Can it be used on the face?

Use it on the face only when specifically directed and without occlusion. Seek review if the condition worsens.

Can it treat a skin infection?

No. It is not an antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal and can worsen infection.

Can it cause skin thinning?

Yes, particularly with excessive exposure, sensitive body sites or occlusion.

Can it cause topical steroid withdrawal?

Withdrawal reactions are uncommon but may follow prolonged, frequent use. Spreading redness, burning, intense itching, peeling or oozing after stopping requires medical review before restarting.

fludroxycortide: potent topical corticosteroid for inflamed skin

fludroxycortide at a glance

Medicine class

Potent fluorinated topical corticosteroid

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Available forms

Cream and medicated occlusive tape

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Formulation choice

Cream suits moist or weeping lesions; tape is intended for persistent, localised, especially dry and scaly lesions.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Key precaution

Avoid the eyes, untreated infection and new body areas unless directed by the prescriber.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

What is fludroxycortide used for?

These products treat inflammatory skin disorders that respond to topical corticosteroids.

Cream: eczema and dermatitis, including atopic, irritant, allergic and light-related dermatitis.

Cream: certain other inflammatory disorders, including lichen planus, prurigo nodularis and discoid lupus erythematosus.

Tape: adjunctive treatment of persistent, localised, difficult-to-treat dermatoses, particularly dry and scaling lesions.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Mechanism, explained

How does fludroxycortide work?

Fludroxycortide activates corticosteroid pathways in skin cells, reducing inflammatory activity and helping relieve redness, swelling and itching.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

fludroxycortide preparations and strengths

Cream

Route: Cutaneous

Strengths: 0.0125% w/w

Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

How to take fludroxycortide

Use only on the skin and area identified by the prescriber. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth.

Apply cream gently; dilution is not normally recommended.

Before applying tape, ensure the skin is clean, dry and free of hair as directed.

Cut the tape with clean scissors, round its corners and cover the lesion with only a small margin of unaffected skin.

Do not stretch the skin when applying tape. Do not add another occlusive covering unless specifically directed.

Cream contains paraffin: keep treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings away from smoking and naked flames.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

fludroxycortide side effects

Common or expected effects

Application-site burning, itching, irritation or dryness
Inflammation around hair follicles or acne-like spots
Changes in skin colour or increased hair growth
Skin thinning, stretch marks or visible small blood vessels
Contact dermatitis

Get urgent medical advice

Breathing difficulty or swelling suggesting a severe allergic reaction
Spreading, painful, oozing or worsening skin that may indicate infection or a severe withdrawal reaction
Unusual weight gain, rounded facial appearance, weakness or menstrual changes after extensive or prolonged exposure
Severe headache or swelling in a child

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC UK Government

fludroxycortide in pregnancy

Topical corticosteroids have no known pregnancy risks when used appropriately, but product information is more cautious for fludroxycortide. Ask the prescriber to review treatment during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.

UK Teratology Information Service Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

fludroxycortide while breastfeeding

Information during breastfeeding is limited. Prevent the baby from touching treated skin. Do not apply it to the breast or nipple unless specifically directed, and wash off any preparation there before feeding.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC

fludroxycortide interactions

No specific medicine interactions are established. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other skin treatments and medicines.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

Common questions about fludroxycortide

Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.

Is fludroxycortide a strong steroid?

Yes. It is classified as a potent topical corticosteroid.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC

What is the difference between the cream and tape?

Cream suits a broad range of inflammatory disorders, particularly moist or weeping lesions. Tape adds an occlusive covering for persistent, localised, especially dry and scaly lesions.

Fludroxycortide 4 micrograms per square centimetre Tape — Current selected SmPC Haelan 0.0125% w/w Cream / Fludroxycortide 0.0125% w/w Cream — Current selected SmPC