Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Ointment

Clobetasol Propionate contains the active ingredient, clobetasol, which tells the skin’s cells to stop releasing the chemicals that are causing itching and swelling.

Different skin inflammations flare up for a range of reasons, including autoimmune conditions, allergies, and other external factors such as stress. In some people, these circumstances can cause skin cells to release chemicals that cause swelling, and itchy or painful patches of skin. Depending on the severity of the attack, these patches can be localised to just one area or can be experienced over a large area of the body.

Clobetasol Propionate ointment can be used to treat inflammation of the skin, reducing the swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin in certain conditions including:

• Psoriasis - a red, itchy rash that has a silver, scaly, appearance.
• Lupus erythematosus- an autoimmune skin disorder where the skin develops red patches and is more sensitive to UV light.
• Lichen planus- a condition characterised by itchy patches of skin which appear shiny and almost violet in colour.
• Some kinds of eczema.

DO NOT USE IF:

• You have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Clobetasol Propionate ointment or cream, including clobetasol propionate;
• You want to treat skin conditions in a child under 18 years old unless advised by a dermatologist.
• You want to treat: acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, itching around the anus or genitals, itchy skin which isn’t inflamed, plaque psoriasis, or infected skin unless the infection is being treated simultaneously with a separate medicine.

Clobetasol Propionate ointment is a powerful steroid and should only be used when advised by a doctor. 

Ingredients:

1g of ointment Contains 0.5 mg of clobetasol propionate. Also contains propylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate and white soft paraffin.

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice a day

• Make sure the skin is clean before applying the cream
• Wash your hands after applying the cream
• It is recommended not to use on large areas of the skin longer than the prescribed date

Important:

Clobetasol Propionate ointment should be used less frequently as soon as the condition begins to improve, or as directed by your doctor. Reduce the frequency of application or change the treatment to a less potent preparation. Allow adequate time for absorption after each application before applying an emollient.

• Do not apply Clobetasol Propionate Cream & Ointment to infected or broken areas of the skin, unless you are also treating the infection. Don’t apply Clobetasol Propionate to the facial skin unless your doctor instructs you.  Do not apply Clobetasol Propionate around the eyes or eyelids.
• Avoid getting Clobetasol Propionate cream, or ointment in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If accidental application occurs, immediately rinse with cold water.
• Thoroughly wash your hands before you start after you applied the medication, unless your hands are being treated.
• Do not use airtight dressings to cover the area being treated, unless your doctor instructed you to do so. Airtight dressings or bandages will increase the body to absorb more of the medicine, increasing the possibility of side effects.

Like most medications, some people who use Clobetasol Propionate may experience side effects. The most common side effect of Clobetasol Propionate (affecting up to 1 person in 10) is burning, irritation or itching.

Less common side effects, which are experienced by up to 1 person in 100, include:

• Thinning of the skin, which can lead to stretch marks;
• Clusters of blood vessels under the skin becoming more prominent.

Rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people) that can occur if Clobetasol Propionate is used continuously over a long period of time:

• Weight gain;
• Rounding of the face;
• Wrinkles;
• Dry skin;
• Skin discolouration;
• Increased body hair;
• Hair loss/ reduced hair growth/ damaged hair.

Very rarely, people using Clobetasol Propionate experience the following:

• Redness;
• Acne;
• Hives or a rash;
• Infection;
• Pustular psoriasis (a condition where psoriasis sufferers get raised bumps of pus under the skin).
• A reduction in cortisol levels in the blood;
• Increased sugar in blood or urine;
• High blood pressure

If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist before continuing to use the cream.