Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common—For cream, shampoo, foam, or gel

  1. Itching, stinging, burning, or irritation not present before use of this medicine

Rare—For cream, foam, or gel

  1. Acne
  2. bleeding from sore in the mouth
  3. blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
  4. burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  5. cracked, dry, or scaly skin
  6. discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
  7. dizziness
  8. eye dryness, irritation, or swelling
  9. red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters with or without thick yellow to honey-colored crusts
  10. skin dryness, pain, rash, redness, or swelling
  11. sore in the mouth or on the gums
  12. swelling of the face

Rare—For shampoo

  1. Hair loss and irritation

Incidence not known—For gel

  1. Pain

Incidence not known—For shampoo

  1. Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
  2. burning sensation of the skin
  3. burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
  4. discoloration of the hair
  5. dry skin
  6. fast heartbeat
  7. fever
  8. hives
  9. hoarseness
  10. irritation
  11. itching, scaling, severe redness, or soreness of the skin
  12. joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  13. rash
  14. shortness of breath
  15. swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
  16. thinning of the hair
  17. tightness in the chest
  18. troubled breathing or swallowing
  19. wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common—For shampoo or gel

  1. Dryness or oiliness of the hair and scalp
  2. headache

Rare—For shampoo

  1. Abnormal hair texture
  2. mild dryness of the skin
  3. scalp pustules

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023