Elocon (mometasone) is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
Elocon is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Elocon may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use Elocon exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Elocon can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor"s instructions. Do not use Elocon on a child without a doctor"s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Elocon over a long treatment period. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Elocon if you are allergic to mometasone.
Do not use Elocon to treat diaper rash.
To make sure Elocon is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Elocon will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether mometasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine 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 Elocon?
Use Elocon exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Wash your hands before and after using Elocon, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply Elocon over a large area of skin.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse while using Elocon.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor"s office.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.
Elocon dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Eczema:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:
Cream and ointment: 2 years or older:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day. Elocon should not be applied in the diaper areas if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants.
Lotion: 12 years or older:
Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day.
Safety and efficacy of Elocon in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not established.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of Elocon is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of 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 Elocon?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use Elocon on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.
Avoid applying Elocon to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor"s instruction.
Do not use Elocon to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Elocon side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Elocon: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using Elocon and call your doctor if you have:
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blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
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uneven heartbeats;
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sleep problems (insomnia);
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weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
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tired feeling.
Common Elocon side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Elocon?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied mometasone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
