Vanos Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Vanos Cream (fluocinonide) is a strong prescription topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammation, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, in people 12 years and older. It is applied directly to the skin and works by calming the immune system's inflammation response. Vanos should be used exactly as directed, generally for no longer than 2 weeks in a row, and it is not recommended for children under 12.

What is Vanos Cream

Vanos Cream is a strong prescription steroid cream applied to the skin. It is used to treat inflammation, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions in people 12 years and older.

Vanos Cream uses

• Treats inflammation and itching caused by corticosteroid responsive skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions
• Treats plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Benefits of Vanos Cream

• Reduces swelling, redness, and itching in affected skin
• Can clear or nearly clear skin symptoms within 2 weeks of treatment for many patients

How Vanos Cream works

Vanos is a strong steroid that calms down the immune system's inflammation response in the skin, though scientists don't fully know the exact way it works for these skin conditions.

Vanos Cream dosage

For use on the skin only; do not use in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Wash your hands before and after applying, unless you are treating your hands. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated area unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use on the face, groin, or underarms unless your doctor says otherwise. Do not use over large areas of skin unless your doctor has told you to. If treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. If treating the scalp, part the hair and apply directly to the scalp; avoid washing or rubbing the area right away and wait until the medicine dries. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks in a row unless your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly; follow your doctor's instructions about lowering your dose over time. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse after 2 weeks of treatment. Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 12 years have not been established, so use in that age group is not recommended.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream, 0.1%

Side effects of Vanos Cream

Common

• Burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin
• Redness or peeling when first applied to the skin
• Redness or crusting around hair follicles
• Stretch marks
• Spider veins or small red bumps (folliculitis)
• Acne
• Lightened or changed color of treated skin
• Headache
• Stuffy nose or sore throat
• Blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin

Serious

• Signs of adrenal insufficiency: worsening tiredness, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, irritability and depression, loss of appetite, weight loss
• Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain (especially face, upper back, or midsection), slow healing of cuts and infections, tiredness and muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, rounded face, new or worsening high blood pressure
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching or swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing
• Skin thinning, discoloration, or worsening skin infection
• Slowed growth in children using this medicine long-term
• High blood sugar levels

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this cream for longer than 2 weeks in a row, and do not use more than a set weekly amount, because of the risk that your body may absorb too much of the steroid and affect your hormone system.
• Do not use this cream on the face, groin, or underarms, and do not use it to treat rosacea or the bumpy rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis.
• Do not cover or bandage the treated skin unless your doctor tells you to, since covering it can cause your body to absorb more of the drug and increase the risk of harmful effects.
• Children may absorb more of this medicine through their skin than adults and may be more likely to have side effects or slowed growth.
• If you have a skin infection in the area being treated, it could get worse while using this medicine.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, since your dose may need to be reduced gradually.
• Vanos should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides it's clearly needed, since it isn't known if it could harm an unborn baby.
• It isn't known if Vanos passes into breast milk when applied to the skin, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.
• Do not use longer than 2 consecutive weeks unless specifically directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 60 g per week, because excessive use can increase systemic corticosteroid absorption.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before using this medicine, since liver problems can increase the risk of the drug being absorbed into your body and causing side effects.
• Avoid the face, groin, and armpits (axillae) unless specifically prescribed. Do not use for rosacea or perioral dermatitis. For external skin use only — do not use in the eyes, mouth, or vagina.
• Avoid applying to large areas or covering treated skin with tight/occlusive dressings unless directed by a doctor. Prolonged or excessive use can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, irritation, acne-like eruptions, color changes, and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Topical absorption can rarely cause HPA-axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, increased blood glucose, or adrenal problems.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• Keep the tube tightly closed
• Store away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so; properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of treated skin, or if your skin condition is getting worse.
• Call your doctor if you notice signs that your body may be absorbing too much of this medicine, such as unusual weight gain, slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, or menstrual changes.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual or extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling of the ankles or feet, increased thirst or urination, or vision problems, since these could be signs the medicine is being absorbed into your bloodstream.
• If someone accidentally swallows this medicine, seek emergency care right away, or contact your local poison control center for guidance.

Alternatives

• Clobetasol propionate cream
• Betamethasone dipropionate cream
• Triamcinolone acetonide cream