Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should not be the first medicine you use to treat your condition. It is meant to be used only after you have tried other medicines that have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.

This medicine may be associated with an increased risk for developing chicken pox, eczema herpeticum, herpes simplex virus infections (skin blisters), or varicella zoster virus infection (shingles). Ask your doctor if you have questions about this and report any signs or symptoms of these conditions to your doctor.

This medicine should not be used continuously for a long time. If needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. If you are treating a rash on your hands, do not wash your hands after using the medicine.
  • Dry skin completely before applying the ointment.
  • Apply a thin layer of ointment (use a small amount just enough to cover area) and rub it in well to cover the affected areas.
  • Do not cover the treated skin with occlusive dressings, bandages, or wraps.
  • Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying this medicine. This could wash off the ointment.
  • If your doctor recommends a moisturizer, apply it after applying this medicine.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (ointment):
    • For atopic dermatitis:
      • Adults and teenagers 16 years of age and older—Apply 0.03% or 0.1% ointment to a clean, dry, and intact skin two times a day.
      • Children 2 to 15 years old—Apply 0.03% ointment to a clean, dry, and intact skin two times a day.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not leave the ointment in the car in cold or hot weather. Make sure that the tube is tightly closed.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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