicine can damage and reduce the effect of latex-containing products like condoms and diaphragms. Avoid contact of this medicine with latex-containing products and throw away any products that are exposed to this medicine.