Dosage Forms:
Corticosteroid, Intermediate
Pharmacologic—
Uses of This Medicine:
Hydrocortisone valerate topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).
Before Using This Medicine:
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of hydrocortisone valerate topical in the pediatric population. However, because of this medicine's toxicity, it should be used with caution. Children and teenagers who must use this medicine should be checked often by their doctor since hydrocortisone valerate topical may be absorbed through the skin and can affect growth or cause other unwanted effects. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydrocortisone valerate topical in the elderly.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other interactions—
Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder) or
Diabetes or
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Infection at or near the place of application or
Large sores, broken skin, or severe injury at the area of application—The chance of side effects may be increased.
Proper Use of This Medicine:
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use it for any other condition without first checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause unwanted effects if it is used too much, because more of it is absorbed into the body through the skin.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Be very careful not to get this medicine in your eyes. Wash your hands after using your finger to apply the medicine. If you accidentally get this medicine in your eyes, flush them with water.
Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, or broken or inflamed skin.
This medicine should only be used for problems being treated by your doctor. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.
Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap or a special patch) to be applied over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Since occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of side effects, use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Do not use this medicine on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.
For topical dosage forms (cream and ointment):
For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two or three times a day.
Precautions While Using This Medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.
If your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks, or if it become worse, check with your doctor.
After applying this medicine to the skin of your child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine in the eyes or mouth. This medicine can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if it gets into the mouth and is swallowed.
Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and for patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.
Avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child if this medicine is being used on the child's diaper area. Plastic pants and tight-fitting diapers may increase the chance of absorption of the medicine through the skin and the chance of side effects.
Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
stinging
Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
itching in the genital or other skin areas
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
redness and scaling around the mouth
thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on facial or intertriginous areas
passing of gas
stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort
Acne or pimples
burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of treated areas of dark skin
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
softening of the skin