Cutivate Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Cutivate

Generic name: fluticasone topical [ floo-TIK-a-sone-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Beser, Cutivate
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 30, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Cutivate?

Fluticasone is a potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Cutivate (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by eczema or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Cutivate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cutivate if you are allergic to fluticasone or formaldehyde.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- any type of skin infection;

- a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

- liver disease;

- glaucoma or cataracts;

- diabetes; or

- an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Using Cutivate long-term during pregnancy may increase your risk of low birthweight in the newborn baby. Use this medicine on the smallest skin area and for the shortest length of time needed to treat your condition.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply fluticasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Beser lotion should not be used on a child younger than 3 months old. Cutivate ointment is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Do not use Cutivate on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

## How should I use Cutivate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using Cutivate, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (4 weeks). Use Cutivate only until your skin condition clears up.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the Beser lotion bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not store the lotion in a refrigerator.

Detailed Cutivate dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

High doses or long-term use of Cutivate can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

## What should I avoid while using fluticasone topical?

Do not get Cutivate in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area. Do not apply to areas of thinning skin.

Do not use Cutivate to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

## Cutivate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cutivate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- skin pain, tenderness, or swelling;

- any wound that will not heal;

- blurred vision, eye pain;

- severe skin irritation after using the medicine; or

- possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects of Cutivate may include:

- skin redness, itching, or rash;

- burning or stinging of treated skin;

- increased hair growth; or

- feeling light-headed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cutivate side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Cutivate?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Cutivate drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Cutivate (fluticasone topical)

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (4)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical steroids
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
- Cutivate (Fluticasone Cream and Lotion)

#### Other brands

Beser

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Atopic Dermatitis
- Dermatitis
- Dermatologic Lesion
- Eczema

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 14.01.