Before using diflucortolone valerate

Before using diflucortolone valerate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have areas of infected skin.
• If you suffer from acne rosacea.
• If you suffer from perioral dermatitis (skin rash around the mouth).
• If you suffer from widespread plaque psoriasis (large areas of raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use diflucortolone valerate

• Carefully follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how long to use your preparation for. It is not usually used more than twice daily.
• Apply thinly using the specified number of fingertip units. A fingertip unit is the amount of topical steroid that is squeezed out from a standard tube along an adults fingertip.
• If your skin problem does not improve in two to four weeks tell your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not apply to the face or skin flexures (inside of elbows, backs of knees) unless directed to by your doctor.
• The use of diflucortolone valerate in psoriasis may cause relapse or pustular psoriasis (psoriasis with clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus) - if this happens, stop using this preparation and contact your doctor immediately.
• Only use this preparation on children if you have been instructed to do so by your doctor and limit the treatment to 5 - 7 days only.
• Long-term use is generally discouraged. If you see no improvement after two weeks, see your doctor again.
• Do not cover the area treated unless directed to by your doctor.

Can diflucortolone valerate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Sometimes, the absorption of corticosteroids through the skin can cause adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome, generally when treatment is carried out on a large surface area, for a long time. Signs of adrenal suppression include stomach pain, weight loss, feeling or being sick, and tiredness.

In addition, you may notice changes in hair growth as a result of repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time. Stretch marks may also develop.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store diflucortolone valerate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines