fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin to... Health Article

Generic name(s):

fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical

Brand name(s):

fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin topical, Tri-Luma

What is the most important information I should know about fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, eyes, or nose, and avoid applying it to your lips or in the creases of your nose. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use the medication on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Wait until these areas have healed.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

What is fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Fluocinolone is a steroid. It reduces inflammation or swelling.

Hydroquinone topical is a skin bleaching agent.

Tretinoin topical is a form of vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

The combination of fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical is used to treat melasma (dark skin patches) of the face.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites or if you have asthma.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

The pill form of tretinoin is known to cause birth defects. Although your skin does not absorb as much tretinoin as if you were taking the medication by mouth, it may be best not to use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor first.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical is usually applied nightly, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Using use this medication in larger amounts or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and it may increase side effects.

Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser before applying this medication. Rinse and pat dry the skin.

Use only your fingers to apply the medication. Put a pea-sized amount of cream on your fingertip. Apply a thin layer to the discolored skin spots and spread it out to about one-half inch of the skin around the discolored spot. Rub in gently and completely.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, eyes, or nose, and avoid applying it to your lips or in the creases of your nose. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use the medication on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Wait until these areas have healed. Do not use fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical.

Do not apply skin moisturizers or cosmetics after applying this medication. Ask your doctor about using skin moisturizers or cosmetics during the day.

Fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight, using an effective sunscreen (minimum SPF of 30), and wearing protective clothing.

Store fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.