Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine only 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 cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine should only be used on the skin or scalp. Do not get it into your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or apply it on your face, under your arms, or on your groin area. Do not use it on skin or scalp areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To help clear up your skin or scalp problem completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses.

This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating. Check with your doctor first before using it for other skin conditions, especially if you think that a skin infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.

The treated areas should not be bandaged or covered after the medicine is applied, unless your doctor tells you to.

To use the topical cream:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin and rub it in gently.
  • Do not use the cream for more than 8 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
  • Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor told you to do so.

To use the foam:

  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Shake the foam can before using the medicine.
  • Apply the medicine to the affected areas of the skin and rub it in gently.
  • Use this medicine within 6 months after opening.
  • This medicine can catch on fire. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.

To use the ointment:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin and rub it in gently.
  • Do not use the ointment for more than 4 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

To use the topical suspension:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Shake the bottle before using the medicine.
  • Part your hair so you can see the patches on your scalp.
  • Apply enough medicine to the affected areas on your scalp and rub it in gently.
  • Do not wash your hair or take a bath or shower right after applying this medicine.
  • Do not apply this medicine in the 12 hours before or after using any hair chemical treatments. Talk with your doctor first about it.
  • Do not use the topical suspension for more than 8 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

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 (cream):
    • For plaque psoriasis:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day for up to 8 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 100 grams (g) per week.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (foam):
    • For plaque psoriasis:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day for up to 4 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 60 grams every 4 days.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (ointment):
    • For plaque psoriasis:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day for up to 4 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 100 grams per week.
      • Children 12 to 17 years of age—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day for up to 4 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 60 grams per week.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (suspension):
    • For plaque psoriasis of the body:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day for up to 8 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 100 grams per week.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For plaque psoriasis of the scalp:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area on the scalp once a day for up to 8 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 100 grams per week.
      • Children 12 to 17 years of age—Apply to the affected area on the scalp once a day for up to 8 weeks or until the area is cleared or as determined by your doctor. Do not use more than 60 grams per week.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

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

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.

Keep the bottle of topical suspension in the carton when not in use. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.

Store the foam can at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Store the cream can at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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