How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Desonide foam belongs to the group of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy skin) for up to 4 weeks for people 1 year of age and older. It works by reducing skin inflammation and itching.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Desonide foam is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under granisetron. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
Apply a thin layer of desonide foam to the affected area(s) twice a day, morning and evening, for no more than 4 weeks in a row. Stop using this medication as soon as your skin condition clears. If you do not see improvement within 4 weeks, contact your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
When applying desonide foam to areas of the face, dispense the foam first into your hand, then apply it to the affected area of your face. This allows better control of where the foam contacts the skin.
When using desonide foam on other areas of the skin, the foam may be applied directly to the affected area, remembering to use the smallest amount necessary to cover the affected area when it is rubbed in.
Shake the can before using. To apply the foam, remove the cap, turn the can upside down and depress the actuator to dispense the smallest amount needed to cover the affected area (not more than the size of a golf ball). Gently rub the foam into the affected area.
Do not apply it to skin-fold areas (e.g., groin, armpit) unless directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes (e.g., inside the nose and mouth). If contact with the eyes and lips occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Do not use this medication with occlusive dressings (dressings or bandages that do no allow the skin to breathe).
The propellant in this medication is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and immediately after applying this medication.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply more foam to make up for a missed application. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Because the contents of the can are under pressure, do not puncture or incinerate the can and do not expose it to heat or high temperatures above 49°C (102.2°F).
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to desonide or any ingredients of this medication
- are allergic to other corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, betamethasone)
- have untreated viral (e.g., herpes or chicken pox), bacterial, fungal, or parasitic skin infections
- have a skin reaction after receiving a vaccine
- have skin problems due to tuberculosis or syphilis
Do not apply this medication to the eye.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- mild to moderate skin irritation (e.g., burning, redness, dryness)
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- reddish-purple lines on the skin
- symptoms of a skin infection (e.g., red, warm, swollen skin)
- thinning or softening skin
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- severe skin irritation
- skin blisters or peeling
- symptoms of too much corticosteroids getting into the blood (e.g., weight gain, fatty tissue deposits on the face or between the shoulders, slowed healing of cuts, increased body hair, tiredness, weakness, depression, anxiety, increased thirst, increased urination)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Absorption through the skin: Using this medication over large areas of skin for prolonged periods of time, or under dressings or bandages that don't breathe, may result in more of this medication being absorbed through the skin and causing unwanted side effects. Do not cover any treated areas of skin with dressings or bandages.
If you experience symptoms of absorption of this medication through the skin, such as slowed healing of cuts, increased body hair, tiredness, weakness, increased thirst, or increased urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Certain skin conditions: If you have a skin condition that impairs circulation to the skin, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eyes: Use this medication with caution on lesions close to the eye. Take care to ensure that it does not enter the eye, as glaucoma may result. Cataracts have been reported following internal use of corticosteroids.
Infections: Corticosteroids such as desonide foam can increase the risk of developing a skin infection. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, warmth, or pain) around where the medication is applied, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if desonide applied to the skin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 1 year old. Children are at a greater risk of experiencing side effects (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain) especially when large amounts of this medication are used for long periods of time. Children should receive the smallest amount of this medication for the shortest period of time needed to effectively treat their skin condition.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects from this medication. If you are a senior, you should discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is needed.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between desonide foam and aldesleukin.
If you are taking this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Verdeso