Fucicort Special Precautions

Long-term continuous topical therapy with Fucicort should be avoided.
Depending on the application site, possible systemic absorption of betamethasone valerate should always be considered during treatment with Fucicort.
Due to the content of corticosteroid, Fucicort should be used with care near the eyes. Avoid getting Fucicort into the eyes (see Adverse Reactions).
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur following systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Fucicort should be used with care in children as paediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroids-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than adult patients.
Avoid large amounts, occlusion and prolonged treatment (see Adverse Reactions).
Atrophic changes may occur on the face, and to a lesser degree in other parts of the body, after prolonged treatment with potent topical steroids. Glaucoma might result if the preparation enters the eye.
Raised intra-ocular pressure and glaucoma may also occur after topical use of corticosteroids near the eyes, particularly with prolonged use and in patients predisposed to developing glaucoma.
Bacterial resistance has been reported to occur with the topical use of fusidic acid. As with all antibiotics, extended or recurrent use of fusidic acid may increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Limiting therapy with topical fusidic acid and betamethasone valerate to no more than 14 days at a time will minimise the risk of developing resistance. This also prevents the risk that the immunosuppressive action of corticosteroid might mask any potential symptoms of infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Due to the content of corticosteroid having immunosuppressant effect, Fucicort may be associated with increased susceptibility to infection, aggravation of existing infection, and activation of latent infection. It is advised to switch to systemic treatment if infection cannot be controlled with topical treatment (see Contraindications).
Fucicort cream contains cetostearyl alcohol and chlorocresol as excipients. Cetostearyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) and chlorocresol may cause allergic reactions.
Contact with open wounds and mucous membranes should be avoided.
Effects on the ability to drive and use machines: Fucicort has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or to use machines.