Alcortin Gel

Alcortin Gel is used for:

Reducing itching, redness, and swelling associated with many skin conditions.

Alcortin Gel is a topical corticosteroid. It works by depressing the formation, release, and activity of different cells and chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and itching.

Do NOT use Alcortin Gel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Alcortin Gel

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Alcortin Gel:

Some medical conditions may interact with Alcortin Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a skin infection, measles, thinning of the skin, tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, shingles, a positive TB skin test, or have recently had a vaccination
• if you have anal itching or bleeding or genital itching

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Alcortin Gel. Because little, if any, of Alcortin Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if Alcortin Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Alcortin Gel:

Use Alcortin Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area. Gently rub it in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying Alcortin Gel, unless your hands are part of the treated area.
• Do not bandage or wrap the affected area unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Alcortin Gel, apply it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alcortin Gel.

Important safety information:

• Alcortin Gel is for external use only. If you get Alcortin Gel in your eyes, immediately flush them with cool tap water.
• Do not use Alcortin Gel for other skin conditions at a later time.
• If you are using Alcortin Gel for a rectal condition, do not put Alcortin Gel in the rectum using your fingers or any mechanical device or applicator.
• If Alcortin Gel was prescribed to treat the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
• Check with your doctor before having vaccinations while you are using Alcortin Gel.
• Alcortin Gel may interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid function tests and certain tests for phenylketonuria. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Alcortin Gel.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Alcortin Gel.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Alcortin Gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Alcortin Gel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Alcortin Gel, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Alcortin Gel:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Alcortin Gel may be harmful if swallowed.

Store Alcortin Gel at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Alcortin Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Alcortin Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Alcortin Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Alcortin Gel. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.