PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

HALCIDERM TOPICAL

Your doctor has prescribed Halciderm Topical for you. This leaflet gives a summary of information about your medicine. If you want to know more, or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

REMEMBER

This medicine is for YOU. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you, as it may harm them.

Q: What is in Halciderm Topical?

A: The active ingredient in your Cream is halcinonide. Halcinonide belongs to a group of medicines called steroids and ‘topical’ means that it is to be put on the skin.

Halciderm Topical contains 0. 1% halcinonide, benzyl alcohol, castor oil, silicone fluid, macrogol ether, propylene glycol, stearates, water, white soft paraffin.

Halciderm Topical is supplied in 30g tubes.

Q: Who supplies Halciderm Topical?

A: PL HOLDER Manufacturer

E.R. Squibb & Sons Ltd. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Hounslow, Middlesex, Moreton, Merseyside

Bristol--Myers Squibb GmbH

Regensburg, Germany

PL NUMBER: 0034/0160

Q: What is this medicine for?

A: Halciderm Topical is strong and effective treatment for inflamed skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis.

BEFORE USING YOUR MEDICINE

Q: SHOULD YOU BE USING HALCIDERM TOPICAL?

A: This Cream has been prescribed to treat the skin problem that you showed your doctor, DO NOT use it on any other skin problems as it may make them worse.

DO NOT use HALCIDERM on any of the following skin conditions:
  • viral skin infections e.g. cold sores, herpes, chicken pox
  • fungal skin infections e.g. athlete’s foot, ringworm, thrush
  • bacterial skin infections (impetigo)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) of the skin
  • acne
  • inflammation around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
  • a condition called rosacea (flushed, red face)

Halciderm Topical SHOULD NOT be used
  1. On or in the eyes
  2. Inside the ears of patients with perforated eardrums (holes in eardrums)
  3. For long periods of time
  4. On large areas of the body
  5. If you have had an allergic reaction to a similar ointment/cream or any of the ingredients in Halciderm
  6. Underneath infants’ nappies

Go back to your doctor for advice before using your Cream if you are unsure.

If you have NOT told your doctor that you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding tell your doctor before you start using your Cream.

If Halciderm Topical is to be used on the face, or on children, treatment should not be longer than 5 days and the treated area should not be covered with any airtight or waterproof plasters/dressings.

If your cream has been prescribed for psoriasis you should let your doctor check your progress at regular intervals as treatment needs to be carefully supervised. Only apply Halciderm to the areas advised by your doctor.

Q: Can you use any other topical preparations with Halciderm Topical?

A: Do not use any other creams/ointments or lotions while you are using Halciderm Topical unless your doctor has told you to do so.

USING YOUR MEDICINE

Q: How should you use Halciderm Topical?

A: A small amount of your Cream should be applied to the area of the skin to be treated, TWO or sometimes THREE times a day. The cream should be gently rubbed onto the skin until it has disappeared. Unless it is being used for treating your hands make sure you wash them after using Halciderm topical.

Q: Are there special directions for children?

A: Children should not normally be treated for longer than 5 days, unless your doctor has told you to do so

Q: How long should elderly people use Halciderm Topical?

A: It should only be used for a short time

Q: Should you cover the affected area?

A: Unless your doctor has given you specific instructions, airtight or waterproof coverings such as dressings and plasters should not be used on areas being treated with Halciderm Topical as they may make it easier for halcinonide to pass through the skin and increase the chance of irritation and other side-effects.

Q: What if Halciderm Topical is swallowed?

A: If Halciderm Topical is swallowed tell your doctor immediately or contact your nearest hospital casualty department.

Q: What happens if you miss an application?

A: If you forget to use your Cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for your next application skip the missed dose and continue as before

Q: What should you do if you put Halciderm on areas of normal or healthy skin?

A: Remove the Cream with a clean tissue and wash the area with plenty of water

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS

Q: Are there any unwanted effects of Halciderm Topical?

A: Check with your doctor if you notice that any of the following occur: blistering, burning, itching, peeling, dryness or other signs of skin irritation not present before using this Cream.

If the Cream is used for a long time additional side effects may occur. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these: acne or oily skin, increased facial hair growth, reddish purple lines on arms, face, legs, trunk or groin; thinning of skin with easy bruising. If you notice any other unwanted effect tell your doctor or pharmacist.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MEDICINE

Do not use your medicine after the expiry date which you will find on both the Cream tube and box.

Keep your medicines where children cannot reach them. Store Halciderm Topical at room temperature.

It should not be allowed to get too hot or damp; so do not leave your medicine near a radiator, on a window sill or in the bathroom.

It your doctor decides to stop the medicine, ask your pharmacist to tell you what to do with any you have left

DATE OF LAST REVISION January 1995.