Ultravate Ointment

Ultravate Ointment
Ultravate Ointment
Ultravate Ointment is a medication used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as topical steroids and helps reduce itching, redness, and inflammation on the skin.
Active Ingredient: Halobetasol propionate
Minimum Market Price: 0.1

Side Effects

Burning, stinging, itching, dryness or redness may occur when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, excessive hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis).

Skin infections can become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor promptly if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve.

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?

The onset of action for Ultravate Ointment can vary depending on the individual condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and the patient's response to the medication. Some patients may begin to notice improvement in symptoms such as itching and inflammation within a few days of starting treatment, but it may take longer for the full therapeutic effects to be observed.

How long do the effects of this medicine last?

The duration of the therapeutic effects of Ultravate Ointment can depend on the frequency and duration of application as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Continuous use beyond two consecutive weeks is generally not recommended due to the risk of side effects associated with prolonged use of high-potency corticosteroids.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?

There are no direct interactions between systemic alcohol consumption and the topical application of Ultravate Ointment. However, alcohol consumption does not affect the efficacy or safety profile of the topical corticosteroid. Nevertheless, patients should always follow the advice of a healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption, especially if taking other medications or if there are concerns about overall health.

Is this a habit forming medicine?

Ultravate Ointment is not considered habit-forming. Topical corticosteroids do not have addictive properties or lead to physical or psychological dependence. However, some patients may develop a condition known as tachyphylaxis, a tolerance to the medication's effects, with prolonged use.

Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?

Ultravate Ointment is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C, which means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. However, potential benefits may warrant the use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. The use of Ultravate Ointment during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?

It is not known whether halobetasol propionate, the active ingredient in Ultravate Ointment, is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If used during breastfeeding, care should be taken to ensure that the ointment does not come into direct contact with the skin areas that may come into contact with the infant's mouth.

Uses

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rash). Halobetasol reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a very strong (super-high potency) corticosteroid.

How to use Ultravate Ointment

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using halobetasol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication only on the skin. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually one to two times a day. Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. If applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes as this may worsen or cause glaucoma. Also avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth.

Use this medication only for the condition it was prescribed for. Do not apply more than directed, or use it more often or for longer than prescribed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Precautions

Before using halobetasol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, immune system problems, certain skin conditions (rosacea, perioral dermatitis).

Do not use if there is an infection or sore present in the area to be treated.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless your doctor tells you to. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for a long time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

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. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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